2000 Ford Excursion: Overview

Vehicle Highlights

Excursion debuts for 2000 as the world's biggest, heaviest sport-utility vehicle. Against the previous title-holder, the Chevrolet Suburban, Excursion is 7.4 inches longer on a 7-inch-longer wheelbase. It stands about 6 inches taller and is some 1900 pounds heavier.
Based on Ford's 3/4-ton F-Series pickup truck, Excursion seats up to nine, has four side doors, and center-opening rear half-doors below a one-piece top-hinged tailgate window. It comes in XLT and Limited models, both with 2- or 4-wheel drive. Automatic transmission and 4-wheel antilock disc brakes are standard.
A V8 is the base engine. A V10 is standard with 4WD and optional with 2WD. Available with either drivetrain is a turbocharged diesel V8. The 4WD system shifts between 2WD and 4-high and 4-low via a dashboard switch, but is not for use on dry pavement. General Motors rivals and Ford's Expedition offer full-time 4WD that need not be disengaged on dry pavement.
Excursion has dashboard airbags, but no side airbags. Front bucket seats are standard on Limited and available for XLT in lieu of a 3-place bench. Both get a fold-down second-row bench and a removable third-row bench. Leather upholstery is standard on Limited, optional on XLT. Standard on Limited and optional on XLT is a reverse sensing system that sounds an alert of objects in Excursion's path when backing up.
In response to safety and environmental critics, Ford says all Excursion engines meet low-emission-vehicle standards and that the SUV makes extensive use of recycled materials. Excursion also introduces Ford's BlockerBeam, a steel cross member below the front bumper designed to prevent cars from sliding under in a crash. In back is a standard trailer hitch intended for the same purpose.

COMPETITION

Though this segment has cooled somewhat with the rise in fuel prices, it's still one of the hottest. Our Best Buy is the Ford Expedition. We love the size, comfort, and power of this big SUV. Hot on its heels are the Chevrolet Tahoe and GMC Yukon. We were very impressed with these vehicles initially, and when we have more time to fully evaluate them we expect them to be Best Buys as well. For a few more bucks you can get the highly recommended Toyota Land Cruiser. Its high price is the only thing holding back this refined and drivable SUV.