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Ford Excursion vs Chevy Suburban/GMC Yukon XL - The battle of the titans

423 messages,  Last post on Sep 19, 2008 at 1:04 PM

You are in the Ford Excursion Forum.

What is this discussion about? Ford Excursion, Chevrolet Suburban, GMC Yukon XL, SUV

Messages Page 15 of 44

#132 of 423 Problems at GM by larry91

May 21, 2000 (10:07 pm)

I am the happy owner of a '99 Tahoe LT, fully loaded with an aftermarket sunroof. I am really Happy with this vehicle.The problem at GM, as I see it, is there quest to reduce costs and increase profits. Now there is nothing wrong with this concept so long as u can also maintain quality. For the 2000 model year the jury is still out we'll see.....
I also have owned Ford cars not the Trucks and I am a Ford fan as well. I was always happy with every Ford product I owned. I am going to buy a 2001 Excursion with the Powerstroke diesel. I am a little concerned about the diesel tho, smell, noise, getting diesel fuel at the diesel pump with all the spills. If this gets on the soles of your shoes and u track it into your Pride and Joy and it starts stinking from diesel fuel, not a very pleasant thought. Also, diesels do take more TLC than a gas engine overall.I have read about the cavitation issue and the need for an additive in the coolant that must be checked regularly for strength, etc.. I would love to hear comments on these points convincing me I have nothing to fear but fear itself

#133 of 423 Response to #136 by ldr

May 22, 2000 (4:47 pm)

Larry91,
You may want to go over to the "Excursion Owners Forum" and read my post concerning my Excursion with the Power Stroke Diesel. I am Mr. Fussy when it comes to cleanliness and my vehicles. If you buy fuel at the "truck stops" it can sometimes get a bit messy. I carry a pair of glove under the seat for my hands and you just have to watch where you step. I have yet (in 12,000 miles) caught a wiff of diesel fuel or fumes from inside the vehicle and the scheduled maintenance is not a big thing. Good luck. Travel safe.

#134 of 423 Thank u 1dr by larry91

May 23, 2000 (12:06 am)

Thanks for your reply, i appreciate the information. I have one more question regarding Horsepower.
I am not at all familiar with Diesels, but 235 Turbocharged horsepower for a nearly 8000 lb vehicle seems to me to be pretty "anemic". 2500 lb cars have engines that are more powerful than that and I would not call them fast. If u, or someone out there could explain i would appreciate it.. Thanks

#135 of 423 PSD Power? by ldr

May 23, 2000 (12:41 am)

You have got to drive a PSD to believe it! Don't be all concerned with horsepower. Diesels are different, ie, they have a very high torque ratio to horsepower. There are all kinds of tricks you can do to them to get even more power out of them. You would be hard pressed to tell the difference between the PSD and a gas engine. They are a bit (what I call) clickity/clackaty around town (nothing that a good radio station or cd can't eliminate). They are extremely quiet on the highway. If they continue to offer the diesel I will continue to buy them, and I spend a great deal of time in my truck. Travel safe.

#136 of 423 Recalls by bowtiebill

May 24, 2000 (3:08 am)

At least they are trying to fix the problems rather than covering them up as many automakers would.

#137 of 423 RE Larry91 by agt_cooper

May 31, 2000 (3:44 pm)

As someone stated earlier, diesels are different! Don't assume that because a diesel is rated at only 235 HP that is can't move an 8000 vehicle effectively. It is torque that gets you moving and power that keeps you moving. Diesels produce an abundance of torque at very low rpm's, so they get you going quite well (especially considering the weight!)


Take a look at engines in tractor-trailers and fire engines for further examples. I drive a fire engine with a GVW of about 36000 lbs. It has a Detroit Diesel 6 cylinder turbo diesel, rated at 350 horsepower and about 1,100 ft/lbs torque. It is capable of running at 72 mph, (limited by gear ratio) and it accelerates quite well for a vehicle of that size. As far a fuel economy, we get about 5 mpg!!! (should fire trucks get hit with a gas guzzler tax??)


Anyway, check out the diesel and decide for yourself.

#138 of 423 Hi agt cooper by larry91

Jun 03, 2000 (3:36 pm)

Would u own a diesel for your personal vehicle that u had to live with day in and day out?
I test drove the Excursion with the diesel and didn't like it at all. It was too noisy and smelly and the Ex rode like a truck. Now, I know, it is a truck...but if Ford wants to sell these vehicles they are going to have make it more like a car. I could handle the diesel on a part time basis, but not full time. I will wait to reconsider buying until next year and hope Ford will make some changes. Now this is just my opinion, I like the looks and size of the Excursion I am just looking for a smoother riding and better handling vehicle.
As for the noise issue, they do make quiet Diesels, I have heard Big Rigs that were quiet. Isuzu makes a quiet Diesel, why can't Navistar?

#139 of 423 Owning a diesel? by ldr

Jun 06, 2000 (2:59 am)

Larry,
This is just my opinion but I am getting so used to this diesel that I would never buy another gas if a diesel is offered. All my salesmen drive Suburbans and Tahoes (9). A bunch of us went out to dinner the other night in my Excursion (now the Black Sheep) and none could believe the performance and did not think the "noise" was objectionable. I've had 3 gas Suburbans and if this Excursion hadn't come along would have a Yukon XL now. Just got 21.16 MPG on this last trip to PA. I must have got a good one! Travel safe.

#140 of 423 Larry91 by agt_cooper

Jun 06, 2000 (5:37 pm)

I personally wouldn't want a diesel truck unless I really had a need for a truck! If that was the case, I'd definitely consider the diesel.


My transportation needs do not require the capabilities of a "real" truck, so I'll stick to comfortable, quiet, gasoline powered cars!

#141 of 423 Cutback by dwg1

Jun 11, 2000 (4:39 pm)

Thanks protravel for the article very informative.
Purchases boil down to personal choice, sometimes after careful investigation but still a choice. The Excursion looks good to me but my choice was a 00 burb. Eat other vehicles pure lunacy. Small cars driven by over enthuiastic people account for more eaten vehicles vs wolf packs of blood thirsty SUVs. Readers Digest had an article a month or so ago concerning this myth of predator SUVs. Most small vehicles fall victim to other small vehicles, large vehicles other than SUVs (Crown Vics, Buicks, ETC) large commercial vehicles. SUVs account for 5% or less of small vehicle comsumption. We just have a vocal minority that can find problems or create a cause over most anything on this earth. I respect their right to speak, all I ask is become informed before you bash something due to unbridled emotion. Maybe the FED will take some lessons from Ford and save some of our tax dollars.........NAH.

Messages Page 15 of 44

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