Ford Excursion

Introduction

The Ford Excursion, introduced in 1999, was a full-size SUV built on Ford’s Super Duty truck platform. It was designed to be the largest and most capable SUV of its time, offering massive passenger space, heavy towing capacity, and off-road strength. Produced until 2005, it became popular among families, businesses, and utility users who required both seating for up to nine passengers and the power of a heavy-duty truck. Its size and durability made it an iconic entry in Ford’s SUV lineup.

Exterior

The Excursion featured a bold and imposing exterior with a boxy silhouette and heavy-duty styling. Its tall stance, wide track, and long body emphasized strength and utility. Large chrome grilles, wide fenders, and powerful lighting units reinforced its truck-based design. Available in multiple trims, higher versions added chrome bumpers, alloy wheels, and body-colored accents. Its sheer size distinguished it from all other SUVs of its era.

Interior

Inside, the Excursion offered cavernous space with seating for up to nine passengers across three rows. The cabin was designed for comfort on long journeys, with wide, supportive seats and generous legroom. Depending on the trim, it featured amenities such as leather upholstery, power-adjustable seating, premium audio systems, and rear climate control. The rear cargo space was immense, even with all seats in place, making it ideal for large families or businesses.

Safety Features

The Excursion was equipped with safety systems typical of its era. Standard features included dual front airbags, ABS brakes, and strong body-on-frame construction. Higher trims offered parking sensors and side-impact protection. While its size provided a sense of security, crash-test ratings reflected challenges in rollover resistance common to large SUVs. Its heavy-duty chassis, however, gave it strong durability and stability when towing or carrying heavy loads.

Engine Trims

The Excursion was offered with a wide range of powerful engines. Petrol options included a 5.4-liter Triton V8 and a 6.8-liter V10, while diesel variants featured the 7.3-liter and later 6.0-liter Power Stroke V8 diesels. Power ranged from around 255 hp to over 325 hp, with torque figures designed for towing capacities exceeding 10,000 pounds. Transmission options included a four-speed automatic, later upgraded to a five-speed automatic in newer models.

Maintenance

Due to its size and heavy-duty components, the Excursion required careful maintenance. Regular servicing of brakes, suspension, and transmission was essential, especially under towing conditions. Diesel engines required additional care for injectors and turbochargers but were praised for longevity. Fuel consumption was high, which increased running costs. However, the Excursion developed a reputation for toughness and long service life when properly maintained.

Competitors

The Ford Excursion competed with SUVs like the Chevrolet Suburban, GMC Yukon XL, and Dodge Durango. The Suburban was its closest rival in terms of size and towing ability, while the Yukon XL offered premium touches, and the Durango targeted mid-size buyers. Ford distinguished the Excursion as the largest and most capable SUV, appealing to buyers needing unmatched capacity and truck-like durability.