2004 Ford Excursion

Ford has the answer if you need the largest, multi-purpose sport-utility vehicle for your family and/or business. GM's Suburban/Yukon XL stranglehold on the full-sized SUV class came to an end four years ago when Ford first introduced its Excursion. Dearborn's big "E" went right to the head of the class-and it continues to reign supreme in size, space and capability. It's not only bigger in every dimension internally and externally than the Chevy Suburban/GMC Yukon XL, but it offers a choice of three engines and a towing capacity up to 11,000 pounds. 2004 is the first full year of availability of the new 6.0-liter Power Stroke turbo-diesel engine. Mated with the five-speed Torqshift automatic transmission, this powertrain combination nets the Excursion both best-in-class horsepower and torque—while getting better gas mileage and yielding cleaner emissions.

The Excursion is not only bigger in every dimension than its competition, but it offers a choice of three engines and a towing capacity up to 11,000 pounds.

The Excursion is a vehicle like no other, and it offers incomparable features and choices to fit your particular transportation needs. While others vehicles may offer some of the Excursion's space and specifics, the Excursion offers the total package of comfort, capacity and capability. If you want space for up to nine passengers, heavy-duty towing ability of 5.5 tons, plus shift-on-the-fly four-wheel-drive on 4WD models, then this is your SUV.


The 2004 Excursion is now available in XLS, XLT, Eddie Bauer and Limited trims. The XLS model replaces XLT Value trim as the entry-level Excursion. Standard features specific to XLS trim include new-for-2004 body-color moldings, plus 16-inch chrome steel wheels. Standard features for all Excursions include 2nd-row 60/40 split bench with center armrest, 3rd-row removable folding flat bench, 1st- and 2nd-row head restraints for outside seating positions, four positions (three in the second row and one in the third row) with LATCH for child seats, Ford's Belt Minder safety belt reminder system, 1st- and 2nd-row driver- and passenger-side assist handles, power door locks with childproof rear doors, power windows, cargo net with tie-downs, floormats, roof rack, privacy glass, power steering, driver and passenger passive restraint airbags, four-wheel disc brakes with 4-wheel ABS, anti-theft system, remote keyless entry and a wonderful rear-loading feature—and unique-to-this vehicle—a "tri-panel" rear door system that consists of a separate lift-glass window and two swing-out, vision-enhancing, pillarless rear doors.

Adjustable pedals, which are especially convenient for smaller-stature drivers, are available on XLT, Eddie Bauer and Limited models.

Stepping up to XLT trim adds platinum bodyside cladding, 16-inch aluminum wheels, automatic headlamps and the Comfort and Convenience Group, which includes rear-seat audio controls, driver- and front-passenger power seats and 1st-row captain's seats. Selecting an Eddie Bauer- or Limited-level Excursion builds on the XLT features and adds a two-tone instrument panel, overhead console, power rear-quarter windows, and the Premium Comfort and Convenience Group, which includes captain's chairs, power driver and passenger seats, power rear-quarter window and rear audio controls, and a trip computer with a compass and distance-to-empty feature. New optional features for 2004 include wireless headphones with the rear-seat DVD entertainment system, chrome running boards for most 4x4 models, and heated telescoping tow mirrors with integrated clearance lights and turn signals. Both Eddie Bauer and Limited edition Excursions receive as standard Ford's Reverse-Sensing System, which is optional on XLT models. Adjustable pedals, which are especially convenient for smaller-stature drivers, are available on XLT, Eddie Bauer and Limited models.


We like the way the driver and front-seat passenger windows dip down a few inches in front for better lower visibility. And the rear-view mirrors are immense, making backing with a trailer a cinch. Safety is a big priority for Ford, especially for the Excursion. While it has advanced airbags, safety belts, and child seat safety features, the Excursion also has plenty of reinforcing beams under the skin, steel side-door beams, and Ford's BlockerBeam under the front bumper that prevents smaller cars from going underneath in the event of an accident. Eddie Bauer and Limited Excursion models also have standard front-bumper foglamps.