This paper will review the most recent experimental studies of cross sections for electron impact dissociative excitation of molecular ions and electron impact excitation of atomic ions. Experimental studies of such processes have been carried out for more than 40 years. Much of the discussion is oriented to the work involving the author; however an effort will be made to include other applications. Of particular interest, partially motivated by fusion efforts and partially by plasma etching and deposition, are investigations of dissociative excitation of light hydrocarbon ions. In discussing electron impact excitation of atomic ions we will examine primarily transitions in which dielectronic resonances play a dominant role, measurements, which can be used to benchmark results of theoretical calculations. Methods employing colliding beams of electrons and ions, either in a crossed or merged beams configuration are emphasized.