2003 Ford Excursion: Overview

Vehicle Highlights

Introduction of an Eddie Bauer trim level and a new diesel engine highlight 2003 for the largest SUV sold in America. Excursion is 7.4 inches longer than a Chevrolet Suburban, 6 inches taller, and 2000 lb heavier. It seats up to nine and offers rear-wheel drive or 4WD that must be disengaged on dry pavement but includes low-range gearing. Gasoline V8 and V10 engines return, while Ford at midyear switched turbodiesel V8s, from a 7.3 liter with 250 hp and 525 lb-ft of torque to a 6.0 with 325 and 550. All engines use automatic transmissions--the gas engines a 4 speed, the turbodiesel a 5 speed. Antilock 4-wheel disc brakes are standard. Side airbags aren't offered. The Eddie Bauer slots between the base XLT line and top-range Limited models. It's distinguished by front and rear body-color trim set off by beige accents. Power-adjustable pedals are standard on Eddie Bauer and Limited, optional on XLT models. Same goes for leather upholstery and rear-obstacle detection. Among other available features are rear DVD entertainment and a 6-disc in-dash CD player.

COMPETITION

Our Best Buys, Chevrolet Tahoe and Suburban, are improved for 2003 with optional four-wheel steering and revised dashboards. These vehicles were new for 2000 and have improved with age. The all-new Ford Expedition gets bumped up to Best Buy status with revised styling, power 3rd-row seating, and the addition of an FX4 off-road edition.

Recommended are GMC Yukon and Toyota Sequoia. We love the size, comfort, and power of these big SUVs but wish sticker prices were a bit lower.