2004 Ford Excursion SLT 25

Shoppers looking for the largest sport utility vehicle in any showroom still must turn to Ford. The Excursion measures nearly 19 feet long — that’s 21 inches longer than the company’s full-size Expedition and more than 7 inches longer than its next closest rivals, the Chevrolet Suburban and GMC Yukon XL., , But bigger isn’t necessarily better. Ford has announced that the massive Excursion will likely be dropped during the 2004 model year., , The Excursion comes in XLT, Eddie Bauer and Limited trim levels and may be equipped with rear-wheel drive or four-wheel drive. For 2004, an XLS version replaces the XLT Value Edition. A new Eddie Bauer series joined the Excursion lineup for 2003, and a new 6.0-liter Power Stroke diesel engine that generates 325 horsepower and 560 pounds-feet of torque also became available. The diesel engine teams with a five-speed TorqShift automatic transmission. Other power plants offered include 5.4-liter V-8 and 6.8-liter V-10 gasoline engines., , Exterior, Traditional and oversized SUV styling cues include four side doors. Ford claims that the Excursion’s back doors are wider than those on the Suburban; this allows easier access to the middle and rear seats. The rear door features a tri-panel arrangement, which has a window on top that flips up and twin Dutch doors below that open to the sides. A BlockerBeam runs across the vehicle below the front bumper to prevent cars from sliding underneath it in the event of a collision., , Steel or aluminum wheels hold 16-inch tires. The Excursion rides a 137.1-inch wheelbase, stretches 226.7 inches long overall and has an 8.1-inch ground clearance. Chrome running boards are optional., , Interior, The Excursion has a nine-passenger capacity, plus 48 cubic feet of cargo volume behind the rear seat. The seats of the second-row split bench tip and fold forward to allow easier access to the third row. The rear bench seat is removable and rolls on built-in wheels. Cargo volume grows to 146 cubic feet with the rear seat removed and the middle bench folded; that space can carry a 4-by-8-foot plywood sheet. Wireless headphones are included with an optional DVD entertainment system., , Under the Hood, Three engines are available. A 255-hp, 5.4-liter V-8 is standard on rear-drive models, and a 310-hp, 6.8-liter V-10 is standard in four-wheel-drive models and optional in 4x2s. Both of these engines team with a four-speed-automatic transmission. The 325-hp Power Stroke 6.0-liter diesel V-8 mates with a five-speed-automatic transmission. Towing capacity is as high as 11,000 pounds with the V-10 and diesel engines., , Safety, Antilock brakes are standard, but side-impact airbags are not available. An optional reverse-sensing system may be installed., , Driving Impressions, Drive an Excursion and you’re in a truck, period. Expect the typical engine and transmission drone found in trucks, coupled with ride quality that bears little resemblance to a passenger car. The Power Stroke diesel engine performs admirably, but it enhances the sensation of being in a full-fledged truck. The diesel-powered version manages to climb some steep grades but at a leisurely pace.