Why did Ford stop selling excursions?
Ford discontinued the Excursion, its largest and most powerful SUV, in 2005 after a decade-long production run. The decision to end the Excursion's production was driven by a combination of factors, including changing consumer preferences, stricter fuel economy regulations, and the vehicle's high operating costs.
The Rise and Fall of the Ford Excursion
The Ford Excursion was introduced in 1999 as a response to the growing demand for large, truck-based SUVs. It was designed to be the biggest and most capable SUV on the market, with seating for up to nine passengers and a towing capacity of up to 11,000 pounds. The Excursion was based on the Ford F-250 Super Duty platform and shared many of its components, including its powerful V8 engines.
Initially, the Excursion was a popular choice among consumers who needed a spacious and powerful SUV for towing, hauling, or transporting large families. However, as fuel prices began to rise in the early 2000s and concerns about the environmental impact of large vehicles grew, the Excursion's appeal began to wane.
Factors Behind the Excursion's Discontinuation
- Changing Consumer Preferences: As gas prices increased and environmental awareness grew, consumers began to favor more fuel-efficient and environmentally-friendly vehicles. The Excursion's large size and powerful engines made it a gas-guzzler, which became less appealing to many buyers.
- Stricter Fuel Economy Regulations: The introduction of stricter fuel economy standards, such as the Corporate Average Fuel Economy (CAFE) regulations, put pressure on automakers to produce more fuel-efficient vehicles. The Excursion's poor fuel economy made it difficult for Ford to comply with these regulations.li>
- High Operating Costs: The Excursion's large size and powerful engines resulted in high fuel and maintenance costs, which further deterred consumers from purchasing the vehicle.
In the face of these challenges, Ford decided to discontinue the Excursion in 2005, marking the end of an era for the brand's largest and most powerful SUV.
