The Unapologetic Giant
In the late 1990s, gas was cheap, the economy was booming, and Americans wanted bigger vehicles. Chevrolet had the Suburban, a long-wheelbase SUV that dominated the market. Ford, not content with simply matching the competition, decided to crush it. They took their heavy-duty F-250 Super Duty pickup, enclosed the bed, added a third row of seats, and created the Ford Excursion. It was nearly 19 feet long, 7 feet tall, and weighed nearly 4 tons. It was, and remains, the largest mass-produced SUV in automotive history.
When you browse the Excursion listings on Hugegarage, you are looking at a vehicle that defies modern logic. It is too big for most parking garages, it drinks fuel at an alarming rate, and it drives like a commercial truck. Yet, it is currently one of the most sought-after used vehicles on the planet. Why? Because it offers capability that no modern SUV can match. It can seat nine adults comfortably, carry their luggage, and tow an 11,000-lb boat simultaneously. It is the ultimate tool for big families with big toys.
The Ford Valdez Controversy: The Excursion launched in 2000 to immediate backlash from environmental groups. Sierra Club dubbed it the Ford Valdez (a reference to the oil spill tanker). Because its GVWR exceeded 8,500 lbs, it was exempt from EPA fuel economy ratings. Ford actually installed a Blocker Beam a tubular steel bar under the front bumperâto prevent the massive SUV from riding up and crushing smaller cars like the Honda Civic in a collision.
Super Duty DNA: Built Ford Tough
To understand the Excursion, you must understand that it is not an oversized Expedition. The Expedition is built on the F-150 (half-ton) chassis. The Excursion is built on the F-250/F-350 (three-quarter ton) platform.
Chassis and Suspension
- Frame: Fully boxed steel ladder frame.
- Front Suspension (4x4): Leaf springs and a solid Dana 50 axle. This setup is incredibly durable but results in a stiff, bouncy ride.
- Front Suspension (4x2): Twin-I-Beam coil spring setup. Rides significantly smoother but lacks off-road capability.
- Rear Suspension: Leaf springs and a Sterling 10.5 solid axle.
The Engine Trinity
The Excursion offered four engines over its short lifespan, but three defined its legacy.
- 6.8L Triton V10
- The Gas King. Standard on most models.
Specs: 310 HP / 425 lb-ft Torque.
Pros: Cheaper to buy, massive torque curve, simpler maintenance than a diesel.
Cons: Thirsty. Expect 8-10 MPG everywhere. However, with the standard 44-gallon tank, you still get decent range. - 7.3L Power Stroke V8 Turbo Diesel
- The Holy Grail (2000-2003).
Specs: 250 HP / 505-525 lb-ft Torque.
Why buy it? This engine is legendary for lasting 500,000+ miles. It lacks complex emissions equipment (no DEF, no DPF). Excursions with this engine command prices double that of gas models. - 6.0L Power Stroke V8 Turbo Diesel
- The Gamble (2003.5-2005).
Specs: 325 HP / 560-570 lb-ft Torque.
The Risk: Replaced the 7.3L to meet emissions standards. It is faster and quieter but prone to head gasket failures, EGR cooler ruptures, and oil cooler clogs.
Hugegarage Advice: Only buy a 6.0L if it has been bulletproofed (aftermarket head studs, EGR delete/upgrade). A sorted 6.0L is a rocket ship; a stock one is a ticking time bomb.
Interior: The 9-Passenger Living Room
The interior is pure late-90s Ford truckâhard plastics and simple gaugesâbut the space is unrivaled.
Seating Configurations:
- Front: Bench (3 seats) or Captain's Chairs (2 seats).
- Second Row: Bench (3 seats).
- Third Row: Bench (3 seats). Crucially, the third row has massive legroom and sits far behind the rear axle, unlike modern SUVs where the third row is for toddlers.
Cargo: Even with the third row up, there is 48 cubic feet of cargo space behind it. Remove the third row (it is heavy but removable), and you have 146 cubic feetâenough to haul 4x8 sheets of plywood flat with the doors closed.
The Tri-Panel Doors
Instead of a massive liftgate that would hit your garage door, the Excursion uses Tri-Panel Rear Doors. The top glass lifts up, and two lower Dutch doors swing out. This allows for easy loading of small items without opening the whole back.
The Achilles Heel: Steering Wander
Almost every Excursion suffers from wandering steering, requiring constant corrections on the highway.
The Cause: Ford tuned the suspension softer than the F-250 to appeal to SUV buyers, which compromised caster angles. Combined with a steering box that wears out, it creates play.
The Fix: The RedHead steering gear box upgrade and adding a heavy-duty rear sway bar (Hellwig) are almost mandatory upgrades for owners.
Towing: The Ultimate Platform
With the right hitch, an Excursion can tow 11,000 lbs.
Because of its long wheelbase (137 inches) and heavy curb weight (~7,200 lbs), it is incredibly stable when towing travel trailers. It resists tail wagging much better than lighter trucks. This makes it the premier choice for families towing Airstreams across the country.
Why Was It Cancelled?
Ford killed the Excursion after 2005.
Reason 1: Rising gas prices. In 2005, gas hit record highs, and sales of 10-MPG SUVs plummeted.
Reason 2: The Super Duty redesign. The F-250 got a new frame in 2006, and Ford didn't want to spend the money to re-engineer the Excursion to fit it. They replaced it with the Expedition EL (Extended Length), which was more efficient but less capable.
The Modern Excursion Market
Today, there is a thriving industry of companies (like Custom Autos by Tim) that take modern 2017+ F-250 Super Dutys and graft the Excursion rear body onto them, creating new Excursions for $150,000+. This proves the demand for a heavy-duty SUV never died.
Conclusion: The Last of the Titans
The Ford Excursion is a relic of a time when excess was celebrated. It is unapologetically huge, loud, and thirsty. But for the driver who needs to tow a house while carrying a baseball team, there is simply no substitute. A clean 7.3L Excursion is not just a used car; it is an investment asset that continues to appreciate. It stands as a monument to the peak of American heavy metal. Explore the heavy-duty specs below.