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2000 Ford Excursion

Exclusive Carweb.com Ford Review
by Glenn Gould

A short expedition in a long Excursion.

Photo of 2000 Ford Excursion:

The 2000 Ford XLT Excursion was parked in the yard overnight. Some would have you believe this new SUV is a land-going version of the Exxon Valdez.

I was curious to see what ecological havoc it had created while we slept. A peak out the window reveled still healthy crabgrass, and blue sky. Perhaps, it needed to be running before it could melt ice caps.

The birds chirped as I approached the monstrous Excursion and climbed aboard. A twist of the key brought a muffled whoosh from the 310 hp V-10 motor. A check of the mirror showed no black cloud emanating from the tail pipe and the crabgrass was still green. Damn that grass is hardy.

Fact is, all three of the Excursion's engines-5.4-liter V-8, 6.8-liter V-10 and a 7.3-liter V-8 diesel- will be certified to low-emission vehicle (LEV) standards or better. Overall, the Excursion's engines produce 43 percent fewer smog-forming exhaust emissions than permitted by law. That certainly sounds environmentally friendly.

One wonders why merely extending the cab of a Ford Super Duty F-Series truck to the rear bumper and adding seats would create an ecological disaster? Don't know, but what it did produce was a way-big SUV. Ford says the Excursion has a "Commanding road presence." Yep, they've got that right. As we backed down the drive we were glad the Excursion had BIG side mirrors, too.

The large Ford's V-10 allowed us to easily jump into a break in the traffic. With our 4X2's base curb weight at 6,734 lbs., it is no Mustang GT, but it did press us back into our seats. Acceleration was silky smooth, quiet and luxury sedan-like.

Our Excursion's steering was light and not at all truck-like. The vehicle's quick steering allows for easy parking maneuvers, too. It also had a luxury car smooth ride on the highway. An excursion over several stretches of winding road was not as agreeable. There was noticeable lean in corners with this baby, but nothing verging on scary. Admittedly, Ford did not design the Excursion for spirited twisty road romps. However, on the highway the Excursion does not feel that big. All Excursion have four wheel disc brakes with a four-wheel ABS braking system. They worked superbly through out the test. Our XLT had a set of good looking 16 inch brushed aluminum wheels with LT 265/75R-16D all season tires.

What the huge Ford was designed for was hauling people and their things. You can load up to nine adults and 48.0 cubic feet of their gear in one Excursion. With its tri-panel rear doors you can access your stuff even with a trailer in tow. You can also strap your wind-surfers and camping gear--it has a 200-pound-capacty--on the standard low-profile roof rack. The Excursion also had a standard heavy duty trailer hitch and the largest towing capacity in the segment-up to 10,000 pounds. The Excursion has a payload capacity of up to 1 ton, too.

As expected, the interior was huge. Although, the view to the rear was relatively unobstructed. Because, Ford recessed the spare tire and wheel into the left side of the cargo area. Though, you should get comfortable with using the side mirrors. Even in our 4X2 model it was a high step up. The standard running boards were needed. The Excursion's radio has a single built in C/D unit, a changer is optional. The Excursion can have up to 10 cup holders and five power points. Wow, maybe I should invest in Starbucks. Along with ecological concerns, this Ford might put a strain on coffee supplies. The SUV also had, three each, grab and ride handles. One grab handle was conveniently located on the front right windshield A-pillar.

Ford's designers visually lessened the Excursion's bulk. The low-profile roof-rack makes the Excursion look less tall, it also allows the Excursion to fit into a standard garage. The big SUV is under 20 feet in length, so you can close the garage door, too.

In the safety department Ford added dual air bags and a below-bumper Blocker-Beam to help prevent a car from sliding under the Excursion in the event of a frontal collision.

The base price of our XLT 4X2 Excursion was $34,135 and the as tested price was $34,850. The public launch for the Excursion is scheduled for September 30, 1999.

If you are looking to haul a lot of people with their gear, in style and comfort, take a look at the 2000 Ford Excursion.

However, If want to rid yourself of that pesky glacier in the back yard or to eradicate your crabgrass, no can do. The Excursions is just plain too environmentally friendly for that.

Cheers:
1. Lots of room
2. Smooth V-10
3. Good ride

Jeers:
1. Needs Windstar's Reverse Sensing System
2. No power adjustable pedals

2000 Ford Excursion Interior Photo