The Ford Excursion was a behemoth that left an indelible mark on the SUV landscape. With its mammoth size, powerful towing capabilities, and iconic presence, demand for this discontinued classic continues to stay strong, even 15 years after it first hit roads across America. Bigger may have been better regarding mega SUVs, but this Ford SUV remains in a class of its own! So it begs the question. What if the Excursion made a comeback?
In today’s market, where SUVs reign supreme, a revived Excursion could dominate the competition. Imagine all the possibilities - an F-Series Super-Duty-based vehicle, larger than the current Expedition MAX, that can easily haul an entire family, their belongings, and a boat, all while turning heads on the road. All that’s needed is for Ford to answer the call and bring back the Excursion. Let’s explore why Ford should consider reviving the Excursion nameplate and how it could enjoy a monopoly if released today.
A Brief History Of The Ford Excursion
Ford’s Excursion was an iconic full-size mega SUV that left a lasting legacy despite its limited time in the spotlight. With its roots in the F-Series Super Duty pickup truck, the Excursion offered unmatched space and towing capabilities.
Ford was stepping up to the plate to compete with Chevrolet’s Suburban and Tahoe. Unfortunately, rising gas prices and a reputation for excess led to the Excursion’s discontinuation after the 2005 model year. With Ford, drivers know they’re getting a reliable car resulting from uncompromising design and engineering. No wonder many owners still feel proud to own one – it symbolizes quality and unrivaled dedication from their favorite automaker!
The Unpredictable Demand For The Excursion
It’s interesting how people want things more when they can’t have them anymore. The Ford Excursion is an excellent example of this. After the popular mega-SUV left the market, families searching for a vehicle with exceptional towing capabilities (6,100 - 11,000) pounds and ample storage space were at a loss—nothing quite compared to the Excursion.
As a result, the demand for used models skyrocketed, turning this once-ordinary SUV into a highly sought-after commodity. Finding a vehicle that combines function and style seamlessly is rare, and the Ford Excursion did just that. Even though it’s been years since production stopped, the Excursion’s legacy remains a coveted vehicle among large adventure-seeking families.
Engine Options And Reliability
With its enormous size and impressive capabilities, the Excursion was offered various powertrain options. You could pick from the gas-powered V-8 and V-10 or opt for one of two diesel V-8 engines. From the full range of diesel engine options, one stood out as a unanimous favorite: the powerful 7.3-liter turbo V-8.
This engine provided plenty of power and torque and quickly became the preferred choice for Excursion buyers. However, it becomes challenging to find models that are in good condition and we're not even talking low mileage here. Nevertheless, for those looking for a reliable gas-powered option, the V-10 is popular among Excursion enthusiasts. It packs 310 horsepower and 425 pound-feet of torque for optimal performance.
Why Ford Should Bring Back The Excursion
The Excursion was a beloved SUV that made a name for itself during its initial run. Here are some of the reasons why Ford should bring the Excursion back to the market:
The SUV Market Boom
With the SUV market on a steady rise, consumers are searching for their slice of space and power. The modernized Excursion could swoop in with its powerhouse size - sure to take hold of this portion of the auto market like never before! If executed right, the latest Excursion could soon monopolize as king-of-the-road among SUVs.
Niche Market Appeal
The original Excursion catered to families who needed a vehicle capable of carrying a large number of people and their stuff along with towing substantial trailer loads. By bringing back the Excursion, Ford could cater to this niche market again, offering a new, improved option for families with demanding transportation needs.
Potential For An Electric Or Hybrid Version
The Excursion’s unfortunate discontinuation may be partly due to its lack of fuel efficiency. However, as the market moves towards cleaner and greener transportation, Ford could capitalize on the Excursion’s potential to introduce an electric or hybrid version. This could attract a new demographic of customers who prioritize sustainability.
Modern Amenities and Safety Features
Considering how old the Excursion already was, a new Excursion could be a far cry, if it comes equipped with modern amenities and safety features, enhancing the overall driving experience and making it more competitive in today’s market. In addition, features such as advanced infotainment systems, driver assistance technologies, and improved comfort could make the Excursion an attractive choice for consumers.
The Powerhouse SUV That Can Handle Any Adventure
Standing out from the crowd, Ford Excursion brought a revolutionary combination of size, power, and capability to its time. Moreover, its impressive design made it iconic among competitors. Today, as more families are turning towards SUVs for their spaciousness (think eight+ people across three rows with room left in the cargo aread) and versatility, the Excursion could triumphantly return if Ford addresses previous concerns and incorporates modern advancements. The good news is that it could very well happen as Ford renewed the Excursion trademark a few years back.
With its massive interior accommodations and impressive towing capabilities, the Excursion could corner the market on large SUVs, satisfying the needs of families who require a full-size vehicle that can handle anything life throws their way. It’s time for Ford to become a leader again and bring back this iconic vehicle!
Here's Doug DeMuro on the Ford Excursion