What is a Ford Excursion classified as?
The Ford Excursion is classified as a full-size, body-on-frame, heavy-duty SUV. It was built on Ford’s Super Duty truck platform and stands as Ford’s largest SUV ever produced.
First introduced for the 1999 model year, the Excursion combined truck-style underpinnings with passenger-vehicle comfort, aiming to offer expansive seating and payload capacity. While production ended after the 2005 model year, its size, construction, and market positioning place it squarely in the full-size SUV category—distinct from mid-size crossovers and from traditional pickup-based crew cabs.
Core classification
These attributes establish how the Excursion is categorized within the automotive landscape.
- Full-size SUV
- Body-on-frame construction
- Built on Ford’s F-Series Super Duty chassis (F-250/350)
- Larger and heavier than typical mid-size SUVs like the Ford Expedition
- Three-row seating with substantial towing and payload capabilities
In summary, these characteristics define the Excursion as a large, rugged, full-size SUV designed for people and gear rather than a car-based crossover.
Platform, design, and market positioning
Understanding the Excursion’s engineering clarifies why it is classified the way it is and how it differed from related models.
- Platform: Shared with Ford’s heavy-duty pickups, reinforcing its heavy-duty SUV designation
- Drive options: Available in 4x4 and 4x2 configurations, with emphasis on off-road and heavy-duty capability
- Size and footprint: Longer wheelbase and overall length than typical full-size SUVs, contributing to its status as Ford’s largest SUV
- Market positioning: Positioned as a family-hauler and work-ready vehicle, capable of seating many passengers and handling sizable payloads
Taken together, these points underscore the Excursion’s classification as a large, heavy-duty, body-on-frame SUV built on a truck platform rather than a car-based crossover.
Legacy and modern perspective
Although the model is no longer in production, its classification remains consistent with historical descriptions and contemporary references to large, body-on-frame SUVs.
Today, the Excursion is frequently cited in discussions of the era’s largest SUVs and is contrasted with lighter, unibody crossovers and shorter-wheelbase trucks. Its legacy continues to influence how enthusiasts and reviewers describe the category of “full-size” or “heavy-duty” SUVs from the late 1990s and early 2000s.
Summary
In short, the Ford Excursion is a full-size, body-on-frame, heavy-duty SUV built on a Ford Super Duty truck platform, and it stands as Ford’s largest SUV ever produced. Its combination of scale, construction, and purpose places it firmly in the large SUV category rather than among car-based crossovers or standard pickup trucks.
What is the best year of the Ford Excursion?
The best Ford Excursion year depends on your priorities, but 2000-2003 models with the 7.3L Power Stroke diesel engine are highly sought after for their reliability. However, gasoline models are generally reliable regardless of year, and the 2005 model year is considered reliable overall and had the fewest complaints according to CarComplaints.com.
This video discusses the reliability of different Ford Excursion models and their engines: 59sMy Old CarYouTube · Apr 6, 2024
Top choices and why
- For ultimate reliability (diesel): 2000-2003
- This era features the legendary 7.3L Power Stroke diesel engine, which is known for its durability and ability to last for hundreds of thousands of miles with proper maintenance.
- These models have a strong following in the overland and off-road communities.
- For fewest complaints: 2005
- The final model year has the lowest number of complaints on CarComplaints.com https://www.cargurus.com/ Cars/articles/ford-excursion-buying-guide.
- This model year includes the newer, more powerful 6.0L Power Stroke diesel or the gasoline engines.
- For gasoline engine reliability: Any year (with caveats)
- The 5.4L Triton V8 and 6.8L V10 gasoline engines are reliable across all model years.
- Some early 2000 models experienced spark plug blowout issues, but the underlying problems were not adequately addressed by the factory.
- For the most power (diesel): 2004-2005
- These years offered the 6.0L Power Stroke diesel, which had higher horsepower and torque than the earlier 7.3L engine.
- However, the 6.0L is known for more potential issues compared to the 7.3L.
How to choose
- If your priority is long-term reliability and you plan on heavy-duty use or towing, the 7.3L diesel models from 2000-2003 are often considered the best choice despite having less power than the later diesels.
- If you want the most up-to-date features or are less concerned about the specific engine reliability, a 2005 model may be the best option due to its overall lower complaint rate.
- If you're looking for a gasoline engine, you can't go wrong with any year, but research the specific engine you are considering and be aware of any potential issues from the 2000-2003 models.
Is a Ford Expedition considered a truck or a SUV?
The Ford Expedition is considered as a full-size SUV, a category known for its spacious interiors, three-row seating, and impressive towing capacity. This classification makes the Expedition a great choice for large families or drivers needing to haul heavy loads.
Is the Excursion bigger than the expedition max?
The upcoming 2021 Ford Excursion will be the largest SUV in its segment. Previously, Excursion was 226 inches long. To compare, Expedition MAX is 222 inches long.
What is a Ford Excursion considered?
The Ford Excursion is a heavy-duty (Class 2) full-size SUV marketed by Ford Motor Company from 2000 through 2005.
