2000 Ford Excursion in Chattanooga, TN - $13,950

Based on the beefy Super Duty F-Series truck frame, the huge Excursion SUV receives exterior upgrades and enhancements for 2005. These include new jeweled headlamps, new front grille and bumper that reflect the SUV's Super Duty truck lineage.

Introduced into Ford's SUV lineup in 1999 as a 2000 model, the Excursion is a genuinely rugged sport utility vehicle with vast storage space and passenger comfort. It is designed to address customers' desires for a heavier-duty SUV with enhanced towing and cargo capacity.

Built at the automaker's Kentucky Light Truck Plant in Louisville, Ky., the big Ford SUV is offered in XLS, XLT, Eddie Bauer and Limited trim levels with a choice of two- or shift-on- the-fly four-wheel drive configurations.

The Excursion derives its power from one of three engines: the technologically advanced Triton 5.4L V8, Triton 6.8L V10 gasoline engines and the direct-injection 32-valve 6.0L V8 Power Stroke diesel. Torque from the gasoline engines is transferred to the road via a four-speed electronically controlled automatic overdrive transmission, while the diesel prime mover is bolted to a TorqShift five-speed automatic gearbox.

On the road, the huge Ford SUV handles well at speed and in town. Although in some ways it is like driving a living room, the Excursion proves to be quick and very mannerable. The ride quality is stiff but comfortable -- in an apparant nod to its Super Duty heritage.

Extensive computer modeling of the suspension results in a smoother compliant ride. Changes from the Super Duty trucks include revised sway bars and spring rates, softer suspension bushings, revised jounce bumpers and retuned shock absorbers.

The front suspension hardware includes independent twin I-beam coil springs and stabilizer bar, while the rear suspension hardware consists of a live axle and leaf springs. All-wheel models add a stabilizer bar at the rear.

Inside the cabin, wide doors front and rear work with the running boards and built-in hand grips to facilitate easy entry and exit from the vehicle. A top-of-the-world view of the road greets the driver, with well laid out displays and controls within easy reach. The center console boasts a cavernous storage bin -- capable of swallowing just about any volume of items.

Seating throughout the cabin is leisurely and very comfortable. The second row of seats is of the 60/40 variety, designed to flip forward and fold semi-flat for hauling plenty of cargo. Leg room in the third row bench seat is surprisingly comfortable.

An abundance of cupholders and up to four power points make the Excursion a very hospitable place for driver and passengers alike. Cargo capacity in the Excursion is very impressive with a tri-panel rear door configuration that makes accessibility to the cargo very convenient.

Quick vehicle stats

Wheelbase: 137.1; overall length: 226.7; width: 79.9; height: 80.2 -- measurements in inches.

Engine: 5.4L V8 -- 255 hp at 4,500 rpm and 350 lbs-ft of torque at 2,500 rpm, 6.8L V10 -- 310 hp at 4,250 rpm and 425 lbs-ft of torque at 3,250 rpm, and 6.0L Power Stroke V8 turbodiesel -- 325 hp at 3,300 rpm and 560 lbs-ft at 2,000 rpm.

Transmission: four-speed automatic, five-speed automatic.

Cargo capacity: 48. cu. ft. (behind 3rd row); 100.7 cu. ft. (behind 2nd row); 146.4 cu. ft. (maximum).

Payload capacity: 1,920 lbs.

Towing capacity: 11,000 lbs.

Safety features

Dual front airbags, four-wheel disc brakes with anti-lock, fail-safe engine cooling system, automatic power door locks, remote keyless entry system, SecuriLock passive anti-theft system, side-impact door beams, front tow hooks and full size spare tire. 4WD adds limited-slip rear axle and transfer case skid plate. XLT adds automatic headlamp control. Eddie Bauer adds fog lights, power adjustable pedals, reverse sensing system and illuminated running boards. Limited adds garage door opener.

Warranty

Basic: 3-year/36,000 mile, bumper-to-bumper.

Corrosion: 5-year/unlimited.

Roadside assistance: 3-year/36,000 mile, 24-hour.

Pricing

The base Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) for the 2005 Ford Excursion SUV starts from $37,345 for the XLS up to $50,720 for the Limited Turbodiesel. Destination charges add $795.

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