Editing Ford Excursion

{{Short description|American heavy-duty SUV}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=February 2022}}

{{Infobox automobile
| name = Ford Excursion
| image = 2000-04 Ford Excursion.jpg
| caption = 2001 Ford Excursion Limited
| manufacturer = [[Ford Motor Company]]
| model_code = UW137<ref>{{cite web|url= http://www.zaytran.com/Automotive_Projects.htm |title=Automotive Projects |date=2007 |website=zaytran.com |access-date=June 23, 2022}}</ref>
| production = 1999 – September 30, 2005
| model_years = 2000–2005<br />2000–2006 (Mexico)
| assembly = [[Louisville, Kentucky]] ([[Kentucky Truck Assembly]])
| class = [[Full-size SUV]]
| body_style = 4-door [[Sport utility vehicle|SUV]]<ref>{{cite book |url= https://books.google.com/books?id=PIqTMu1dc8QC&q=Ford+Excursion+rear+liftgate+w/lower+%22Dutch%22+doors |page=100 |title=Consumer Guide Automobile Book, 2001 |publisher=Publications International |year=2001 |isbn=978-0-7853-4639-5 |access-date=July 27, 2015}}</ref>
| related = [[Ford Super Duty]]
| layout = [[FR layout|Front engine, rear-wheel drive]] / [[four-wheel drive]]
| engine = 5.4&nbsp;L ''[[Ford Modular engine#5.4.C2.A0L|Triton]]'' [[V8 engine|V8]]<br />6.8&nbsp;L ''[[Ford Modular engine#6.8.C2.A0L V10|Triton]]'' [[V10 engine|V10]]<br />7.3&nbsp;L ''[[Navistar T444E engine|Power Stroke]]'' V8 [[turbodiesel]]<br />6.0&nbsp;L ''[[Navistar VT engine#VT365|Power Stroke]]'' V8 turbodiesel
| transmission = Ford ''[[Ford C6 transmission#4R100|4R100]]'' 4-speed automatic<br />Ford ''5R110W'' 5-speed automatic
| wheelbase = {{convert|137.1|in|mm|0|abbr=on}}
| length = {{convert|226.7|in|mm|0|abbr=on}}
| width = 2000–01: {{convert|80.0|in|mm|0|abbr=on}}<br />2002–05: {{convert|79.9|in|mm|0|abbr=on}}
| height = 4WD: {{convert|80.2|in|mm|0|abbr=on}}<br />2WD: {{convert|77.2|in|mm|0|abbr=on}}
| weight = {{convert|7700|lb|kg|abbr=on}} (Turbodiesel)<br />{{convert|7200|lb|kg|abbr=on}} (Gasoline)
| predecessor = 
| successor = [[Ford Expedition#Expedition EL/Max|Ford Expedition EL/MAX]] (indirect)
}}

The '''Ford Excursion''' is a heavy-duty ([[Truck classification#Class 2|Class 2]]) full-size SUV marketed by [[Ford Motor Company]] from 2000 through 2005. At its introduction, the Excursion was the longest and heaviest SUV ever to enter mass production. The third Ford SUV was derived from the F-Series pickup trucks (after the [[Ford Bronco]] and the [[Ford Expedition]]), and the model line used a heavier-duty chassis and frame than the Expedition; both vehicles competed against the [[Chevrolet Suburban]].

Developed as a competitor for the 2500-series ({{Fraction|3|4}}-ton) [[Chevrolet Suburban#Ninth generation (2000)|Chevrolet Suburban/GMC Yukon XL]],<ref name="BBB">{{cite magazine |date=November 1999 |editor-last=McCosh |editor-first=Dan |title=Big, bigger, biggest |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=RsHqYbQ6maEC&q=Ford+Excursion+is+the+biggest+sport-utility+on+the+planet&pg=PA48 |access-date=June 23, 2022 |magazine=Popular Science |page=48 |via=Google Books |volume=255 |issue=5}}</ref><ref name="Weitzman2">{{cite web |last=Weitzman |first=Larry |year=2000 |title=The Ford Excursion, It doesn't get any Bigger |url= http://www.theautochannel.com/vehicles/new/reviews/2000/lweitzman_ford_excursion_2000.html |access-date=September 17, 2012 |website=theautochannel.com}}</ref> the Ford Excursion was derived from the {{Fraction|3|4}}-ton [[Ford Super Duty#First generation (1999–2007)|F-250 Super Duty]] pickup truck (sharing its chassis with the regular cab, long-bed chassis). The model line was produced for a single generation; a shortened 2006 model year was offered exclusively for Mexico. Targeting the North American market, only a few were produced for export. The Excursion remains the largest mass-produced SUV (matched in length by the 2023 introduction of the lighter [[Jeep Wagoneer (WS)#Wagoneer L and Grand Wagoneer L (2023- )|Jeep Grand Wagoneer L]]); currently, only the [[GMC Hummer EV|GMC Hummer EV SUV]] is heavier.

The Excursion was assembled at its [[Kentucky Truck Plant]] ([[Louisville, Kentucky]]) alongside the [[Ford Super Duty]] line. The last example was produced on September 30, 2005. For 2007, Ford introduced the extended-length [[Ford Expedition#Expedition EL/Max|Ford Expedition EL/MAX]] (today, Expedition MAX), competing more closely against the 1500-series Suburban in capability.

==Origin and concept==
For the 1973 model year, General Motors redesigned its Suburban utility wagon (sold by Chevrolet and GMC dealers) as part of its [[Chevrolet C/K (third generation)|Rounded-Line C/K]] trucks. A fourth passenger door was added, allowing the model line to compete directly against the similar-size [[International Harvester Travelall]] wagon for the first time. Following the 1975 discontinuation of the Travelall, the Suburban became the only wagon-style full-size SUV (a distinction it would hold until the 1997 introduction of the Expedition), competing primarily against the smaller [[Jeep Wagoneer (SJ)|Jeep Wagoneer]].

For 1978, the [[Ford Bronco#Second generation (1978)|second-generation Ford Bronco]] was released, becoming a full-size SUV. To compete against the [[Chevrolet K5 Blazer|Chevrolet K5 Blazer/GMC Jimmy]] and [[Dodge Ramcharger]], the Bronco adopted design commonality with the contemporary [[Ford F-Series (sixth generation)|Ford F-100]] pickup truck while retaining its previous body style: a three-door half-cab wagon with a lift-off hardtop (a configuration also used by the Blazer/Jimmy). In contrast to the [[Chevrolet C/K (third generation)|Rounded-Line pickup trucks]] serving as the basis for the K5 Blazer and the Suburban (which shared much of its bodywork with crew-cab pickup trucks), Ford did not develop a five-door station wagon body from its trucks.

During the 1980s and early 1990s, Ford marketed four-door versions of the Bronco on a special-order basis. License-built by second-party manufacturers, the designs mated the rear body of the Bronco to crew-cab F-Series bodywork.<ref name=":02">{{cite web |last=Snitkoff |first=Edward |date=January 18, 2017 |title=Curbside Classic: Ford Classic 350 – Centurion Vehicles Creates A Frankenstein Suburban Fighter |url=http://www.curbsideclassic.com/curbside-classics-american/curbside-classic-ford-classic-350-centurion-vehicles-creates-a-frankenstein-suburban-fighter/ |access-date=July 7, 2019 |language=en-US}}</ref><ref name=":12">{{cite web |date=February 28, 2016 |title=This is the 4-Door Ford Bronco You Didn't Know Existed |url=http://news.boldride.com/2015/11/ford-bronco-rare-centurion-classic/94489/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160228070650/http://news.boldride.com/2015/11/ford-bronco-rare-centurion-classic/94489/ |archive-date=February 28, 2016 |access-date=July 7, 2019}}</ref> Examples used the 1-ton F-350 chassis (a first since the IHC Travelall) as a basis. In contrast to the Suburban, offered with <big>½</big>-ton or <big>¾</big>-ton payload<ref name=":02" /><ref name=":12" />

For 1997, Ford released the [[Ford Expedition]] as its all-new SUV derived from the Ford F-150 (itself redesigned the same year). Nearly matching the International Travelall in size, the Expedition adopted a five-door wagon configuration, sized between the [[Chevrolet Tahoe]] (replacing the K5 Blazer) and the Suburban (offering the three-row interior seating of the latter).

For 1999, Ford expanded the F-Series model range, with the Super Duty series including the F-250 and F-350 (and all larger Ford trucks). The Super Duty F-Series trucks received a heavier-duty chassis, suspension, and distinct body design. Coinciding with the development of the Super Duty series, Ford commenced development of a heavy-duty SUV derived from the {{Fraction|3|4}}-ton F-250 Super Duty, intended to compete against the higher-payload 2500-series Suburban (itself based on a {{Fraction|3|4}}-ton pickup truck chassis).

==Design overview==
The Ford Excursion was introduced for the 2000 model year on September 30, 1999.<ref name="klik.com.my2">{{cite web |date=August 9, 1999 |title=Ford Excursion makes a grand debut |url= https://www.klik.com.my/item/story/479106/ford-excursion-makes-a-grand-debut |access-date=June 23, 2022 |website=klik.com.my |agency=Reuters}}</ref> In contrast to the Expedition (which replaced the Bronco), the Excursion had no direct predecessor in the Ford truck line. The model line is outranked in length (both body and wheelbase) and height by the [[Ford E-Series#Fourth generation (1992–present)|Ford E-350]] 12/15-passenger van.

===Chassis===
The Ford Excursion shares many body and chassis assemblies with its F-250 pickup truck counterpart. The front suspension and most of the rear suspension were common components, but the Excursion was fitted with different leaf springs and front spring hanger brackets. The Excursion had a distinct frame which differed from the front sway bar mounts rearward, making the model taller and wider than its pickup truck counterpart.

The rear axle for all Excursions was a [[Sterling 10.5 axle]]. The [[four-wheel-drive]] models had an NV273 [[transfer case]] and [[Dana 50]] front axle. Rear axle ratios of 3.73:1 and 4.30:1 were offered.

During the development of the chassis, Ford learned that its initial design caused smaller vehicles (such as a [[Ford Taurus (third generation)|Ford Taurus]]) to become severely overridden in a head-on collision. In the test, the tire of the Excursion drove up to the windshield of the Taurus (reducing the chance of survival for its driver).<ref name="bradsher2">{{cite book |last=Bradsher |first=Keith |url=https://archive.org/details/highmightydan00brad |title=High and mighty: the dangerous rise of the SUV |publisher=PublicAffairs |year=2004 |isbn=978-1-58648-203-9 |page=[https://archive.org/details/highmightydan00brad/page/199 199] |access-date=June 12, 2012 |url-access=registration}}</ref> As a response, Ford modified the chassis to include an under-bumper "blocker beam"; a safety device the French transportation ministry initially tested in 1971.<ref name="bradsher2" /> A trailer hitch was standard equipment to help reduce [[Semi-trailer truck#Underride guard|underriding]] in rear-end collisions by smaller vehicles.

==== Powertrain ====
During its entire production, the Excursion was offered with both gasoline and diesel engines. The standard gasoline engine was a 5.4&nbsp;L Triton V8; a 6.8&nbsp;L Triton V10 was offered as an option. At its launch, the optional diesel engine was the Navistar-produced 7.3&nbsp;L Power Stroke V8; during 2003 production, a Navistar-produced 6.0&nbsp;L diesel V8 was introduced, again using the Power Stroke name.

All four engines were paired with an automatic transmission. The 4-speed 4R100 automatic was fitted to the 5.4 L, 6.8 L, and 7.3&nbsp;L engines, with a 5-speed 5R110W automatic fitted to the 6.0&nbsp;L engine.
{| class="wikitable"
!Engine
!Configuration
!Fuel
!Production
!Power output
!Torque output
!Transmission
|-
|Ford ''[[Ford Triton engine#5.4|Triton]] V8''
|{{Convert|330|cuin|L|1|abbr=on|order=flip}} SOHC 2V V8
| rowspan="2" |Gasoline
| rowspan="2" |2000–2005
|{{convert|255|hp|kW PS|0|abbr=on}}
|{{convert|350|lbft|Nm|0|abbr=on}}
| rowspan="3" |4-speed automatic
Ford [[Ford C6 transmission#4R100|4R100]]
|-
|Ford ''[[Ford Triton engine#6.8|Triton]] V10''
|{{Convert|413|cuin|L|1|abbr=on|order=flip}} SOHC 2V V10
|{{convert|310|hp|kW PS|0|abbr=on}}
|{{convert|425|lbft|Nm|0|abbr=on}}
|-
|Ford/Navistar [[Ford Power Stroke engine#7.3|Power Stroke]] V8
|{{Convert|444|cuin|L|1|abbr=on|order=flip}} OHV V8 turbo
| rowspan="2" |Diesel
|2000–2003.5
|{{convert|250|hp|kW PS|0|abbr=on}}
|{{convert|525|lbft|Nm|0|abbr=on}}
|-
|Ford/Navistar [[Ford Power Stroke engine#6.0 Power Stroke|Power Stroke]] V8
|{{Convert|365|cuin|L|1|abbr=on|order=flip}} OHV 4V V8 turbo
|2003.5–2005
|{{convert|325|hp|kW PS|0|abbr=on}}
|{{convert|560|lbft|Nm|0|abbr=on}}
|5-speed automatic
Ford 5R110W TorqShift<ref>2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005 Ford Truck/SUV source books</ref>
|}
Though using the {{Fraction|3|4}}-ton chassis of the F-250, the two-wheel-drive Excursion was rated with a [[Gross vehicle weight rating|GVWR]] of {{convert|8600|lb|abbr=on}} when equipped with gasoline engines and {{convert|8900|lb|abbr=on}} when equipped with diesel engines (four-wheel-drive models have a {{convert|300|lb|abbr=on}} higher GVWR with either engine). As its GVWR was above {{convert|8500|lb||abbr=on}}, the Excursion was exempt from EPA fuel economy ratings; reviewers cited fuel economy in the range of 12-15&nbsp;mpg with the V10 gasoline engine.<ref name="Weitzman2" /> While its GVWR exempted it from emissions standards applied to light-duty vehicles, Ford designed the powertrains of the Excursion to meet [[United States vehicle emission standards#Phase 1: 1994–1999|low-emissions vehicle]] (LEV) status.<ref name="klik.com.my2" />

===Body design===
While the smaller Ford Expedition shared design elements with the popular Ford F-150, the Excursion adopted a high degree of commonality from its F-250 counterpart. Except for its egg-crate grille (styled similarly to the Expedition and the third-generation Explorer), the Excursion shares its front bodywork forward of the B-pillars with its pickup truck counterpart. From the B-pillar rearward, the Excursion is designed with model-distinct bodywork. Along with rear passenger doors specific to the model line (including forward-tilted C-pillars instead of the rectangular design from the pickup truck), the rear wagon body is styled similarly to the 1980-1996 Bronco (with flush-mounted glass). In place of a conventional liftgate, Ford designed the rear cargo door with a three-way layout (similar to the 1992–2005 [[Chevrolet Astro]]), pairing a framed upper window (with rear wiper) with two lower "Dutch doors"; the Excursion sourced its taillamps directly from the E-Series van. For 2005, the egg-crate grille was replaced by the grille used by Super Duty pickup trucks.

Sharing its dashboard entirely from the F-250 (though adding an "Excursion" nameplate badge), the interior was offered in either 8 or 9-passenger seating (with either a front bench seat or front bucket seats). As with the Bronco, Ford mounted the spare tire vertically in the cargo area (behind the third-row seat). For 2002, the instrument panel underwent minor revisions (receiving a digital odometer and a transmission temperature gauge); seating materials underwent revisions.

Coinciding with its design commonality with the Ford Super Duty crew cab, the Excursion was a mass-produced SUV with four full-length passenger doors. Along with the Chevrolet Suburban (and its GMC/Cadillac counterparts) and the [[International Harvester Travelall|International Travelall]], the only mass-produced model lines with the design feature are the Ford Expedition Max/Lincoln Navigator L and the Jeep (Grand) Wagoneer L.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Stafford |first1=Eric |date=13 April 2022 |title=2023 Jeep Wagoneer L and Grand Wagoneer L Are Stretched and Turbocharged |url= https://www.caranddriver.com/news/a39704146/2023-jeep-wagoneer-grand-wagoneer-long-wheelbase-revealed/ |access-date=June 23, 2022 |work=Car and Driver}}</ref>

<gallery widths="200" heights="140">
File:Ford Excursion, 12. Internationales Maritimes-Fahrzeugtreffen, Ribnitz-Damgarten ( 1060472).jpg|2002–2004 Ford Excursion Limited (Germany)
File:Ford Excursion 2001.jpg|2001 Ford Excursion Limited, rear view
File:2000-2004 Ford Excursion.jpg|2001 Ford Excursion XLT
File:00-04 Ford Excursion.jpg|2002 Ford Excursion Limited
File:2005-Ford-Excursion.jpg|2005 Ford Excursion XLT
File:Peter Stehlik - FDNY Battalion Chief 1 - 2012.05.28.jpg|Ford Excursion XLS (FDNY Battalion Chief vehicle)
</gallery>

=== Trim ===
The Excursion adopted the trim nomenclature of the Ford light trucks marketed in North America. The base trim was XL (marketed nearly exclusively for fleet sales), XLT (standard trim in retail markets), and Limited (highest trim line). Following its use across many Ford light trucks, an Eddie Bauer trim package was introduced for the Excursion for 2003 (differing from the Limited primarily in appearance).

'''XLT''': Included three rows of seating, leather-wrapped steering wheel with speed control, a security system, keyless entry, {{convert|16|inch|abbr=on|cm}} chrome steel rims or optional alloy rims, trailer towing package, an AM/FM radio with cassette and single-disc CD player with six premium speakers, and air conditioning.

'''Limited''': Included same features as XLT, but adds a power driver's seat, rear audio controls, illuminated running boards, {{convert|16|in|abbr=on|cm}} alloy rims, front-speed sensitive windshield wipers, five power points, ten cupholders, leather seats (with heated first row), and an optional rear entertainment system with DVD player.

==Reception==
Being launched on September 30, 1999, the 2000 Ford Excursion was described by [[Popular Science]] as the "biggest sport utility on the planet."<ref name="klik.com.my">{{cite web |date=August 9, 1999 |title=Ford Excursion makes a grand debut |url=https://www.klik.com.my/item/story/479106/ford-excursion-makes-a-grand-debut |access-date=June 23, 2022 |website=klik.com.my |agency=Reuters}}</ref><ref name="BBB"/> This would be the most successful model year for the Excursion, with nearly 69,000 examples sold. After essentially meeting sales projections at its launch,<ref name="klik.com.my" /> demand dropped in part because of the [[2000s energy crisis|energy crisis of the 2000s]]. Annual production capacity was 70,000,<ref name="klik.com.my" /> but sales from 2001 barely reach half that number and the model become the lowest-selling SUV marketed by Ford or Lincoln-Mercury.

The large size of the Excursion led to it being dubbed the ''Ford Valdez'' by the [[Sierra Club]] in 1999 (in reference to the ''[[Exxon Valdez]]'' supertanker).<ref>{{cite web|url= http://www.sdearthtimes.com/et0399/et0399s4.html |title=Ford's new gas-guzzling SUV wins the 'Exxon Valdez' award from the Sierra Club |work=San Diego Earth Times |access-date=March 7, 2020}}</ref> In 2007, ''[[Time (magazine)|Time]]'' selected it as one of the "Fifty Worst Cars of All Time."<ref name="time">{{cite magazine |url= https://content.time.com/time/specials/2007/article/0,28804,1658545_1658544_1658538,00.html |title=The 50 Worst Cars of All Time |date=September 7, 2007 |magazine=Time |access-date=March 7, 2020}}</ref>

==Variants==

===F-250 Tropivan===
From 1998 to 2012, an aftermarket SUV conversion of the Ford F-250 was sold in Brazil.<ref>{{cite web|title=Avaliação NA – F-250 Tropivan |url= https://www.noticiasautomotivas.com.br/avaliacao-na-f-250-tropivan/ |work=Notícias Automotivas |language=pt-BR |date=December 13, 2010 |access-date=November 11, 2017}}</ref> Similar in design and layout to the Excursion, the F-250 Tropivan differed primarily by its assembly as a second-party conversion (similar to the Centurion Classic). In contrast to the Excursion, two different wheelbases of the Tropivan were produced.

As with all Super Duty trucks in Brazil, the Tropivan had a different engine selection throughout its production run, including a 4.2 L Essex gasoline V6 and two types of diesels: a 3.9 L Cummins B-series and the 4.2 L MWM Sprint 6.07TCA straight-6.

===Aftermarket===
During and since its production, the Excursion has become a basis for several types of aftermarket vehicles. As a result of its body commonality with the Super Duty model range, the bodywork of the Excursion led to aftermarket conversions of Ford medium-duty truck chassis (Ford F-650 and F-750) to SUVs; to accommodate the longer wheelbase, the body was typically modified with an extra set of doors.{{Cn|date=March 2024}}

At the other end of the size scale, the [[Hennessey Performance Engineering#VelociRaptor SUV/Off-Road Truck|Hennessey VelociRaptor SUV]] was created by mating the rear bodywork of the Excursion with the bodywork of the first-generation [[Ford Raptor]] (a practice similar to the creation of the 1990s Centurion Classic C350).

Because the Excursion shares significant design commonality with the 1999 through 2016 Ford F-250, the SUV has been customized by replacing the 2000-2005 front bodywork with the bodywork of 2008–2016 Super Duty pickup trucks.{{Cn|date=March 2024}} 

The Excursion also has served as a basis for [[Limousine#Stretch limousines|stretch limousines]]. Though Ford imposed a 120-inch length limit on body extensions (on full-frame cars such as the [[Lincoln Town Car]]), some Excursions have undergone longer extensions.

<gallery widths="200px" heights="140px">
File:Ford Expedition SUV Limo (2783513262).jpg|Ford Excursion stretch limousine
File:ROCMP Ford Excursion limited Armored Car Display at CKS Memorial Hall Square 20140607a.jpg|Ford Excursion armored car in use by the [[Republic of China Military Police|Taiwanese military police]]
File:Ford F650 4X4 Truck - Flickr - Highway Patrol Images.jpg|6-door Ford F-650 Super Duty SUV in Australia (Ford Excursion bodywork)
</gallery>

==Yearly U.S. sales==
{| class="wikitable"
|-
! Calendar Year
! Total American sales
|-
| 1999<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.theautochannel.com/news/press/date/20010103/press033466.html |title=Ford Motor Company Sets New Full Year U.S. Sales Record |website=theautochannel.com |access-date=April 28, 2009}}</ref>
| 18,315
|-
| 2000
| 50,786
|-
| 2001<ref>{{cite press release |url= http://media.ford.com/pdf/Dec2002sales.pdf |title=Ford Motor Company's December U.S. Sales Climb 8.2 Percent |publisher=Ford Motor Company |access-date=June 16, 2012 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20110430101525/http://media.ford.com/pdf/Dec2002sales.pdf |archive-date=April 30, 2011 }}</ref>
| 34,710
|-
| 2002<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.theautochannel.com/news/2004/01/05/175829.html |title=Ford's F-Series Truck Caps 22nd Year in a Row as America's Best-Selling Vehicle With a December Sales Record |website=theautochannel.com |date=November 17, 2004 |access-date=April 28, 2009}}</ref>
| 29,042
|-
| 2003
| 26,259
|-
| 2004<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.theautochannel.com/news/2006/01/04/204860.html |title=Ford Achieves First Car Sales Increase Since 1999 |website=theautochannel.com |date=November 17, 2004 |access-date=April 28, 2009}}</ref>
| 20,010
|-
| 2005
| 16,283
|}

==References==
{{Reflist|colwidth=30em}}

==External links==
{{Commons category-inline}}

{{Ford vehicles}}
{{Ford F-Series}}
{{Modern North American Ford trucks}}
{{Authority control}}

[[Category:Ford vehicles|Excursion]]
[[Category:Expanded length sport utility vehicles]]
[[Category:All-wheel-drive vehicles]]
[[Category:Cars introduced in 1999]]
[[Category:Cars discontinued in 2005]]
[[Category:2000s cars]]
[[Category:Motor vehicles manufactured in the United States]]
[[Category:Ford F-Series]]
[[Category:Full-size sport utility vehicles]]