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From F-250 to Expedition: How did Ford create this monster SUV?
The Excursion launched by Ford between 2000 and 2005. This heavy-duty SUV was not only the largest mass-produced SUV on the market at the time, but also conquered countless car fans with its majestic appearance and powerful performance. Derived from the Ford F-250 pickup truck, the Excursion not only represents a generational shift, but also triggers thinking about the fundamental definition of a large SUV.
The origin and concept of Excursion
As market demand for large SUVs increased, Ford launched the Excursion in 1999, aiming to compete with the Chevrolet Suburban and GMC Yukon XL, which dominated the market at the time. The Excursion's architecture is based on the 3/4-ton F-250 Super Duty pickup truck, which gives it increased carrying capacity and space.
Early in development, Ford realized that the Excursion's design would cause it to cause severe damage to other small vehicles in a head-to-head collision, prompting Ford to make modifications to its chassis.
Design and technical overview
The Excursion's design has no direct predecessor, and its body shares many components with the F-250 pickup truck, making it stand out in the market. The main difference between the Excursion and the F-250 is its large body and taller and wider frame, making it unique in its uncompromising appearance.
The Excursion’s round air intake grille and unique rear trunk door design make it visually striking compared with other SUVs.
Power system
Excursion's powertrain options include 5.4-liter and 6.8-liter V8 gasoline engines, and 7.3-liter and 6.0-liter Power Stroke V8 diesel engines. The powerful performance of these engines supports the Excursion's huge trunk, ensuring its driving performance in a variety of environments.
Market response and sales strategy
Ford received a warm response from the market in the Excursion's first year on the market, selling nearly 69,000 units in 2000. However, with the advent of the energy crisis, Excursion sales declined rapidly. Over time, this SUV became one of the lowest-selling SUVs in Ford or Lincoln-America.
Although Excursion's performance in the market has been ups and downs, its huge body and functionality still attract many off-road enthusiasts.
Diversified variants and modification market
Excursion's unique design has made it the basis for many modifications, from Brazil's F-250 Tropivan to many customized large SUVs. Excursion's practicality and appearance bring endless room for imagination to car owners.
Excursion is also ideal for retrofitting long luxury cars, and professional manufacturers have stretched it to meet market demand.
Future Outlook and Thoughts
Although Excursion has withdrawn from the mainstream market due to environmental issues and changes in market demand, this SUV still left a deep impression on some enthusiasts. The launch of today's new SUVs such as the Jeep Grand Wagoneer L has once again promoted people's thinking on the design of large SUVs. Will the demand for large SUVs continue to rise in the future automobile market?
