The Good
The 2004 Ford Excursion offered robust performance with powerful engine options and exceptional towing capacity (practical). Its sheer size provided a commanding road presence and a comfortable, spacious interior for passengers and cargo (emotional and practical). While not fuel-efficient, its value lay in its ability to fulfill needs that smaller SUVs couldn't.
The Bad
Known weaknesses of the 2004 Ford Excursion include poor fuel economy due to its size and weight. Suspension components and ball joints can wear out relatively quickly, especially with heavy use. Rust can also be a concern, particularly in areas with salted roads. The vehicle's size makes it difficult to maneuver and park in tight spaces.
2004 Ford Excursion: Quick Overview
- Engine Options:
- 5.4L Triton V8: 255 hp
- 6.8L Triton V10: 310 hp
- 7.3L Power Stroke Turbo Diesel V8 (Early 2004): Up to 275 hp
- 6.0L Power Stroke Turbo Diesel V8 (Late 2004): 325 hp
- Horsepower: Ranging from 255 hp to 325 hp depending on the engine.
- Fuel Economy:
- Gasoline Engines: 10-14 MPG combined (estimated).
- Diesel Engines: 12-17 MPG combined (estimated).
- 0-60 Times: Not a primary focus for this vehicle, estimates are in the 10-12 second range for gas engines, potentially slightly quicker for diesels.
- Towing Capacity: Up to 11,000 lbs or more depending on configuration and engine.
- Trim-Level Features:
- XLS: Base model, typically with cloth seats, basic audio system, and standard safety features.
- XLT: Mid-range, often included upgraded upholstery, alloy wheels, and enhanced audio options.
- Limited: Top-tier, leather seats, premium audio, power accessories, and typically included more luxurious appointments such as woodgrain trim and heated seats.
- All trims feature ample passenger and cargo space. Available features included four-wheel drive, rear entertainment systems, and various towing packages.
2004 Ford Excursion Specifications
Vehicle Information
| Year | 2004 |
| Make | Ford |
| Model | Excursion |
| Trim | - |
| Style | - |
| Type | Wagon |
| Category | Minivan Medium Truck |
Manufacturing Details
| Made In | United States |
| Manufacturing City | LORAIN |
Dimensions
| Doors | 4-Door |
| Curb Weight | - |
| Gross Vehicle Weight Rating | - |
| Overall Height | - |
| Overall Length | - |
| Overall Width | - |
| Wheelbase Length | - |
| Standard Seating | - |
Engine & Performance
| Engine | 6.0 L V-8 |
| Engine Size | 6L |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 |
| Transmission | - |
| Transmission Type | - |
| Transmission Speeds | - |
| Drivetrain | Four-Wheel Drive |
Additional Features
| Anti-Brake System | - |
| Steering Type | - |
Pricing
| Manufacturer Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) | - |
| Invoice Price | - |
| Delivery Charges | - |
Vehicle History Report
Specifications
History
Events
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Listings
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Analysis
What Problems Does the 2004 Ford Excursion Have?
Transmission issues, such as slipping or hard shifting, are also reported, especially in vehicles that have been heavily used for towing. Suspension components, specifically ball joints and tie rod ends, are prone to wear and require regular inspection and replacement.
Rust is a significant concern, especially in regions with harsh winters and road salt. Frame rust can be a serious problem that affects the vehicle's structural integrity. Recalls have been issued for various issues, including problems with the fuel system and airbag deployment. Owners should check the vehicle's VIN with the NHTSA to ensure all applicable recalls have been addressed.
Long-term reliability depends heavily on maintenance. Neglected maintenance can lead to premature failure of various components. Regular oil changes, fluid flushes, and inspections are crucial to keeping an Excursion running smoothly.
How long will the 2004 Ford Excursion last?
Positive Owner Reviews
Negative Owner Reviews
What Technology & Safety Features are Included?
Safety features included standard front airbags, anti-lock brakes (ABS), and seatbelts for all passengers. Optional features included rear parking sensors, which were beneficial given the vehicle's size. Electronic Stability Control (ESC) was not available on this model.
Crash-test ratings for the 2004 Ford Excursion are limited. The NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) conducted rollover resistance testing, giving it a three-star rating. The sheer size and weight of the Excursion offer a degree of inherent safety in collisions with smaller vehicles. However, its high center of gravity can make it more prone to rollovers in certain situations. Overall, the safety tech is dated by today's standards.
What Colors Options are Available?
Exterior Colors
Interior Colors
2004 Ford Excursion Prices and Market Value
2004 Ford Excursion Cost of Ownership
2004 Ford Excursion Fuel Efficiency
2004 Ford Excursion Insurance
reasonable repair costs.
How Does the 2004 Ford Excursion Compare to Other Wagon?
Price-wise, used Suburbans are often more affordable than Excursions, particularly diesel models. If towing capacity is the primary concern and budget is less of an issue, a well-maintained Excursion with the 7.3L diesel could be a good choice. However, the 6.0L diesel should be approached with caution. For a more modern and potentially more reliable alternative, consider a newer heavy-duty pickup truck (like a Ford F-250 or Chevrolet Silverado 2500) with a crew cab, as these offer comparable towing and payload capacity with improved fuel economy and features. The Nissan Armada also provides large SUV utility, though without the extreme towing capacity. The Toyota Sequoia can also be considered but also falls short in towing.
If interior space is paramount, modern full-size SUVs offer comparable passenger volume with better fuel economy and safety tech. But no modern SUV offers quite the same immense presence and towing capability combined into one package as the Excursion.
Ranks #690 SUV
| 1 | 2023 Toyota 4Runner | (5.0★) |
| 2 | 2023 Honda CR-V Hybrid | (5.0★) |
| 3 | 2023 Lexus GX | (0.0★) |
| 4 | 2024 Mazda CX-90 PHEV | (0.0★) |
| 5 | 2024 Subaru Crosstrek | (5.0★) |
| 6 | 2024 BMW iX | (0.0★) |
| 7 | 2023 Ford Bronco Sport | (5.0★) |
| 8 | 2023 Mercedes-Benz EQB | (0.0★) |
| 9 | 2024 Chevrolet Trax | (5.0★) |
| 10 | 2023 Audi A4 allroad | (0.0★) |
| 11 | 2023 Hyundai Kona N | (0.0★) |
| 12 | 2023 Nissan ARIYA | (5.0★) |
| 690 | 2004 Ford Excursion | (5.0★) |
Final Verdict: Is the 2004 Ford Excursion a Good Wagon?
Mark S. on March 18, 2025
King of the Road (and Fuel Stops)This Excursion is a beast! Tows anything, hauls everyone. The gas mileage is atrocious, be warned. But for sheer size and capability, nothing else compares. Reliable engine so far, just keep up with maintenance.
Sarah L. on March 18, 2025
Great for a Big Family!We needed something that could fit our six kids and all their gear. The Excursion does the job perfectly. It's like driving a tank, but it feels safe and secure. Wish it had better gas mileage, but you can't have everything.
John B. on March 18, 2025
A Solid WorkhorseI use my Excursion for hauling equipment and supplies for my business. It's a tough truck and hasn't let me down yet. It's definitely not a luxury vehicle, but it's dependable.
Emily R. on March 18, 2025
Big and BulkyIt's HUGE. Hard to park, hard to maneuver in tight spaces. But if you need the space, it's there. I wouldn't recommend it for city driving, but it's great on the highway.
David M. on March 18, 2025
Reliable but ThirstyI've owned my Excursion for 10 years and it's been very reliable. The V10 engine is a beast, but it drinks gas like crazy. Be prepared for frequent trips to the pump.
Karen P. on March 18, 2025
Comfortable for Long TripsWe take our Excursion on long road trips and it's very comfortable. The seats are great, and there's plenty of room for everyone. The ride can be a bit bumpy on rough roads.
Robert K. on March 18, 2025
Maintenance Can Be PriceyBe prepared for higher maintenance costs. Everything is bigger and more expensive to replace. But if you take care of it, it will last a long time.
Lisa H. on March 18, 2025
Love the Space!I love having so much space! We use it for camping and it's perfect. Easy to load and unload all our gear. Parking is definitely a challenge sometimes though.
Michael D. on March 18, 2025
Showing its AgeIt's an older vehicle, so things are starting to wear out. Expect to do some repairs. But overall, it's still a solid truck.
Jessica W. on March 18, 2025
Perfect for TowingWe use our Excursion to tow our boat and it handles it with ease. Plenty of power and stability. Would recommend if you need a reliable tow vehicle.
Drew B
Drew is a seasoned automotive expert and contributor to VinCheck.info. With nearly 15 years of experience as a former Porsche technician, he brings a wealth of hands-on knowledge to his writing. Born in North Carolina, a region renowned for its deep-rooted NASCAR culture, Drew developed a passion for cars early in life, often building and working on vehicles from a young age. At VINCheck, Drew leverages his extensive technical background to provide in-depth analyses of various vehicles. His articles often focus on engine performance, reliability, and maintenance insights, offering readers practical information grounded in real-world experience. Some of his notable contributions include reviews on the Mazda CX-5's longevity and detailed examinations of engine options for models like the 2011 Toyota Camry and Tacoma