excursion 7.3

• Limited 7.3L 4x4

Limited 7.3L 4x4 2003 Ford Excursion Review

2003 excursion new car test drive, they dont come any bigger than this., introduction.

The Ford Excursion is the king of big sport-utilities. It is supremely stable; it feels safe and secure on the open highway. Whether you have a lot of cargo to carry, a bunch of people to transport, a big trailer to pull or all of the above, the Excursion is ready for whatever you throw its way. It's a beast, however, taking up more garage space, parking space, and street space than anything else this side of a dually. 

Ford Excursion comes in two trim levels: XLT and Limited.  The XLT includes three versions: SSV, Base and Premium while the Limited offers Base and Ultimate versions.  All XLTs come with a nice cloth interior with comfortable seats that offer good support for long drives and a high level of standard equipment. The Base version adds body side cladding, a cargo net, day/night mirrors, a removable third-row seat and chrome steel wheels. The Premium upgrade includes a center floor console, autolamp headlights, rear-seat audio controls, running boards, six-way power front seats, a trip computer, alloy wheels and power rear quarter windows.  Limited trim adds automatic front air conditioning, wood grain trim, fog lights, turn signals on the exterior rear view mirrors, wheel moldings, power adjustable pedals, a reverse sensing system, leather seats and speed-sensitive intermittent wipers.  The Limited Ultimate adds a retractable cargo cover, HomeLink garage door opener, power adjustable pedals with memory feature, heated front seats and a deluxe steering wheel with audio and air conditioning controls.  Three engines are available: a V8, a V10, and a turbocharged diesel. And, of course, there's a choice of two- or four-wheel drive.  The base XLT 4x2 retails for $32,820. We drove a $38,235 XLT 4x4 with the V10. We've also driven a diesel, which adds about $4,000 to the bottom line.  Among the new equipment for 2002 is an available rear-seat entertainment system with a DVD player ($1,360). 

The Ford Excursion is based on Ford's Super Duty F-Series pickup trucks and is more than seven inches longer than the Chevrolet Suburban.  Excursion's rear cargo doors are split three ways. You can swing the glass hatch up for quick access to gear. This same glass hatch offers much better visibility rearward while driving than vehicles with traditional split doors. The rear doors are half height, like Dutch doors. Thus, they can be opened when you've got a trailer attached and can be swung nearly 180 degrees for easier access.  Excursion 4x4 models come standard with Ford's 6.8-liter single overhead-cam Triton V10. It generates 310 horsepower and 425 foot-pounds of torque. A 5.4-liter V8 is available as a no-cost option, but few will be built; it puts out 255 horsepower and 350 foot-pounds of torque. A 7.3-liter turbodiesel engine is also available, and produces 250 horsepower and a whopping 505 foot-pounds of torque.  If you drive off the pavement or on snow-covered roads, you'll want to opt for the $250 limited-slip, the $130 all-terrain tires, and the $75 skid plate. Optional $95 trailer mirrors feature little convex mirrors at the bottom that eliminate blind spots. Ford says the Class IV receiver hitch, which comes standard, is designed to prevent smaller cars from going underneath the rear bumper, while a specially designed BlockerBeam is designed to accomplish the same goal up front. 

Inside the Excursion is a comfortable interior. It doesn't matter whether you're sitting in the front seats, second row or third row, all of the seats offer generous legroom, headroom and elbow room.  Six adults can ride in comfort with 48 cubic feet of cargo space left behind them. For shorter trips, like going to a restaurant, the Excursion can seat eight people, or nine if you order the front bench instead of the bucket seats.  Remove the third-row bench seat, and the Excursion can easily carry five people and a lot of gear. Removing the third-row seat is easy: Flip the seatback forward, yank a bar at the foot of the seat and pull the seat toward the rear of the vehicle; it glides along on rollers. The seat weighs 75 pounds, but in short order I pulled it out and threw it into the back of another SUV on a cold Montana morning.  Set up as a two-seater, the Excursion can carry an outlandish amount of cargo. A sheet of plywood slides in easy and lays flat on the floor. Two people could sleep in comfort on the huge, flat cargo area. Believe it or not, we managed to fill an Excursion. We were finishing a three-day float-fishing trip. As planned, the river guide in charge of setting up camp had arrived at our vehicles ahead of us. He quickly stuffed all of the supplies from base camp and enough fishing equipment for eight people inside. When he was done stuffing, only seating for two remained and the rear-view mirror was rendered useless. Granted, he could have packed more efficiently, but he was grateful for such a large storage container.  After reorganizing the equipment and putting some of it into another vehicle, six of us piled into the Excursion and made the long trip back to town. Cruising along steadily with this load, the Excursion demonstrated its virtues of size, stability and power. I was surprised when this cynical group of fishermen sang its praises.  The Excursion comes with a nicely designed interior. The dash is attractive and well designed and all of the controls are easy to find and operate. 

Driving Impression

Cruising along in a 2002 Ford Excursion gives you a secure feeling. It's smooth and quiet.  The V10 is a delightful engine. It produces 310 horsepower and can propel the Excursion along the Interstate at high rates of speed. The V10 generates a very impressive 425 foot-pounds of torque at 3250 rpm. Tell someone you have a V10 and they think you're driving a rocket. But an Excursion 4x4 weighs about 7,200 pounds, so its acceleration performance at high altitudes seems no better than an Explorer or Expedition.  Still, it had no trouble passing other vehicles on two-lane roads. The Excursion is rock solid at 97 mph where a governor keeps you from going any faster. The EPA doesn't even rate trucks this big for fuel economy, but you should expect something in the 10-12 mpg range; we saw 14 mpg on the highway, but 10 mpg is more likely around town.  If you like diesel engines, you'll love Ford's turbocharged 7.3-liter Power Stroke. It seems unaffected by high altitude and I was amazed at its ability to accelerate past slower cars on two-lane roads. The diesel generates 505 foot-pounds of torque at just 1600 rpm, useful for pulling stumps out of your yard or pulling heavy trailers up steep ramps. Ford worked hard to reduce noise from the diesel both inside and outside the Excursion; but you still shouldn't expect to sneak up on anyone. The diesel gets around 16 to 18 mpg, and with a 44-gallon fuel tank, the diesel has a range of more than 700 miles.  On paper, the Excursion is with a 5.4-liter V8, but I suspect they would struggle if you loaded six passengers and luggage and headed for the mountains. This engine is best left as an economical engine for utility companies in the flatlands.  While the 4x2 comes with Ford's Twin I-Beam front suspension and coil springs, the 4x4 uses a solid front axle and leaf springs. Differences in ride and handling between the two are surprisingly subtle. The 4x4 handles well, tackling corners with confidence and offering good grip on dirt roads. It does not offer the ride sophistication of the newest generation Suburban and Yukon XL 1500-series models, however. At high speeds, the Excursion is stable. Strong crosswinds and an 18-wheeler going in the opposite direction had little effect.  Its long wheelbase means the Excursion is not a serious off-road vehicle. But the part-time four-wheel-drive system and 8.1-inch ground clearance should get you up some pretty gnarly dirt roads in nasty weather. The Excursion does not offer a system like GM's Autotrac, which distributes torque front to rear automatically for slushy, inconsistent conditions. But Ford's clever vacuum-controlled hub-locking system quickly engages four-wheel drive on the fly by pressing a button. A low-range set of gears is ready whenever you need to tackle steep, slippery terrain.  Most important, the Excursion is rated to tow trailers up to 10,000 pounds (more than enough to pull a hefty boat). All Excursions come ready to tow, with a Class IV receiver hitch and factory-wired seven-pin electrical connector; a four-pin adapter is also included. All Excursions come with D-load range light-truck tires, LT265/75R-16D. You may want the available all-terrain treads if you drive on muddy trails, but the all-season tires are smoother and quieter for towing long distances.  This is a heavy vehicle, however. It's so heavy that it doesn't offer a big payload.  There's no getting around the fact that this is a big vehicle and its size is apparent in downtown areas. The Suburban is easier to manage. However, if you're used to big rigs, then you'll find this one surprisingly maneuverable and easy to park. 

Ford's gargantuan sport-utility is a stable platform for towing heavy trailers and can at the same time carry a truckload of fishermen. It rides fairly well for a heavy-duty truck and it's luxurious and comfortable. For those who want to tow trailers up to 10,000 pounds, the Excursion is a good alternative to a pickup with a cap.  The Ford Excursion should not, however, be considered as an alternative to a minivan. It's far too thirsty, and its size and design make for poor maneuverability and handling when compared with minivans and light-duty SUVs. 

Model Lineup

XLT 4x2 ($32,820), XLT 4x4 ($36,075), Limited 4x2 ($38,795), Limited 4x4 ($41,895). 

Assembled In

Kentucky. 

More Excursion Information

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• Excursion News
• Book Values
• Ford Dealers

2003 Ford Excursion trims (30)

(XLT 5.4L Value) 4x2

(XLT 6.8L Value) 4x2

(XLT 5.4L Premium) 4x2

(XLT 6.8L Premium) 4x2

(XLT 5.4L Value) 4x4

(XLT 6.8L Value) 4x4

(Eddie Bauer 5.4L) 4x2

(XLT 7.3L Value) 4x2

(XLT 6.8L Premium) 4x4

(XLT 5.4L Premium) 4x4

(Eddie Bauer 6.8L) 4x2

(XLT 6.0L Value) 4x2

(Limited 5.4L) 4x2

(XLT 7.3L Premium) 4x2

(Limited 6.8L) 4x2

(XLT 6.0L Premium) 4x2

(XLT 7.3L Value) 4x4

(Eddie Bauer 6.8L) 4x4

(XLT 6.0L Value) 4x4

(XLT 7.3L Premium) 4x4

(Eddie Bauer 7.3L) 4x2

(Limited 6.8L) 4x4

(XLT 6.0L Premium) 4x4

(Eddie Bauer 6.0L) 4x2

(Limited 7.3L) 4x2

(Limited 6.0L) 4x2

(Eddie Bauer 7.3L) 4x4

(Eddie Bauer 6.0L) 4x4

(Limited 7.3L) 4x4

(Limited 6.0L) 4x4

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Just One More Thing…

Used 2003 Ford Excursion Diesel for Sale

2003 Ford Excursion Limited Diesel 4dr SUV

• Heated seats
• Leather Seats
• Third-row seating
• Power Driver Seat

Located in Woodford , VA / 1,158 miles away from Rutland, ND

2003 Ford Excursion Limited 4WD 4dr SUV 6.0L V8 Turbocharger Diesel Automatic 5-Speed 4WD **WE FINANCE PEOPLE WITH ALL TYPES OF CREDIT.** TOTAL PRICES...

AutoCheck Vehicle History Summary

Accident Free Vehicle : Yes

Personal Use Only : Yes

History Provider : AutoCheck

Title Details : Clean Title

Salvage Vehicle : No

Frame Damage : No

Theft History : No

Lemon Status : No

Free History Report : No

Features and Specs:

Listing Information:

VIN: 1FMSU43P23ED40301 Stock: ED40301 Certified Pre-Owned: No Listed since: 12-31-2021

Located in Reno , NV / 1,212 miles away from Rutland, ND

Aspen Green Clearcoat Metallic 2003 Ford Excursion Limited 4D Sport Utility 4WD Power Stroke 6.0L V8 DI 32V OHV Turbodiesel Corwin Buick GMC Cadilla...

Accident Free Vehicle : No

VIN: 1FMSU43P23ED20551 Stock: 3D20551 Certified Pre-Owned: No Listed since: 04-11-2024

2003 Ford Excursion Eddie Bauer Diesel 4dr SUV

• Parking sensors

Located in North Chesterfield , VA / 1,191 miles away from Rutland, ND

2003 Ford Excursion Limited Loaded Diesel Lifted 4x4. This Powerstroke turbo diesel monster suv speaks for itself but here are a few of the major upg...

VIN: 1FMSU45P53ED56098 Stock: 03F6098 Certified Pre-Owned: No Listed since: 12-21-2023

2004 Ford Excursion Eddie Bauer Diesel 4dr SUV

Located in Archbold , OH / 729 miles away from Rutland, ND

Priced below KBB Fair Purchase Price! Clean CARFAX. CARFAX One-Owner. AM/FM/CD, HEATED FRONT SEATS, POWER SEATS, POWER ADJUSTABLE PEDALS, FACTORY TOW ...

VIN: 1FMSU45P24EB50660 Stock: PC96169A Certified Pre-Owned: No Listed since: 11-08-2023

2004 Ford Excursion Limited Diesel 4dr SUV

Located in Friendswood , TX / 1,147 miles away from Rutland, ND

Recent Arrival! Certified. Certification Program Details: This Vehicle has passed a thorough 55 point safety inspection and has passed an emissions an...

VIN: 1FMSU43P04EC36570 Stock: EC36570T Certified Pre-Owned: No Listed since: 05-04-2024

Located in San Antonio , TX / 1,138 miles away from Rutland, ND

Quality used Cars, Trucks and SUVs for sale at Clear Choice Auto Sales! Dealership serving San Antonio, Universal City, Del Rio, Boerne, Laredo and su...

VIN: 1FMSU43PX4EC56258 Stock: CC56258 Certified Pre-Owned: No

Located in Centennial , CO / 581 miles away from Rutland, ND

Leather Seats 3rd Row Seat 6.0L Turbo-Diesel V8 "Power Stroke" Engine Solid Paint This vehicle includes a Money-Back Guarantee* and passed our preci...

Theft History : Yes

VIN: 1FMSU43PX4ED59017 Stock: 4ED59017 Certified Pre-Owned: No Listed since: 04-26-2024

Located in Cincinnati , OH / 808 miles away from Rutland, ND

**Limited **4X4**6.0L V8 Turbocharger **Looks and Runs Great, Don't Wait Too Long. Get ready to ENJOY! You won't find a better CAR than this ** LEATHE...

Title Details : Title issue reported

Frame Damage : Yes

VIN: 1FMSU43P14ED00311 Stock: D00311 Certified Pre-Owned: No Listed since: 05-16-2023

Located in Perry , OK / 675 miles away from Rutland, ND

2004 Black Clearcoat Ford Excursion Limited 4WD Power Stroke 6.0L V8 DI 32V OHV Turbodiesel This Ford Excursion has many features and is well equipped...

VIN: 1FMSU43P64ED00255 Stock: PED25532AA Certified Pre-Owned: No Listed since: 02-24-2024

Located in Salem , OR / 1,231 miles away from Rutland, ND

Thank you for choosing Universal Auto Sales Inc! where we specialize in auto loan financing. We make buying easy with 3 premium locations and hundreds...

Personal Use Only : No

VIN: 1FMSU43P93EC18194 Stock: 9854 Certified Pre-Owned: No Listed since: 07-12-2023

• Power Liftgate/Trunk

Located in Wichita , KS / 581 miles away from Rutland, ND

Step into luxury and power with this stunning White 2004 Ford Excursion. This behemoth is not your average SUV - it's a powerhouse on wheels. With its...

VIN: 1FMNU44P74EB83457 Stock: B6570 Certified Pre-Owned: No

2002 Ford Excursion Limited Diesel 4dr SUV

Located in Houston , TX / 1,133 miles away from Rutland, ND

Have a look at this One Owner, Excellent Condition, Hard to Find, Adult Owned, Serviced, Original, Accident Free, & Non Smoker 2002 Ford Excursion Lim...

VIN: 1FMSU43F52ED08917 Stock: D08917-AL Certified Pre-Owned: No

2005 Ford Excursion Eddie Bauer Diesel 4dr SUV

Located in Colorado Springs , CO / 614 miles away from Rutland, ND

Leather Seats 3rd Row Seat 6.0L Turbo-Diesel V8 "Power Stroke" Engine Solid Paint AutoNation USA Colorado Springs has a wide selection of exceptiona...

VIN: 1FMSU45P75ED44666 Stock: 5ED44666 Certified Pre-Owned: No Listed since: 03-22-2024

Located in Dripping Springs , TX / 1,093 miles away from Rutland, ND

*** PLEASE READ THIS *** ALL PRICES ARE FIRM. We do not offer in house financing on most vehicles, but have a credit union that can generally work wit...

VIN: 1FMSU43P93EC33133 Stock: 11625 Certified Pre-Owned: No Listed since: 08-03-2023

Located in Foley , AL / 1,206 miles away from Rutland, ND

BLUETOOTH MP3, CLEAN CARFAX HISTORY, SERVICE RECORDS AVAILABLE, SOUND SYSTEM SIRIUS XM SATELLITE RADIO, POWER WINDOWS, POWER DOOR LOCKS, REMOTE KEYLES...

VIN: 1FMSU45P63ED40315 Stock: D23785A Certified Pre-Owned: No Listed since: 03-22-2024

Located in Sacramento , CA / 1,318 miles away from Rutland, ND

DIESEL TURBOCHARGER, 4 WHEEL DRIVE, LOW MILEAGE, 2 OWNERS, 19 SERVICE HISTORY RECORDS, CLEAN CAR FAX, NO ACCIDENT, ACTUAL MILEAGE

VIN: 1FMSU45P13EB44072 Stock: 11898 Certified Pre-Owned: No Listed since: 02-10-2024

Located in Arlington Heights , IL / 544 miles away from Rutland, ND

LIMITED!! DIESEL!! 4WD!! 26'' WHEELS AND TIRES!! LIFTED!! ENGINE WAS COMPLETLEY BUILT 65.XXX MILES AGO!! HEATED LEATHER SEATING!! POWER WINDOWS!! POWE...

VIN: 1FMSU43P43EC31757 Stock: B9213B Certified Pre-Owned: No Listed since: 03-12-2024

Located in Greenfield , IN / 732 miles away from Rutland, ND

2002 Ford Excursion with the 7.3 DIESEL!!!! Very hard to find...and in good condition! Manheim Retail is $27800, KBB is at $19230. We have ours priced...

VIN: 1FMSU43F42EB57763 Stock: 14997 Certified Pre-Owned: No Listed since: 03-30-2024

Located in Port Angeles , WA / 1,222 miles away from Rutland, ND

Bulletproofed 6.0!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

AutoCheck Vehicle History Summary Unavailable.

VIN: 1FMSU45P53ED31914 Stock: 4437 Certified Pre-Owned: No Listed since: 05-04-2024

Located in Delaware , OH / 827 miles away from Rutland, ND

Central Truck and Auto Sales 35 E Central Ave Delaware, OH 43015 6**-2**-7*** 2004 Ford Excursion Limited 6.0L Diesel, complete rebuild on engine and ...

VIN: 1FMSU43P34EE06484 Stock: 24041 Certified Pre-Owned: No Listed since: 03-14-2024

Located in Forest Lake , MN / 225 miles away from Rutland, ND

Koppy Motors of Hinckley Sales 320 Fire Monument Rd Hinckley, MN 55037 3**-3**-7*** **7.3L- V8** 2- OWNER** ACCIDENT FREE AUTOCHECK** 4X4**THIRD ROW S...

VIN: 1FMSU45F53EA42426 Stock: 14455 Certified Pre-Owned: No Listed since: 11-29-2023

Consumer Reviews for the Ford   Excursion

• 5 star ( 85 %)
• 4 star ( 15 %)
• 3 star ( 0 %)
• 2 star ( 0 %)
• 1 star ( 0 %)

what a beast

• Certified Pre-Owned
• Ford Excursion
• Home delivery available
• Only show local listings

Make & Model

• Certified Pre-Owned ( 0 )

Price & Payment

Price rating.

Edmunds' ratings are backed by 15+ years of pricing research done by our data scientists How are ratings determined? We analyze millions of data points to generate our ratings. We look at vehicle configuration, options, history, nearby transactions, market pricing and more — the ratings are up-to-date and relevant to your search area.

• Great Price ( 2 )
• Good Price ( 1 )
• Fair Price ( 2 )
• Limited ( 4 )
• Eddie Bauer ( 2 )

Vehicle History

• One Owner ( 2 )
• No Accidents ( 2 )
• Personal Use Only ( 5 )

Engine & Drivetrain

Transmission.

• Automatic ( 6 )

Engine Type

• Diesel ( 6 )
• Four Wheel Drive ( 6 )
• 8 cylinders ( 6 )

Exterior Color

• Black ( 2 )
• Dark Green ( 1 )
• Dark Red ( 1 )
• White ( 1 )

Total Seating

• 8 Seats ( 6 )

Comfort & Convenience

• 3rd Row Seating ( 4 )
• Audio And Cruise Controls On Steering Wheel ( 2 )
• Fold Flat Rear Seats ( 2 )
• Heated Seats ( 1 )
• Keyless Entry Start ( 4 )
• Leather Seats ( 3 )
• Power Driver Seat ( 5 )
• Seat Memory ( 1 )
• Trip Computer ( 4 )
• Alarm ( 3 )
• Parking Sensors ( 5 )

Engine & Exterior

• AWD/4WD ( 4 )
• Heated Mirrors ( 4 )
• Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors ( 3 )
• Roof Rack ( 3 )
• Towing Hitch ( 1 )
• Upgraded Headlights ( 3 )
• Upgraded Tires ( 2 )

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• The Inventory

At $8,000, Could This 2003 Ford Excursion Limited 7.3 Be A Pretty Big Deal?

The 7.3-litre Power Stroke diesel in today’s Nice Price or Crack Pipe Excursion is considered to be a member of one of the best engine families in Ford Truck history. That’s what makes these big beasts so desirable to their fans. Let’s see if this one’s price could be considered a stroke of genius.

Related Content

The seller of last Friday’s 2016 Volvo S60 T6 shot a number of the photos for their ad overlooking the Big Tujunga Reservoir, just off of the legendary Angeles Forest Highway. That’s right in my backyard and so I was keen to see your response to the car as well as the $17,499 asking price the seller had set for it. If you all thought it was a screamin’ deal, and it being so close, perhaps it’s a car I should look into.

Fortunately for my bank account and, more importantly, my relationship with my wife, a narrow 54 percent of you nixed the idea. That was the number of those dunning the car to a Crack Pipe loss, and potentially saving my marriage. Thank you, people, I owe you one.

We live in challenging times. We’re told by various sides that we should alternatively shelter in place and get back to going out and keeping the economy alive. It’s a conundrum with no easy solution for those of us not yet ready for the quietude afforded by the grave.

I think, however, that I may have found a solution. Check out this 2003 Ford Excursion Limited 4X2 SUV. It is inarguably, the largest wagon that Ford has ever produced for the consumer market. At 227 inches long and over 80 wide, the three-row Excursion could allow you effective physical distancing with others   while you’re still in the same truck.

That’s not the only attractive attribute this Excursion possesses either. Another is the 7.3-litre Navistar-built Power Stroke Diesel that sits under its massive hood. The 2003 model year was this engine’s last. At mid-year, it was replaced by the higher-output but soon to be discovered, woefully unreliable, Power Stroke 6.0. This was done to meet the competition on power and accommodate more stringent smog standards that were coming in ‘04 .

At 275 horsepower and a massive 525 lb-ft of torque, the 7.3 turbo diesel V8 isn’t exactly a slouch and it makes that power without the fuss for which the later six-ohs became known.

In fact, well maintained, i t’s not uncommon for the 7.3 to do half a million miles without blinking an eye. Astoundingly , t his one is more than half-way there, showing over 300K on the clock. Even more incredibly, the odo is about the only place those miles are evident.

Overall, t he truck does look to be in pretty good shape for those miles and a decade and a half of racking them up. The Mineral Gray Metallic paint appears to be without flaw and comes with color-matched lower cladding and rear bumper. Factory chrome wheels bookend the longest running boards you’ve ever seen and those are matched by a humongous side-exiting exhaust tip.

This being a Limited, it’s pretty swank inside. The three rows of seats get leather seating surfaces with captains chairs in the front and second pews. The upholstery looks to be in decent shape save for one back seat that seems to have gotten all the use. Up above there’s a DVD entertainment system and rear-cabin A/C controls since this thing is so big inside—a remarkable 146 cubic feet of cargo space—that, of course, it has different climate zones in front and back.

The big-ass storage area is accessed through Ford’s clever three-piece dutch door and liftgate back portal which gives you the choice of hatch or hatch and swingers . The load area on this one appears clean enough, although the entry apron looks either worn down or is where the Sahara desert is kept in the off-season.

Making up for that, you get a remote start for all those cold mornings when there are un-masked masses congregated around the truck and you need to warm it up. There’s also a custom grille in the nose which is nice, although that’s bookended by headlamps that have gone as yellow as an old man’s beard.

The seller says the truck has been garaged-kept and that makes me keen to see just what sort of garage can fit something this gargantuan. It has also apparently enjoyed on-time oil and filter changes, or so the ad says . There’s no word on other maintenance, and things like the high-pressure injectors on these do tend to need refreshing at around 200K. That, of course, is far in this Excursion’s rearview mirror. The title is clear and the asking price is $8,000.

The Excursion was Ford’s attempt to take on GM’s Suburban. It was the biggest of the company’s SUV lineup, a roll played today by an extended-wheelbase (MAX) edition of the smaller Expedition. There will likely never be a truck like the Excursion from Ford ever again. That means the used market is the only salve for those in need of such girth and vision that extends no further than the border of a Blue Oval badge.

That’s not necessarily a bad thing since these trucks have a rep for being surprisingly reliable, extremely comfortable, and hilariously overburdening when it comes to parking lot stalls. That’s a lot to like. Add to that the stellar 7.3 and you may have a winner on your hands.

The question for you, however, is whether this high-mileage example can command that $8,000 as it sits. Yes, it’s only 2-wheel-drive, but should you not need the added tire spinning capability, that factor makes this less complicated to drive  and a good bit better on the kidneys in terms of ride quality.

What do you think, could all that equal handing over $8,000 to take over ownership? Or, for that much, is this an Excursion you would not go out of your way for?

You decide!

Topeka, KS Craigslist , or go here if the ad disappears.

H/T to Daniel D. for the hookup!

Help me out with NPOCP. Hit me up at [email protected] and send me a fixed-price tip. Remember to include your Kinja handle.

Moscow Itinerary: How To Spend 3 Days In Moscow

By: Author Lotte

Posted on Last updated: March 2, 2023

Categories Trans Mongolian Express

Moscow is the capital of Russia and there are few cities in the world that have played such a significant part in history.

Home to the Kremlin, the Red Square, the colorful St. Basil's Cathedral, and many more famous landmarks, Moscow is a city like no other.

This Moscow itinerary will help you plan your trip and make the most of your time in Moscow. From the best places to see in Moscow to how to get around, this post has got you covered.

Moscow itinerary

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Moscow 3 day itinerary: map with highlights

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What to do in Moscow in 3 days

• Day 1: The Red Square, GUM Department Store, St. Basil's Cathedral, Lenin's Mausoleum, and the State Historical Museum.
• Day 2: The Kremlin, the Cathedral of Christ the Saviour, Gorky Park, and the Bolshoi Theatre.
• Day 3: Izmailovsky Market, Bunker 42, and Zaryadye Park.

Important things to know when planning a trip to Moscow

The best time to plan a trip to Moscow is April-May and September-October . During these months temperatures are (generally) quite comfortable, though even in April there can be a bit of snow! The summer months are hot, both in regard to temperature as well as activities in the city. While it's a nice time to visit, it's also the busiest time of the year to visit Moscow. Hotel prices reflect this as well and summer definitely isn't a great time for budget travelers to visit Moscow. Winter in Moscow is cold, and I mean seriously cold (-15°C isn't rare). However, if you can withstand the subzero temperatures and freezing winds, it can be a magical time to visit. A snow-covered St. Basil’s Cathedral is a sight you will never forget. Keep in mind that days are short in winter and be sure to bring plenty of warm winter clothes!

The official currency in Russia is the Russian Ruble (₽ or RUB). Here you can find the current exchange rates, at the time of writing €1 is approximately 70RUB and $1 is around 62RUB.

Yes, you probably do. Getting a visa for Russia requires a bit of time and effort. You need to fill out several forms and provide a detailed travel itinerary and information about your accommodation. Also, you will need a Visa Support Letter which can be provided by your travel agency or your hotel. Depending on your nationality, there may be additional requirements, please refer to the information provided on the website of your country's Embassy in Russia.

While most of the things to see in Moscow listed in this post are within walking distance of each other, sometimes you will have to travel a bit further afield. The best way to get around in Moscow is by metro. It's cheap and efficient and a sightseeing activity in itself, because Moscow has the most beautiful metro stations in the world ! Among the most exquisitely decorated stations are Komsomolskaya, Novoslobodskaya, Mayakovskaya, Taganskaya, and Prospect Mira Station, but there are many more worthwhile stations to be found in the Moscow underground. You can purchase a single ticket from one of the ticket machines or get a rechargeable Troika Card when you plan on taking the metro several times. Read more details on how to use the Moscow metro here . If you prefer to get around by taxi, that's possible too. We used the Gett app to order a taxi (similar to Uber) to avoid confusion about our intended destination and having to negotiate in Russian. A convenient extra for families is the Gett Kids option, these cars are outfitted with a car seat.

The best things to do in Moscow

While you could easily spend a week in Moscow (or more), most of us, unfortunately, don't have that much time available.

This 3-day Moscow itinerary will guide you to the most popular and important places to visit in Moscow, as well as to some of the more unusual things to do in Moscow.

Below you can find the list of the Moscow sightseeing highlights included in this post.

The Red Square

Gum department store, st. basil's cathedral, lenin's mausoleum, the state historical museum, the kremlin, cathedral of christ the saviour.

• The Bolshoi Theatre

Izmailovsky Market

Zaryadye park.

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Moscow itinerary day 1

There is no better place to start your first day in Moscow, than at the world-famous Red Square.

This square is considered the central square of Moscow, not just because all the major streets start here, but also because no matter where you look when standing on this square, there are historic buildings all around.

Starting with the impressive GUM store and going clockwise, there is the colorful Saint Basil's Cathedral, the Kremlin, Lenin's Mausoleum, the State Historical Museum, and the Kazan Cathedral.

However, before entering any of these Moscow must-see attractions, allow yourself a moment to take in the view and let it sink in that you're standing on historical grounds (and a UNESCO site).

The Red Square was the official address of the Soviet government and played an important part in history. Many military parades have been held (and are still being held) here. It's the place where protests have taken place, as well as high-profile concerts from famous international artists.

All in all, it's one of the places in Moscow you can't miss during your Moscow city trip!

Yulia from That's What She Had: it might seem like visiting a department store is not something you’d do on the first visit to Russia’s capital.

But GUM is not like any other department store and is well worth your time, if only for its unique architecture.

First of all, it’s located right on Red Square which makes it an easy stop on your Moscow trip itinerary. Second, GUM is not a simple mall, but an institution built in the late XIX century.

The abbreviation stands for  Glavniy Universalniy Magazin or Main Universal Store. Its impressive facade extends for over 240 meters along the eastern side of Red Square.

Inside you’ll find a beautiful glass ceiling supported by a metal framework, not unlike the ones found in the old train stations of Great Britain. 

While shopping in GUM will cost you an arm and a leg, there’s one reason why tourists and locals come here anyways:  traditional Russian food  at Stolovaya #57. Stolovaya is Russian for canteen and this is where you can get your  pelmeni , borsch , and  pirozhki  fix!

Afterward, don’t forget to get the famous  plombir  ice cream in one of the kiosks on the ground floor.

Saint Basil's Cathedral with its colorful domes is easily recognizable and one of the most popular Moscow tourist attractions. The building, built on orders from Ivan the Terrible, was completed in 1561 to commemorate the victory over Kazan and Astrakhan.

Until the construction of Ivan the Great Bell Tower (which can be found within the walls of the Kremlin), it was the tallest building in Moscow.

The design of St. Basil's Cathedral is truly unique; it's shaped like the flame of a bonfire and not one building in a similar style can be found in the whole of Russia.

A legend tells the story of how Ivan the Terrible had the architects of the Cathedral blinded so they could never build anything comparable.

This is a myth, however, but the fact remains that Saint Basil's Cathedral is one of a kind and it's not surprising it has become the symbol of Russia.

Wendy from The Nomadic Vegan: Lenin Mausoleum is hard to miss. It's a stepped-pyramid construction that sits right at the base of the Kremlin walls on the western side of Red Square.

Entrance is free but note that opening hours are quite limited, with visiting hours lasting only from 10 am to 1 pm on Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Saturday.

If seeing Lenin's embalmed body is important to you, be sure to take this into account when planning your itinerary in Moscow.

One of my  top tips for travelers to Russia  is to arrive early, well before the mausoleum opens, as the queue is usually quite long. However, usually, the queue does move pretty quickly.

This is especially true now that they have lifted the ban on bags and cameras.

It used to be that all cameras, smartphones, and bags of any size had to be checked at a left-luggage office nearby. But now you can bring a small handbag or backpack as well as your camera and phone.

Photography inside the mausoleum is still strictly forbidden, but you are allowed to take photos of the graves of various other important Russian figures that line the path leading to the mausoleum.

Once you finally enter the mausoleum, the atmosphere is surprisingly peaceful and uncrowded. It doesn't feel nearly as rushed as when visiting Mao Ze Dong's tomb in Beijing or Ho Chi Minh's body in Hanoi , for example.

The illumination of the body is very well done and would make for superb photography if it wasn't forbidden. As an added bonus, just after you exit, you'll see the grave of Joseph Stalin outside.

Rai from A Rai Of Light: the imposing crimson building at the northern end of the Red Square is the State Historical Museum.

By decree of Alexander III, the museum was built with the support of Russian historians, philosophers, and artists. The red brick building, dating from 1875, was designed in the Russian revival style by Vladimir Shervud.

The National Museum of Russia houses a collection of over four million items, devoted to the history of the country's ancient and imperial period.

The exhibitions include many items previously owned by members of the Romanov dynasty, such as documents, artwork, personal items, furnishings, and decorations from the palace interiors.

Another exhibit features relics of the prehistoric tribes that once inhabited this region.

Notable items include ancient manuscripts, birch-bark scrolls, a longboat excavated from the banks of the Volga River, and the largest coin collection in Russia, sourced from the museums in St Petersburg .

The State Historical Museum is open daily from 10 am to 6 pm. The entrance fee is 700₽ per adult.

Moscow itinerary day 2

When listing the best Moscow things to do, one cannot miss the Kremlin! The Kremlin houses the current seat of power in Russia and has done so for several decades.

Within its walls, the offices of the Russian Government can be found. During Soviet rule, the Kremlin was where all the important decisions were made but its history goes back for many centuries.

The first mention of the Kremlin in history books was in 1147, however, the current citadel dates from the 16th century.

The Kremlin is one of the major fortifications found in Europe, with walls that are up to 6.5 meters thick and 19 meters high in particular sections.

Inside the complex, there are many government buildings, however, these aren't accessible to the public.

Around Cathedral Square you'll find (as the name suggests) many churches and cathedrals, such as the Cathedral of the Archangel, Annunciation Cathedral, the Church of Laying Our Lady's Holy Robe, and Ivan the Great Bell-Tower.

While Cathedral Square is definitely worth visiting, the highlight of the Kremlin is a visit to the Armoury.

Inside you can find an impressive collection of Faberge eggs, beautiful dresses worn by Catherine the Great, intricately decorated thrones used by the Tsars, and much more. Unfortunately, photography is forbidden inside the Armoury.

Practical information about visiting the Kremlin

In order to visit both Cathedral Square and the Armoury, you will have to buy two separate tickets. A ticket to Cathedral Square costs 700₽ and a ticket to the Armoury is 1000₽. Prices mentioned are for adults, children below 16 years old are free.

Tickets can be bought at the ticket office onsite on the same day, however, there's no guarantee tickets will be available, especially during peak season.

Conveniently, tickets can be bought online as well, which is highly advisable if you want to make sure you'll be able to visit the Kremlin during your city trip to Moscow.

How much time to spend at the Kremlin

Be sure to allow plenty of time to explore the Kremlin, at least half a day but it's easy to spend more time as there is so much to see.

Please note there isn't any food sold inside the Kremlin, so bring a snack and enough water (especially in summer when it can get pretty hot).

Luggage storage

Backpacks aren't allowed inside the Kremlin, they can be stored (for free) in the cloakroom, but you can bring your camera and a small purse.

We could also take our Babyzen Yoyo stroller inside, which was very convenient as our 10-month-old son could take a nap while we explored the sights.

After the original Cathedral of Christ the Saviour was demolished by Stalin in 1931, a new version was completed in 2000.

The imposing building is the tallest Orthodox Christian church in the world (103 meters high), and is beautiful on the outside as well as on the inside.

Visiting the Cathedral is free of charge and it's open any day of the week from 10 am to 5 pm (except on Mondays when the opening hours are 1 to 5 pm).

When visiting the Cathedral of Christ the Saviour it's important to dress appropriately. For men, this means no shorts or tank tops.

Women can't enter with mini skirts or shorts, strap tops, or anything too revealing. Also, women are advised to cover their heads with a scarf as a sign of respect.

Inside the Cathedral photography isn't allowed, but believe me when I say there is plenty to see. There are beautiful frescoes, colorful icons, impressive statues, and other vivid decorations.

For a beautiful view over Moscow, walk up the stairs to the 40-meter high observation deck (entrance fee 400₽).  

Visit Gorky Park

Helen from Holidays from Hels : Gorky Park, named after the Soviet writer Maxim Gorky, has recently undergone extensive regeneration to become Moscow's central leisure hub for young Muscovites.

Every day of the week you can find many Moscow residents strolling along the banks of the river in the summer, hiring bikes, picnicking on the grass, or dining at one of the many restaurants.

Open-air cinemas, petanque, and ping pong are all on offer. Not to be missed is the iconic white stone entranceway and museum, complete with columns carved with Soviet hammers and sickles.

In winter, look out for the ducks waddling across the frozen Moskva River, and watch boats attempting to navigate through the cracked ice. However, the real winter highlight is to try ice skating on one of the biggest rinks in Europe!

Ice skating in Gorky Park

The park’s maze of pedestrian pathways is transformed into one huge skating rink, which can play host to up to four thousand skaters. 

Not surprisingly, Russians are talented ice skaters and there is a good chance you will find yourself next to a pirouetting ballerina.

Handily, you will find you will already be wearing most of what you need – gloves, hat, scarf, and thick socks and you can hire skates on-site. Lockers are included in the price if you don’t fancy skating with your day pack.

Disco tunes fill the air, and the whole arena is backlit in spectacular neon lights. Rest your weary legs and warm up at one of the cafes dotted along the frozen pathways, with the added bonus of not having to take off your skates.

Opening times

The rink is open from 10 am until 11 pm on weekdays and until midnight at weekends but closes between 3 and 5 pm. Like most attractions in Moscow, the rink is closed on Mondays. 

The prices range from 350-650₽ and go up in the evening, which is the best time for the light show. Arriving at 5 pm, just as the rink opens for the evening session will give you time to find your ice legs before it fills up with more confident skaters.

Whilst waiting for the rink to open, try out the nearby tubing track where you can shoot down a snowy hill on an inflatable ring repeatedly for a very enjoyable half an hour!

How to get to Gorky Park by metro

The nearest metro is Park Kultury Station, on the other side of the river. As always, check out in advance what this looks like in the Russian Alphabet so you know when to get off!

Bolshoi Theatre

James Ian at Travel Collecting : one of the best places to go in Moscow is the famous Bolshoi Theater, located only a short walk from Red square. Bolshoy means big in Russian, and the theatre is not only big but also beautiful.

There are two ways to see the theater: on a guided tour or by watching a performance .

Take a guided tour

• English tours are held on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Fridays at 11:30 am. Tickets for these tours can be bought (on the same day) at the ticket office located in the Historic building of the theatre (door #12).
• A ticket costs 2000₽ per person, tours last one hour, and the number of people on a tour is limited to a maximum of 20. The tour takes you inside the theater and to the historic main stage.

Watch a performance

My favorite way to see the theater, though, is to enjoy a performance and experience the theater as a patron.

The entrance is a little underwhelming when you first arrive, the street lobby is small and quite plain and you will be immediately directed up to your floor.

There are helpful attendants on each floor to guide you to the correct door. Arrive a little early and head up to the Grand Salon on the top floor where you can enjoy a glass of champagne while people-watching (Russians dress up for the theater).

Then head to your seat and take in the stunning theater before enjoying the famous Bolshoi Ballet or another performance.

Be sure to book a show at the historic stage, there is a modern stage as well but that isn't nearly as much fun.

Moscow itinerary day 3

Karen from WanderlustingK : one of the most interesting Moscow places to visit is the Izmailovsky Market .

This flea market and tourist attraction a bit outside of the tourist center is a recreation of a Tzar’s Palace, known as a Kremlin, produced in a colorful 16th-century style.

The market is filled with tiny stalls that sell everything from snacks to kitsch to authentic items from Soviet times such as hats, pins, and other pieces of memorabilia.

You'll also find authentic antiques such as vases, paintings, and other religious items if you're looking to splurge within the interior parts of the market.

Negotiating in English is not always possible as many vendors only speak Russian, so be sure to practice your Russian numbers and see how well you can do with haggling.

It's important to carry cash when you visit given that many vendors do not accept cards. We ended up purchasing a series of hats at the market, along with a beautiful hot tea glass with a metal holder with a typical Russian scene.

Elsewhere in the market, you’ll also find a few tourist shops that sell typical Russian products. It takes a few hours to see the market in full, so arrive early as the best items go quickly! 

Lindsey from Have Clothes, Will Travel : Bunker-42 was once a top-secret, Soviet military complex. Stalin commissioned its construction after the United States succeeded in creating a nuclear bomb.

An impressive 65 meters (or about 213 feet) underground, was the desired depth to protect Russia’s top officials from a nuclear attack.

Bunker 42 became operational in 1954. Fortunately, it was never needed for its true purpose, and instead it was used as the command center of strategic bombers for nearly 30 years.

Nowadays it's a museum dedicated to the Cold War and visiting is a truly unique experience!

You will need to join a tour in order to see the museum. You can call ahead to book your tour (the number is: +7 499 703-44-55), there are several English tours throughout the day that are held at 13:30, 16:30, and 18:30 (the price is 2200₽).

On Mondays, there is an extra tour at 17:30, which lasts an additional 30 minutes and costs 2800₽ per person. There is also the option to book a private tour. However, I am unsure of the price for this.

You will have to wait until exactly 15 minutes before your tour begins before you'll be admitted inside. After paying for your tickets and a quick restroom stop you will descend 65 meters underground…

Another option for visiting Bunker-42, if you would rather not do the tour, is to visit the restaurant inside Bunker-42. Actually, I highly recommend visiting the restaurant before or after a tour as well!

While the food is not that great, it’s worth visiting for a drink. The restaurant is also located within the bunker and is decorated in the old Soviet style.

From time to time there will be live performances and visiting Bunker 42 is definitely an experience worth having while in Moscow! After all, how many people can say they've had a drink in a top-secret Soviet military bunker?

If you’re visiting Moscow during peak season (June-July-August), it would be worth making a reservation, to avoid having to wait. Otherwise, I would not say you need to worry about a reservation at the restaurant.

Bunker-42 is a short cab ride away from Red Square (10-15 minutes). But I recommend taking the metro to get there. The closest station is Taganskaya, which is a beautiful metro station very much worth visiting.

Park Zaryad'ye or Zaryadye Park is a lovely place for a stroll and a nice place to relax after a day of sightseeing in Moscow, especially when exploring Moscow with kids.

There are many things to see and do in this park, but I recommend starting your visit at The River Overlook , a 70-meter-long boardwalk with beautiful views over the river and the Kremlin.

Other interesting places to visit in Zaryadye Park are the Ice Cave, The Museum of Nature, and The Glass Crust. But most importantly, do as the Muscovites do and find yourself a nice place in the park to sit down and relax.

Enjoy the view, do some people-watching, and take a moment to think back about all the Moscow top sights you've seen in the past couple of days.

Where to stay in Moscow

There is a huge amount of hotels in Moscow, ranging from budget hostels to exquisite 5-star hotels. Below you can find three well-reviewed Moscow hotels (rating of 8.5+ on Agoda and  Booking ).

3-star hotel in Moscow: MIRROS Hotel Mokhovaya

This 3-star hotel is one of the best budget Moscow hotels and is all about location! From the hotel, it's just a 10-minute walk to the Kremlin and only 600 meters to the Christ the Savior Cathedral.

Set in a historic 19th-century mansion, the hotel features classic rooms with ensuite bathrooms.

The staff is friendly and there is a metro station nearby (Borovitskaya), making it easy to get to the Moscow attractions a bit further afield.

Click here to book

Modern hotel in Moscow: Barin Residence Myasnitskaya

The Barin Residence Myasnitskaya is a newly built hotel, located about 1.2km from the Red Square (about a 15-20 minute walk).

The rooms and bathrooms are very modern and clean, the beds are comfortable and room service is available. This hotel is an excellent choice for travelers looking for a nice hotel without a hefty price tag.

Luxury hotel in Moscow: Hotel National Moscow

Hotel National is potentially the best Moscow hotel. It's a gorgeous 5-star hotel located just a stone's throw away from the Bolshoi Theater, the Red Square, and the Kremlin.

The building was designed by architect Alexander Ivanov and completed in 1903 and has been welcoming international travelers ever since.

With its imperial architecture, luxury design, and charming classic rooms (some with a view of the Kremlin!), the Hotel National is a unique property.

Furthermore, you can enjoy an indoor pool, sauna, and fitness center as well as the well-reviewed Beluga restaurant that serves both Russian and European dishes.

While this hotel doesn't come cheap, your stay at the Hotel National will make your trip to Moscow an unforgettable experience.

Moscow itinerary and travel guide: in conclusion

I hope this guide to Moscow will help you plan a trip to this interesting Russian city. Feel free to ask any questions you may have by leaving a comment or  sending me an email !

Below you can find my other posts about the Trans Mongolian Express , and the stops we made along the way:

• St. Petersburg itinerary
• Irkutsk and Lake Baikal itinerary
• Ulaanbaatar itinerary
• Trans-Mongolian Express travel guide

This post was updated in December 2020.