Overview & Reviews
From its yacht-like boulevard cruisers of the early '70s to its more recent Super Duty pickups, Ford has long catered to buyers with king-sized transportation needs. The Ford Excursion followed in this tradition. This full-size SUV was manufactured between 2000 and 2005, and holds the distinction of being the longest and heaviest sport-utility vehicle ever produced.
With seating for up to nine passengers and a tow rating of 11,000 pounds (when properly equipped), the Excursion was mecca for SUV buyers with super-sized hauling needs. But its gargantuan proportions came at a price. Driving and parking a vehicle of this scale presented major challenges. And as you'd expect, fuel economy was dismal.
The Ford Excursion ultimately fell victim to high gas prices. Declining sales prompted Ford to retire the mega-size SUV after the 2005 model year. If you need a big SUV but not necessarily one that's the biggest in its class, we'd encourage you to explore less unwieldy, more fuel-efficient alternatives. But a used Ford Excursion could be a decent choice for those who have a genuine need for this level of roominess and towing capability.
Most Recent Ford Excursion
Built on Ford's F-250 Super Duty truck platform, the four-door Ford Excursion was the largest SUV in Ford's lineup, based on overall size and interior room. It was available with either two- or four-wheel drive.
In its first year of production, the Excursion was offered in just two trim levels: the base XLT and the more upscale Limited. The Eddie Bauer trim level made its debut in model year 2003 as a midlevel alternative, falling between the XLT and the Limited. In 2004, trim levels were revised to reflect the following hierarchy: base XLS, XLT, Eddie Bauer and top-of-the-line Limited.
Excursions were initially available with three engines. The standard engine on both XLTs and Limiteds was a 5.4-liter V8 good for 255 horsepower and 350 pound-feet of torque, with both a 310-hp 6.8-liter V10 and a 235-hp 7.3-liter turbodiesel V8 offered as options. In 2001, the 7.3-liter turbodiesel saw its power increase to 250 hp. The Excursion's 7.3-liter turbodiesel was phased out in 2004 to make way for a new 325-hp, 6.0-liter turbodiesel V8 that also offered more torque and cleaner emissions.
All engines were governed by a four-speed automatic transmission, except for the 6.0-liter turbodiesel, which had a five-speed automatic. In a test involving a 2000 Ford Excursion equipped with the 6.8-liter V10, our editors averaged just 12.4 mpg in combined city and highway driving. Of all these choices, the 6.0-liter turbodiesel was the pick of the litter: With 560 lb-ft of torque, it was best suited for hauling heavy loads, and it delivered the best cruising range to boot.
Base-model Excursions boasted a generous standard features list, offering amenities like a rear air-conditioner, cruise control, full power accessories and a CD player. Pricier trim levels got you goodies like rear audio controls, power-adjustable pedals, a premium audio system and heated front seats. Options like an in-dash six-disc CD changer and a DVD-based rear-seat entertainment system were available across some trim levels.
The Excursion's interior was more utilitarian than elegant, with a no-frills dashboard that came courtesy of the Super Duty pickup. Top-tier trim levels were a bit more stylish. The Eddie Bauer model featured a cabin with a two-tone color scheme, and the Limited trim offered an interior with cherry wood accents. Nine passengers could be seated in XLS and XLT models; other models seated only eight as a result of their front captain's chairs. Excursions offered 146.4 cubic feet of maximum cargo space. This is the most capacity ever offered in a full-size SUV, but it still felt short of the cubic footage available in a full-size van -- arguably a better choice for large families.
In editorial reviews, the Ford Excursion's size prevented it from scoring high marks as a daily driver. Steering feel was vague, and ride quality was rough and bouncy. Routine trips down the expressway were a chore, as continual steering correction was needed to keep the big Ford from wandering out of its lane. Acceleration was leisurely no matter which drivetrain you selected, as the engines were tasked with motivating more than 7,000 pounds of vehicle. In consumer reviews, the Excursion was praised for its roomy interior and panned for its interior styling and poor fuel economy.
Past Ford Excursions
On the market for a mere five years, the Ford Excursion was a single-generation vehicle. Although we think GM's heavy-duty series Chevrolet Suburban and GMC Yukon XL are better choices on the used market, if you're dead set on getting an Excursion, we'd recommend a 2004 or 2005 model with the optional 6.0-liter turbodiesel.
User Reviews:
Showing 61 through 70 of 500.00-
We Survived & It Lived - 2000 Ford Excursion
By Joe&Sheila - July 29 - 2:00 amAll I can say is I bought for safety and it paid off! Previous Montero owner - wife wanted a bigger SUV - so we bought the biggest. We were involved in a multi-car crash on the freeway complete with airbag deployment and NO injuries in our SUV. We trashed everyone elses car - $10K to fix the Big Black Truck - and we wont get anything else! This thing is a tank and rides/runs/looks as good as new - honestly. If you dont have one of these things - dont drive without insurance!!!
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What are the magazine testers smoking - 2004 Ford Excursion
By Calvin Oppenheimer - July 18 - 2:00 amEvery review in the automotive press I read said the Excursion was simply awful. I test drove one and bought it the same day. For the first year I used it in my limousine business to haul folks to and from the airport. A feat the Excursion excells at. Unlike the mag testers I have no problem with manuverability at all. I would not expect this vehicle to handle like a Porsche. I can not honestly think of a single complaint. Possible exception was trouble with the in dash 6CD changer & the monitor in the entertainment package. Both were replaced under warranty.
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diesel the way to go - 2000 Ford Excursion
By paf01 - July 13 - 2:00 ami own two excursions a gas and a diesel ilove my diesel i get between 16.5 to 22.0 miles per galion my gas truck gets about 10.0 mpg but ive increased that by installing a k&n air filter to about 15.0 mpg the ride is nice handling great if ford made the rest of the body out of recycled bottles like they made the rear doors the truck would be lighter and tow even more and would probably use even less gas or diesel.
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Great Vehicle for large families - 2002 Ford Excursion
By SUVman1 - July 11 - 2:00 amThis truck has never let me down. 7 trips to FLA from NJ... and still runing great.
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Excersion Review - 2004 Ford Excursion
By Jim Barron - July 11 - 2:00 amThis is a very nice car. I hope they can improve it, though I do not think that it needs many improvments.
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Sick I Traded it - 2001 Ford Excursion
By papa9x - June 25 - 2:00 amI absolutely loved the truck. Parking was a bit difficult, but the capacity, and convenience made this the absolute king. Anywhere, any time taking anything. Decided to trade (when I had the flu) to save fuel among other things. I have a large family, my boys and I hunt, fish, camp, and generally haul a fair amount of stuff. In an instance of insanity I traded for an Escape, and have regretted that decision every day since. If Ford does discontinue this vehicle due to pressure from the environmentalists, they will disenfranchise many.
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worth the money - 2004 Ford Excursion
By cptmorgan - May 18 - 2:00 amI have found the excursion to be a worthy competitor to the chevy suburban. Although gas mileage is slightly worse than the chevy, the power and driveability of the excursion is unequaled. The steering is more responsive then the chevy even though it is some seven inches longer and approx. 1900 lbs heavier. Do not be intimidated by the size of this vehicle. On the exterior it seems almost too big to control, but when in the drivers seat control is all you will feel. The high stance of the excursion provides superior visability in city and highway traffic. Noise levels are at minimum even when on the highway passing big rigs.
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FORD - 2004 Ford Excursion
By CABUBBA - May 15 - 2:00 amI LOVE MY EXCRUSION, SUPER VEHICLE IN EVERY WAY.
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florida truck - 2004 Ford Excursion
By jboneezer - March 30 - 2:00 amThis is our 3rd Excursion. We lemon lawed our 02 because of a thumping noise in the front end, unexpected stalling, and a several squeaks in the interior. Now we have a 2004, which has some of the same troubles. We still like the vehicle and have decided to ignore these troubles....for now.
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Problems that should not be happening - 2001 Ford Excursion
By Tonyhca - March 16 - 2:00 amAt 45k miles, Ive already had to replace tires (primarily due extreme feathering on front left tire...or front suspension/steering/alignment problems from the factory?) and brake pads. Pulls hard right after brake replacement. About 50% of the time electric door locks dont respond to the keyless entry pad, clicker or door control. Misc. interior plastic coverings falling off. Finally, 10.7 mpg is frustrating, especially with California gas prices.
