Acquiring a new vehicle is sometimes brought on by embarking on a new hobby. After a somewhat impulsive purchase of an old cabin cruiser boat, we realized that our xTerra wasn’t going to cut it as a tow vehicle. The combined weight of boat, trailer, and everything else that went into a day on San Diego’s Mission Bay over-taxed the xTerra (COAL). It was time to get something bigger, and we really went big.
[The reason we ‘needed’ the Excursion.]
The xTerra got decent mileage for a compact body-on-frame SUV, and the drop in mileage that a full-size V8 powered SUV would have was not something we were looking forward to. A diesel engine would give us the pulling power we needed, and should still keep our mileage in a range that we were used to. Going after a diesel pushed us to looking at ¾ and 1-ton platforms. Add in the fact James wanted to still have an SUV and that limited our options to two. With our affinity for Ford products, we started looking for a Powerstroke equipped Ford Excursion.
The Excursion came out in 1999 as the SUV version of Ford’s new Super Duty pickups. It was available with a 5.4L SOHC V8, 6.8L V-10, or a 7.3L diesel V8 branded Power Stroke. Trim levels were XLT and Limited. Both 2- and 4-wheel drive were available.
[The 7.3L Powerstroke Turbo Diesel V8.]
When it came to shopping for a used Excursion, we didn’t care the trim level or drive type… as long as it had the diesel engine. Searching Autotrader.com, it was clear that the diesel engines commanded a nice premium over the gas counterparts. That did not sway us, it was diesel or bust. We located a nice 2001 XLT 2-wheel drive in Corona, CA. It was about a 90 minute drive just to go look at it and test drive it. After the test drive and paperwork, we now owned the big brute of a truck.
What a beast it was!! This thing was huge!! Mrs. Leona Campbell was right, it was bigger than the Cineplex. During the test drive, I rode part of the way in the 3rd row seat. I was so far away from the front of the truck, almost like being in a limo. As big as it was, it actually drove pretty smoothly down the freeway. The ride was smoother than the xTerra. The big square rig was surprisingly easy to maneuver due to actually knowing where the corners of it were. James became very proficient at parallel parking the thing, in spaces that most Camry drivers wouldn’t try. As heavy as it was, the 7.3L diesel engine had plenty of power to get the thing up to speed. I had always associated diesels with being loud and clattery. Standing outside it, with the engine running, it was clearly a diesel. But, it wasn’t as loud as a Cummins Ram or older diesel heavy duty trucks.
Inside, it was a different story. At the time, this was the closest to a luxury car that we had experienced. Ford did a great job of taming the shakes and the sounds typical of a diesel engine. It was just barely audible, and flooring it only produced a bit more turbo whine from under the hood. The leather seats were comfortable, and at 6’1” I fit everywhere, even in the third row. The dash was shared with the Super Duty trucks, so it was very utilitarian and typical Ford plastic dash. The stereo was the corporate AM/FM Cassette deck, with a remote mounted 10-disc CD changer. Climate control was all manual controls, we didn’t have the optional auto climate control system. No squeaks or rattles anywhere in that truck.
As for the primary purpose of purchasing the vehicle, it made a great towing vehicle. Towing the boat with the xTerra, it was clearly felt. In the Excursion, it didn’t even break a sweat. It was easy to tow with, and still very maneuverable. Another consideration for the diesel was gas mileage. For just around town driving, we averaged 17-18 mpg according to the overhead trip computer. This was equal to what we got with the xTerra. On several longer trips with mostly freeway driving, we averaged 20-22 mpg. The Excursion was equipped with a 44 gallon gas tank, and we determined that we had enough of a (theoretical) range to drive from San Diego to Albuquerque without having to refuel. Another thing we learned because of that 44 gallon tank, most pumps that you pay at the pump would stop at either $75 or $100. While the time between fill ups was almost doubled, it also was still a shock to see the pump stop at $100 and know it still wasn’t completely full.
One nifty feature that the Excursion had compared to other SUVs was the tailgate. The top portion of the tailgate swung upwards, and the lower part of the tailgate was split into barn doors. This made loading things in the back very easy to do when the boat was hooked up to the back.
One glorious afternoon boating off the coast of La Jolla, we heard a loud boom and the boat lost forward motion. We were rescued and towed back to the boat launch by Vessel Assist, loaded up the boat and headed home. A tear down confirmed the suspicion, the outdrive was toast. We had fun times on the boat, but the expense and upkeep costs of the boat had started us to consider selling. This major expense sealed the deal. The boat was sold off to a couple who restored old boats in their retirement.
We no longer had a need for something so large and so powerful. However, without the need James still enjoyed driving it. I had already been shopping for a convertible to replace my Tempo. Our roommate at the time worked at El Cajon Ford. One Saturday afternoon, he called us and begged us to come down. They had just received in trade a car “we just had to see.” It was a Mustang, but it wasn’t a convertible. He thought I would like the car enough to choose it over a convertible. While it was a very nice car, I was not about to give up a convertible. However, James was smitten with it. We came home with it that night. The Excursion was put up for sale, and it wasn’t very long before a family of 7 had purchased it. The Excursion had served us well for about 18 months, and now it was going on to serve this new family. Its now 12 years later, and we now live a few neighborhoods over from where the family who purchased it lived. About a month ago I saw what I thought was our old Excursion fueling up. A quick glance at the plate (and later confirmed via old photos) revealed that it was in fact our old Excursion, still on the road and presumably with the same family considering where I saw it.
I’ve always wished those didn’t look like they were dragging their butts on the ground…spoiled a really powerful look in my eyes.
Somebody else can do the boat jokes (Bring Out Another Thousand).
The district owns ONE Excursion with the V10, I got to drive it once and found it far too school bus like for its own good. Just getting into the thing made you feel like you should have a CDL.
Suburbans feel like sport sedans in comparison.
“Boat: A hole in the water surrounded by wood into which one pours money.”
HAHA… i’ve heard a lot of boat jokes, but that one is new to me.
Although I’ve never owned or driven a Ford Excursion, I’ve always liked them. They’re so massive compared to the Expedition or the Explorer that I believe the Powerstroke diesel engine should’ve come standard with the vehicle.
I’ve only ever driven the Powerstroke. The V10 would have been an interesting alternative. I can’t imagine how slow and inefficient it would have been with the base 5.4L Triton V8.
Would have been fine…I have driven a 5.4 in an E350 shuttle bus, and it hauled it around with no struggling.
Great vehicles for anyone into outdoors recreation – boating, hunting, camping, fishing. And actually pretty efficient once you consider their capacity – I did a few deer camps with someone who owned one, could easily haul six adult males and all their gear, something even a Suburban would struggle with.
But, as the above comment indicates, there are many people who seemingly live to hate on these vehicles and the people who drive them.
Very sad!
Wonder if a vehicle like this could get by on a much smaller turbo diesel today and still tow the big stuff. The Audi Q7 and Toureg went quickly from a tdi V10 to a V6 tdi. And the MB Sprinters have 5 cylinder diesels.
Likely so. Ford has been putting the 3.5 liter Ecoboost in the smaller Expedition. However, the Excursion has been cancelled but I’d keep an eye on 3/4 ton pickups as they are pretty much the same thing.
I saw recently a huge boat 25ft behind a 3.0L diesel Hilux, he was doing the legal towing limit 90kmh up an expressway overpass.
Certainly. Here’s a truck with a 6.7 liter inline-6 diesel. Max. GVM, with a trailer, is 32,000 kg / 70,500 lbs.
International put the T444E (their version of the 7.3 Powerstroke) in 28 ton beer haulers and even single axle semi tractors.
Ah but thats a real truck Johannes not a tr like an excursion, with a five axle drawbar trailer we can gross 50,000kg on the right roads with a rig like that.
I know Bryce, but the question was about the engine displacement of a (modern) turbodiesel and what it can haul/tow. And as far as I know that Excursion is registered as a truck too.
I am not at all surprised that it is still around. With proper maintenance the engine should be good for 300,000+ miles. However, over a 15 year period the A/C, radio, etc., etc., etc. probably have been replaced.
Friends who have Chevy diesels say the transmission is as strong as the engine – Allisons I think. No idea what transmission for used.
All Excursions used the 4R100 automatic…which was pretty good by then.
Another reason we opted for the diesel engine, the longevity. At the time of purchase, we were at the time coming from families that drove cars until the wheels fell off (practically). So we still had long term investment in mind at the time. This would mark a turning point for us in how long we owned vehicles, the next several come in comparatively rapid succession.
The reality is that the V10 is extremely durable, certainly more so that the 6.0 and 6.4 Power Strokes that followed the 7.3 PS. 300K or more in heavy commercial use is not unheard of. The V10 Dial-a-ride E-Series cutaway transit buses used locally don’t hit the auction until an average of 350k and they drive in and drive out with their new owners.
I have a very good friend that has a 2000 Excursion with the 7.3L. Currently has 340,000 miles and is in pretty good shape. Everything but the heated seats still function. There are no plans to get rid of it anytime soon.
As to the V-10: I have a 2004 Super Duty with the 6.8L V-10. My truck has 200K and tune ups are the only thing that’s been done to the engine. I have 4.30 gears and I can tow anything I put behind it (with-in reason). The diesel Ex will knock me down on fuel mileage; but I will pull a hill almost as well as he does…those 4.30’s are responsible for that. Diesel Fords from that era only has 3.73’s in the rear.
Whether you have a 7.3 oil burner or the 6.8L gas; both work well in that class of vehicle based on my experience.
I have seen even more…the highest miles I saw on a Ford V10 were 553,000, in a 2000 F550 that saw the brutal duty of a repo truck.
That was an interesting COAL to read. It seems to me you guys bought it and used it for the right reasons.
I laughed out loud when I watched Leona Campbell’s video clip. The clip is like an invitation to good-natured “This thing’s so big…” jokes.
“This thing is so big you need a cellphone to talk to the 3rd row passengers.”
“This thing is so big you run out of gas when you ride your moped around it.”
Color me a wee jealous, I’ve always liked Excursions. Yeah they were kinda big, but so were Country Squires. Unfortunately, they’re pretty rare in Canada, and expensive to buy once you’ve found them, so I’ve never had the pleasure of owning one.
Ford Exploitation.
Still like ’em.
That’s the only vehicle where I could comfortably sit behind myself in all 3 rows! I’m 6’5″.
“Damn the environment, full speed ahead”.The Prius pisser offer.
I’m gonna take a guess based on my 28 years as a marine mechanic. OMC outdrive?
At this point, I can’t remember. The boat was James toy, I just enjoyed the outings in it.
The two happiest days in a boat owner’s life: the day he buys a boat and the day he sells it.
I think Ford introduced the Excursion 20 yrs. to late . By 1999 5th wheel travel trailers and crew cab trucks had become the rig of choice among RVers
I love these, in the same way I loved my 3/4 454 Suburban. Both trucks make certain types of people scoff and ask if your joking them.
I have tremendous respect for these vehicles. They’re purposeful. And unlike Suburbans, they’re driven almost exclusively by people who need their functionality. (Don’t take this the wrong way, Suburban owners: if my garage were big enough, I’d drive one too! Or more likely an Expedition EL… What’s the point of that skyscraper seating position if you don’t have to floor-to-ceiling windows like the Ford?)
Not in Southern California. A lot of Excursions were purchased by the same people who would have bought a Suburban (in the manner you describe above), for the size and image that it conveys vs. actually using it for what it’s designed for. I still see many Excursions rolling around southern california jacked up on bit rims, mom running it down to the mall or the grocery store. Never had anything hooked up to the back or have seen an off road trail at all. That’s why there was so much hate for them when they came out here in SoCal…. too many poseurs were buying them.
Nice Canyonero. Handling of a European Sports Car with the toughness of a Sherman Tan…. Sorry, nice car, I love that Simpsons episode.
I saw a white Excursion with a bug guard on the hood that said “MOBY DICK”.
Nice truck. This is the kind of colour combo and style I would get today if they still sold them. Nowadays the big trucks look fierce and really reinforce the stereotype of overcompensation whether its personality-toughness, otherwise, and etc etc etc.
The Excursion I drove once, while large, really felt no different than my Econoline 3/4 ton Club Wagon XLT with a raised floorpan and longer hood. The media and environmentalists really hammered these vehicles when new when in fact these vehicles (with the identical taillight lenses, no less) had been in existence for decades.
If I was in the market for one, this exact model and paint scheme would definitely catch my eye. Very slick.
Imagine how big the Excursion looks on a road in the Philippines surrounded by trikes, small cars and small motorcycles. I have driven one of these beasts once in my life and not because I wanted to. Friends were making a 60 mile drive from around the former Clark Air Base down to the former Navy Base at Subic. Only problem was they lived there and all were taking their Harleys.
The solution was that one of them offered me the chance to drive his truck down. Then I see a big black Excursion with Dutch diplomatic plates on it and am told this is it. So we take off with my girlfriend as copilot and her all important cellphone. The trip through the Mt. Pinatubo Lahar fields (2001) was easy as they were barren gray mounds with a road through the middle.
The problem came afterwards on the very narrow highway and vegetation, I took up 2/3 of the road, and them on their bikes. People, dogs, goats, chickens, trikes lined the road. Soon the bikes were lost which is why the cellphone came in handy. Finally made it to the base for lunch on a pier no less. Three US Navy ships in port so we had to drive through a couple of M16 toting Marine guards. Parking that monster at the hotel wasn’t easy as nothing is designed for it.
Reverse direction for the same thing back. The fun part came when a 7 series black BMW was coming up fast behind me as I trailed the guys on the Harleys. This driver was reckless. Needless to say he never managed to get around me the whole drive back.
My ’84 GMC Suburban with the 6.2 diesel got about the same mileage and had the same huge tank. I was able to navigate fast food drive thru lanes without scraping the tires 🙂
The PowerStroke, yes, that’ll be the engine that sounds all the time as though it is taking a stinky, wet and messy metallic shìt.
Just before these came out, I bought an f350 with the v10, small crew doors and I put a cap on the bed that matched the cab roofline. It looked like a building laying down.
That example is about as good as the Excursion ever got. As gasoline engines go, the 5.4L wasn’t near powerful enough, though the 2 valve V-10 was acceptable. The 7.3L Powerstroke was reliable and powerful, and delivered decent fuel economy as well. The 6.0L Powerstroke had no redeeming qualities whatsover as far as I could see. And to make matters even worse, the service trick of removing the cab for major engine work on the 6.0L trucks was often not feasible on Excursions.
There are a few – very few – of those and the F-series pick-ups here in Austria and it seems those are owned by people who actually make them work for living, towing boats and similar. Here’s one at the Vienna marina. You do need a light truck license to drive them so that limits their popularity (if you could even use that word in this context). In contrast, Chevs and Rams are often owned by posers. Don’t ask me why.
As much hate as the Prius gets from certain quarters, the Excursion got even more from others years before.
Me, I always had a Jones on for one. But WOW, did they ever hold their resale value. In every way, these made my Club Wagon (E-150 version) look like an economy car.
Do I remember that the third row lacked head restraints? That made it a nonstarter for major passenger duty at my house. But even with the kids gone, part of me still wants one.
My 98 Escort didn’t have rear head restraints either! Total fail.
For all the hate these things garnered at the time, they were actually good trucks. I wonder if discontinuing them was more because of the negative PR than profitability.
I always kind of figured that these were the result of Ford’s curious (and short-lived) plan to offer two completely different pickup lines – the regular F series for soft suburbanites and the Super Duty line for heavy work. The smaller “consumer grade” Expedition was based off of the lighter truck line and these were from the Super Duty truck.
Once Ford went back to a single (updated) truck line, I can’t imagine that these sold in anywhere near the volume to keep building it once the Super Duty that supplied most of its frontal body parts (and mechanical bits) disappeared.
Does the current (2007+) Expedition EL come in Super Duty versions to handle the really heavy loads? Or is this a market that Ford just abandoned?
Ford continued to offer separate light duty (F150) and Super Duty (F250/F350/F450) lines of trucks. I think now that the Super Duty finally got a full redesign this year, it comes closer to the F150 than it had been in the past… but I’m not 100% sure on that as I’ve not read up on the new truck.
The Excursion was discontinued in 2005 model year. I dont know if it was profit driven, or if it was media driven. I do know that there was a lot of flack by the media about how over grown the trucks were and that they were used by owners to just be pavement-pounders and grocery getters. It became one of the symbols of sheer excess of Americas in the mid 00s. After it was discontinued, Ford offered the Expedition EL to compete with the Suburban in the light duty, fullsize 7-8 passenger SUV segment.
As the Super Duty kept getting updates, many components stayed the same up until the full redesign for 2017. The doors are interchangable, the beds are interchangable. The basic cab is also the same from 1999-2016. If Ford wanted to continue the Excursion, it would have been easy to do. Further driving this point home, there is a company out there that makes “New” Excursions off of new Super Duty pickups. The back half of an Excursion is grafted onto the cab of a crew cab super duty. These actually look even better than the original Excursion. They also offer 6-door conversions as well.
I guess that probably answers that question. If a customizer can make a profit selling those things, there’s little doubt Ford could.
Then again, there’s probably also safety and CAFE requirements that could have played a part as well.
CAFE has nothing to do with it, they were heavy enough that they were exempt like all the other 3/4 ton and up trucks. Ford dropped the E-150 and reintroduced the E-250 with a E-150 badge to exclude it from the CAFE calculations.
As far as the safety aspect if the Super Duty pickups it was based on met safety standards there is no reason that the Excursion wouldn’t.
Wow, I had no idea that such interchangeability continued for so long. In truth, I remember what happened to the sales of big vehicles in the summer of 2006 when fuel went through the roof, and then the great recession hit soon after, so Ford probably picked a good time to discontinue these. I like it with that modern grille, though.
I guess this shows how out of touch I have been with the big truck market in recent years.
As Brian mention it wasn’t until the 2017 Super Duty that they started sharing significant numbers of components with the F150. Though the bed was based on the 97 F150 for its entire run.
There is no “3/4 ton” version of the Expedition and the fact is that GM also dropped the “3/4 ton” Suburban. I have a sliver of hope that with the reunification of the F150 and Super Duty and finally a new Expedition that they might introduce a 3/4 ton EL.
Expedition/Navigator has been on a unique platform for a few generations (if I recall correctly, since they fit the IRS to accommodate the power fold-flat 3rd row seat).
Chevy recently introduced a 1 ton 3500 series Suburban, but it is available to fleets only.
http://www.gmfleet.com/chevrolet/suburban-hd-heavy-duty-suv.html
According to the specs it’s gas only. Makes sense since it’s being marketed for up-armored Professional Security Detail applications which are mainly overseas where US spec low-sulfur diesel might be scarce.