Early-2000s Excess Lives on in Oklahoma, Where You Can Still Get Your Hands on a 'New' Ford Excursion

The 2000s is not a decade remembered for its achievements in gorgeous vehicle design (Saturn Ion, anyone?), but it was a time that, until the final two years, saw Americans taking advantage of a good economy and low gas prices.

A good many of these citizens used their healthy salaries to purchase a symbol of excess, and the Ford Excursion represented the pinnacle of that early SUV wave. Built atop a Super Duty chassis, and boasting a 6.8-liter V10 in its engine roster, the Excursion offered cavernous cargo room and seating for up to nine. The passenger count figure was similar to its city fuel economy. Indeed, compared to the nearly four-ton Excursion, the Hummer H2 and Jeep Commander looked almost… efficient.

The passage of 14 years since the model’s U.S. demise hasn’t tamed owner enthusiasm and loyalty one bit. Owners still want to replace their old Excursion with a new one, and a shop in Oklahoma allows it to happen.

Check out this Detroit News piece on Custom Autos By Tim, a shop in Guthrie, Oklahoma that cranks out 40 “new” Excursions a year. There, shop owner Tim Huskey marries the front end and chassis of newer F-250s with the passenger cabin of salvaged and reconditioned Excursions, linking the two near the A-pillar.

Builds take two months, but customers are willing to pay $100,000 for the privilege of taking home a new Excursion. Others are willing to fork over a hefty sum just to keep their beloved Excursion in the family.

“What I hear all the time is people wish Ford would build the Excursion again,” Huskey said. “I’m 99 percent sure I’ll be selling them for the next five years. Excursion drivers love them. They will keep buying them.”

A Massachusetts Excursion owner reportedly paid Huskey a price in the high $40k range to restore life to his ’05 model. The engine, transmission, and dash from the existing model went into the build. One Florida Excursion aficionado bought four.

One problem encountered by Huskey is the fact that fourth-generation, aluminum-bodied Super Dutys, introduced for the 2017 model year, aren’t suitable mates for Excursion marriage. Sourcing third-gen Super Dutys with rear-end damage is growing more difficult.

“People beg me every month to figure out a way to use the ’19,” Huskey said.

While Ford still offers buyers three rows of comfort — as well as greater efficiency — in a full-size, body-on-frame SUV (Expedition and Expedition Max), there’s something about the Excursion that breeds devotion. Owners don’t want to make the switch.

Despite disappearing from the Ford lineup after 2005, the Excursion remains king of the road in the hearts and minds of many Americans.

[Image: Ford]