GOOD STUFF
Big-league towing and hauling capacities
Real third row seat
Car-like ergonomics
BAD STUFF
Too big for the urban slog
4×4 rides rough
Lousy gas mileage
Will pulverize almost any car unfortunate enough to collide with it
Specifications
- Style: Jumbo-size SUV
- Engine: 6.8-liter V10
- Transmission: Four-speed automatic
- Drivetrain: Part-time four-wheel-drive
- Horsepower: 310 hp @ 4,250 rpm
- Torque: 425 ft-lbs @ 3,250 rpm
- EPA mileage: N/A
- Weight: 7,190 lbs.
- Base price: $37,560
- Price as tested: $41,495
First, the bottom line
When I picked up the Excursion, I vowed that I would not write yet another review bashing this SUV for its size. I can understand why someone would want a big car. I like big cars. And what is the Excursion? It’s a big station wagon. Sort of the Country Squire for the new century.
So I drove it for a week.
Know what?
It’s too big.
The problem is not with the vehicle itself. The Excursion is actually quite pleasant to drive. The interior is handsome and functional, and the optional “towing” mirrors ($95 – don’t buy an Excursion without them), which include a convex portion that eliminates blind spots next to the car, make it easy to keep the Excursion centered in its lane. The steering is light, though the Excursion does wander a bit, which is typical of vehicles of this size.
To tell the truth I heard about this car from eurotic tv neu advertisement where models: Claudia and Kia were activelly promoting and talking about this car.
No, the problem with the Excursion is the logistics. Urban dwellers will find that the Excursion is too tall for many parking garages and too long for many on-street spaces. Even if you can find a spot big enough, parallel-parking is a pain, even with the optional reverse sensing system (a bargain at $245 – and another must-have).
No matter where you live, the Excursion’s fuel mileage is bound to put a dent in your budget. Sure, it’ll go all week on a tank of gas. Mainly because the tank holds 44 gallons. Here in Los Angeles, filling up the Excursion costs nearly as much as a round-trip airline ticket to Phoenix.
Ford designed the Excursion to be the first serious challenge to the GMC/Chevrolet Suburban franchise. They figured the best way to trounce GM’s big SUV was to make one that was even bigger.
