NEW FORD EXCURSION
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Car and Driver website visitor rankings:
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| Here's how our visitors have reviewed this vehicle. |
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Average Rating |
| Overall |
8.6 |
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| Vehicle Styling |
8.96 |
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| Braking |
7.96 |
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| Handling |
7.08 |
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| Fuel Economy |
5.75 |
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| Interior Comfort |
8.71 |
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| Acceleration |
8.12 |
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| Dependability |
8.62 |
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| Fit and Finish |
8.25 |
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| Transmission |
8.38 |
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| Ride |
7.71 |
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| Rating Scale: 1= worst 10= best
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| To read other User Road Tests or to submit your own review click here |
(Read more of Car and Driver's review here)
 Summary
What Edmunds.com Says
Unless you really need the Excursion''s towing ability and huge interior, you''re better off with the smaller Expedition or GM''s Suburban/Yukon XL twins.
Pros
Substantial passenger and cargo capacity, impressive towing ability, diesel engine option.
Cons
Unwieldy size, trucklike driving characteristics, poor fuel economy, high sticker price.
What''s New for 2004
The Excursion''s final year of production is 2004 so there are few changes from last year. Ford''s excellent new 6.0-liter turbodiesel V8 replaces last year''s 7.3-liter diesel. Besides offering considerably more horsepower and torque, the new engine has cleaner emissions and gets better gas mileage. Several new options are available; these include wireless headphones for the rear-seat entertainment package and an auto-dimming rearview mirror. Body-side cladding and illuminated running boards are no longer available on XLT models. Also note that the trim level structure has been revised slightly, as base XLS and midlevel XLT trim replace XLT Value and XLT Premium.
Overview
Introduction:
Although Ford unleashed the Excursion on North American consumers only four years ago, the truck will be going away after the 2004 model year due to flagging consumer interest. Based on the F-250 and F-350 Super Duty pickup trucks, the Excursion is Ford''s largest SUV. It''s also bigger than the Chevrolet Suburban and GMC Yukon XL. The Excursion is intended to serve those who have large broods and towing needs, but want something more stylish (or off-road-worthy) than a full-size van. If you''re in the market for such a vehicle, and neither the Suburban nor the Yukon XL does it for you sizewise, this is your SUV. Otherwise, we recommend that you try on something a little smaller, such as Ford''s own Expedition.
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For Pricing information, see Edmunds'' Pricing page. |
Body Styles, Trim Levels and Options:
The four-door Excursion offers eight- or nine-passenger seating with either two- or four-wheel drive. XLS, XLT, Eddie Bauer and Limited trims are available. XLS models come well equipped with a rear air conditioner, cruise, ABS and a front bench seat that gives your rig nine-person seating capacity. XLT versions add power rear-quarter windows, aluminum wheels, rear audio controls, automatic headlights, a trip computer and front captain''s chairs. Eddie Bauer models include Arizona Beige trim, foglights, turn signal sideview mirrors, automatic climate control and power-adjustable pedals. Limited models up the ante with body-color trim, a premium audio system, a reversible cargo mat and heated front seats. A notable option for XLT, Eddie Bauer and Limited trim is a DVD-based rear-seat entertainment system. Other options include an in-dash six-disc CD changer for all trim levels except Limited and second-row captain''s chairs (available on Eddie Bauer and Limited). We''d recommend that you opt for the reverse-sensing system to help maneuver this behemoth.
Powertrains and Performance:
Three engines are available on two-wheel-drive and four-wheel-drive Excursions. Standard on all models is a 5.4-liter V8 that makes 255 horsepower at 4,500 rpm and 350 pound-feet of torque at 2,500 rpm. Optional engines include a 6.8-liter V10 or a 6.0-liter turbodiesel V8. The V10 produces 310 hp and 425 lb-ft of torque. The Power Stroke turbodiesel generates 325 hp and a superbeefy 560 lb-ft of torque. All are matched to a four-speed automatic transmission, except the turbodiesel which gets a five-speed automatic. When properly equipped, the Excursion can tow up to 11,000 pounds.
Safety:
The Excursion comes standard with four-wheel antilock disc brakes. Optional equipment includes power-adjustable foot pedals and a reverse-sensing system. Designed to be as crash-compatible with regular passenger cars as possible, the Excursion includes a Blockbeam at the front of the frame to help dissipate crash energy during a collision with a smaller vehicle. The Excursion hasn''t yet been crash tested by the NHTSA or IIHS.
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For more Safety information, see Edmunds'' Safety page. |
Interior Design and Special Features:
Donated by the Super Duty pickup truck, the rather industrial dashboard of the Excursion prioritizes function over form. Eddie Bauer models dress things up a bit with a two-tone color scheme, while Limiteds get cherrywood trim to jazz up the interior. The Excursion can carry nine passengers in XLS or XLT trim, but all other models are restricted to eight because of the front captain''s chairs. Maximum cargo space is 146.4 cubic feet.
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For more Interior Features information, see Edmunds'' Specifications page. |
Driving Impressions:
The Excursion is one of the largest vehicles on the road, and as you''d expect, it doesn''t take kindly to life in urban areas. Ride quality isn''t bad, but GM''s full-size SUVs seem downright plush in comparison. Steering feel is vague, so be prepared to make continual corrections to keep the Excursion from drifting into other lanes on the highway. That said, if you''ve got to have one, this is the year to buy: Besides the fact that Excursion production will end in 2004, the new 6.0-liter diesel should provide better acceleration than this 7,000-pounder has ever known.
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For more Driving Impressions, Recent Articles and Car Awards from Edmunds'' editors, see Edmunds'' Road Tests page. |
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