Why are Ford Excursions so good?
The Ford Excursion. Just the name conjures up images of immense presence on the road, a vehicle that scoffed at the idea of being merely "large." For those who owned them or encountered them, the Excursion wasn't just another SUV; it was an event. But what made this colossal Ford so good, and why does it still hold a special place in the hearts of many, even years after production ceased?
The answer lies in a unique blend of raw capability, unmatched interior space, and a no-nonsense approach to tackling whatever life (or the road) threw at it. Let's dive into the specifics that made the Ford Excursion a standout.
Unrivaled Space and Versatility
This is, without a doubt, the primary reason the Ford Excursion was so good for so many. Forget cramped third rows or limited cargo space. The Excursion was built on a heavy-duty truck chassis (the F-250/F-350 Super Duty), and that translates directly to sheer volume.
- Passenger Capacity: With three rows of seating, the Excursion could comfortably accommodate up to nine occupants. This wasn't a "cramming in" situation; there was ample legroom and headroom for everyone, even in the rearmost seats. Think of it as a mobile living room, perfect for large families, carpooling, or road trips with a full crew.
- Cargo Volume: When the rear seats were folded down (and they folded quite flat), the Excursion offered a cavernous cargo area. This was a dream for anyone who needed to haul gear for camping, sports equipment, furniture, or even multiple large dogs. The sheer utility was staggering.
- Towing Prowess: Thanks to its truck underpinnings and powerful engine options, the Excursion was a towing champion. It could easily handle large travel trailers, horse trailers, and boats. For families who loved to camp, haul recreational vehicles, or simply needed a vehicle that could do it all, the Excursion was in a class of its own.
Robust Construction and Capability
The Excursion wasn't built for delicate maneuvers or city parking contests. It was engineered for ruggedness and capability.
- Heavy-Duty Chassis: As mentioned, its F-Series Super Duty platform meant it was built on a solid foundation. This contributed to its impressive towing and hauling numbers and gave it a confident, planted feel on the road, especially when loaded or towing.
- Powerful Engine Options: The Excursion came with a choice of potent engines that could handle its substantial weight and towing demands.
- 7.3L Power Stroke Turbo Diesel: This was the legendary powerplant for many Excursions. Known for its immense torque, reliability, and impressive fuel economy (for its size), it made towing feel effortless and provided a distinctive rumble that enthusiasts loved.
- 5.4L Triton V8: A capable gasoline option that offered good power for everyday driving and lighter towing duties.
- 6.8L Triton V10: For those who wanted even more grunt and towing capability in a gasoline engine, the V10 delivered.
- Four-Wheel Drive (4WD): Available on most models, the 4WD system added another layer of capability, making it suitable for slippery conditions, light off-roading, and challenging terrains.
Durability and Longevity
Ford's Super Duty trucks have a reputation for being built tough, and the Excursion inherited this trait. Many Ford Excursions are still on the road today, racking up hundreds of thousands of miles. This speaks volumes about their robust engineering and the quality of their components. With proper maintenance, these vehicles are known to be incredibly durable.
Comfort for the Long Haul
Despite its truck-like underpinnings, the Excursion was surprisingly comfortable for its intended purpose.
- Spacious Cabin: The sheer size of the interior meant that passengers weren't feeling confined. Long road trips were much more enjoyable with plenty of room to stretch out.
- Smooth Ride (for its class): While it wasn't a luxury sedan, the Excursion offered a relatively comfortable ride, especially compared to its lighter-duty SUV contemporaries when dealing with rough roads or towing. The weight of the vehicle helped to absorb imperfections.
A Unique Niche Filled Perfectly
The Ford Excursion occupied a niche that few other vehicles could fill. It wasn't just a big SUV; it was *the* big SUV for those who needed maximum passenger and cargo capacity, combined with serious towing and hauling capability. For large families, RV enthusiasts, horse owners, or anyone who regularly transported a significant number of people or a substantial amount of gear, the Excursion was the undisputed king. It offered a practical, albeit imposing, solution to a very specific set of needs.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Ford Excursion
How reliable are Ford Excursions?
Ford Excursions are generally considered very reliable, especially those equipped with the 7.3L Power Stroke turbo diesel engine. Their heavy-duty truck chassis and robust construction contribute to their longevity. With regular maintenance and proper care, many Excursions continue to serve their owners faithfully for hundreds of thousands of miles.
Why are Ford Excursions so expensive on the used market?
The high demand for the Excursion's unique combination of passenger and towing capacity, coupled with its declining availability and Ford's discontinuation of the model, has driven up used prices. Many are sought after by families and individuals who need their specific capabilities, and their reputation for durability also contributes to their value.
What is the towing capacity of a Ford Excursion?
The towing capacity of a Ford Excursion varies depending on the specific configuration, including engine, drivetrain (2WD or 4WD), and rear axle ratio. However, properly equipped Excursions, especially those with the Power Stroke diesel engine, can tow upwards of 10,000 pounds, with some configurations reaching closer to 12,000 pounds, making them exceptional for towing large trailers.
What kind of mileage can you expect from a Ford Excursion?
Fuel economy for the Ford Excursion is not its strong suit, given its size and weight. Gasoline V8 and V10 models typically range from 10-14 MPG in combined city/highway driving. The 7.3L Power Stroke turbo diesel is the most fuel-efficient option, often achieving 14-18 MPG, especially on the highway and when not towing.
