Driving Impressions

Cruising along in a 2004 Ford Excursion gives you a secure feeling. The optional V10 ($585) is a delightful engine. It produces 310 horsepower and generates a very impressive 425 pounds-feet of torque at 3250 rpm. It can propel the Excursion along the Interstate at high rates of speed. Tell someone you have a V10 and they think you're driving a rocket. But an Excursion 4x4 weighs about 7,200 pounds, so even with the V10, its acceleration at high altitudes seems no better than in an Explorer or Expedition. Still, our Excursion had no trouble passing other vehicles on two-lane roads. The Excursion is rock solid at 97 mph where a governor keeps you from going any faster. The EPA doesn't even rate trucks this big for fuel economy, but you should expect something in the 12-mpg range. We saw 14 mpg on the highway, but 10 mpg is more likely around town. Despite its high initial price, about 60 percent of excursion buyers opt for the 6.0-liter Power Stroke diesel. This is a state-of-the-art unit, with hydraulic rail direct pilot injection and four valves per cylinder. Ford claims it offers best-in-class power, with 325 horsepower and 560 pounds-feet of torque, the latter at just 2000 rpm. That much torque should certainly be sufficient for pulling stumps out of your yard or pulling heavy trailers up steep ramps. Introduced in mid-2003, this new-generation diesel was designed for less noise, cleaner emissions, and better efficiency than the larger, but less powerful, diesel that it replaced. The diesel gets about 18 mpg, yielding a range of more than 700 miles from its 44-gallon fuel tank. The five-speed automatic transmission that comes exclusively with the diesel offers a Tow-Haul mode which, when activated, automatically minimizes shifts and maximizes available torque. According to Ford, this can help increase a driver's feeling of control when towing large loads up and down steep grades. We didn't try the standard 5.4-liter V8, but we suspect it would struggle if you loaded six passengers and luggage and headed for the mountains. With 255 horsepower at 4500 rpm, and 350 pounds-feet of torque at 2500 rpm, the V8 is best suited for the flatlands. While 2WD Excursions come with Ford's signature Twin I-Beam independent front suspension and coil springs, the 4WD version rides on a solid front axle and leaf springs. But differences in ride and handling between the two are surprisingly subtle. Our test vehicle had the 4WD Trailer Tow Group ($275), which includes a rear anti-roll bar, and it seemed to compensate for some of the weight up front from a handling standpoint. The 4x4 handles well for a big rig, tackling corners with confidence and offering good grip on dirt roads. At high speeds, the Excursion is stable. Strong crosswinds and an 18-wheeler going in the opposite direction had little effect. However, Excursion does not offer the ride sophistication of the Chevrolet Suburban and GMC Yukon XL 1500 models. The all-terrain tires that are now standard on all 4WD Excursions are good for muddy trails, but the all-season tires that come with 2WD models are smoother and quieter for towing long distances. Its long wheelbase means the Excursion is not a serious off-road vehicle. But the part-time four-wheel-drive system and 8.1-inch ground clearance should get you up some pretty gnarly dirt roads in nasty weather. Ford's clever vacuum-controlled hub-locking system quickly engages four-wheel drive on the fly by pressing a button. A low-range set of gears is ready whenever you need to tackle steep, slippery terrain. If you do drive off the pavement or on snow-covered roads, you'll want to opt for the limited-slip differential ($250) and the transfer-case skid plate ($100). Towing, more than anything, is what the Excursion is designed to do. Properly equipped, it can tow trailers up to 11,000 pounds. That's more than enough to pull a hefty boat. All Excursions come ready to tow, with a C

Final Word

Ford's gargantuan sport-utility is a stable platform for towing heavy trailers and can at the same time carry a truckload of fishermen. It rides fairly well for a heavy-duty truck and it's luxurious and comfortable. For those who want to tow trailers up to 11,000 pounds, the Excursion is a good alternative to a pickup with a cap. Ford says it will continue to produce the Excursion through the 2005 model year. The Ford Excursion should not, however, be considered an alternative to a minivan. It's far too thirsty, and its size, weight and design make for poor maneuverability and handling when compared with minivans and light-duty SUVs.