2003 Ford Excursion: Road Test
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2003 Ford Excursion ▼
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- MSRP: $36,435 -$49,690
- Invoice: $32,049 -$43,449
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Our road test for the 2003 Ford Excursion includes a full evaluation of the 2003 Ford Excursion from the inside out. We evaluate not only engine and handling performance for the 2003 Ford Excursion, but also interior cabin and cargo space. Let our comprehensive road test ratings for the 2003 Ford Excursion help you decide if a 2003 Ford Excursion is right for you.
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ACCELERATION
| XLT 2WD, V10 | Limited 4WD, V10 | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 3 | 3 | 4.1 |
V10 gets this heavy SUV to cruising speed fairly quickly. Highway passing response is adequate. We've not tested a version with the V8 or new turbodiesel. Excursion can tow up to 11,000 lb.
FUEL ECONOMY
| XLT 2WD, V10 | Limited 4WD, V10 | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1 | 2 |
Test V10s averaged 9.6 mpg with 4WD, 10.8 with 2WD, among the lowest figures we've recorded. Gas engines use regular fuel.
RIDE QUALITY
| XLT 2WD, V10 | Limited 4WD, V10 | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 3 | 3 | 4.8 |
A stable straightline cruiser undisturbed by most broken pavement, though bigger bumps and ridges register fairly sharply.
STEERING/HANDLING/BRAKING
| XLT 2WD, V10 | Limited 4WD, V10 | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 2 | 2 | 3.1 |
Ponderous on twisting roads. Steering is light, but turning diameter is huge, making it a chore to maneuver in parking lots. Brakes are easily modulated and feel strong, but drivers need to reacclimate to longer stopping distances.
QUIETNESS
| XLT 2WD, V10 | Limited 4WD, V10 | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 3 | 3 | 5.4 |
Suppression of wind rush and road roar is quite good. Engine intrudes only under full throttle.
CONTROLS
| XLT 2WD, V10 | Limited 4WD, V10 | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 6 | 6 | 6.6 |
Organized layout, though driver must stretch for audio and climate controls. View of road is big-rig tall, but small objects hide along flanks. Reverse-sensing system helpful, especially since the deep-tint windows reduce night visibility. Interior decor ranges from pickup-truck functional on XLT to leather-plush on Limited; solid assembly.
ROOM/COMFORT/DRIVER SEATING (FRONT)
| XLT 2WD, V10 | Limited 4WD, V10 | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 9 | 9 | 8.6 |
Accommodating seats, generous room, though wide transmission tunnel cuts into front passenger footwell. Power-adjustable pedals aid comfort and can help shorter drivers sit a safer distance from steering-wheel airbag.
ROOM/COMFORT (REAR)
| XLT 2WD, V10 | Limited 4WD, V10 | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 9 | 9 | 8.3 |
Second-row passengers get the roomiest accommodations, highlighted by exceptional leg space. Third-row hospitable to adults if not sofa comfortable.
CARGO ROOM
| XLT 2WD, V10 | Limited 4WD, V10 | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 9 | 9 | 9 |
Huge, even with 3rd-row seat in place. That seat folds or removes, but it's heavy. The 2nd-row bench also folds. Cargo-bay access is by a top-hinged window above rear half-doors. These "Dutch" doors are less cumbersome than a one-piece panel, but don't open or close unless the liftglass is open.
VALUE WITHIN CLASS
| XLT 2WD, V10 | Limited 4WD, V10 | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 3 | 3 | 6.9 |
Excursion is too cumbersome to act as a "suburban utility vehicle." But if you tow heavy loads, need 4WD, and can tolerate abysmal fuel economy, this huge wagon is an acceptable SUV value.
Total Score
| XLT 2WD, V10 | Limited 4WD, V10 | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 48 | 48 | 58.8 |
Total Score: 48
Scores for all Large Sport-utility Vehicles
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