Excursion vs Suburban
Posting Guru
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 1,758
Likes: 3
From: Colorado
Likewise there is a reason why the Suburban is still being made to this day and the Excursion is not. Might have something to do with the fact that they only sold something like 16,000 Excursions in the last model year.
The Excursion is much more of a niche vehicle that is only the best choice for people who want an 8-passenger vehicle with the capabilities of an HD truck. There's nothing else like it on the road, and that's because most people who want an 8-passenger SUV don't want to make the fuel economy or ride and handling sacrifices to own one this capable.
I don't own any of my vehicles to impress anyone else, and if I needed the interior space and the towing capability of a half ton truck I would likely own a Suburban. My Excursion rides as bad as my last F350 and doesn't handle any better, and I've never seen over 14 MPGs on the highway. No regrets whatsoever, it's the correct tool for my situation. But I sacrifice much for the capability.
The Excursion is much more of a niche vehicle that is only the best choice for people who want an 8-passenger vehicle with the capabilities of an HD truck. There's nothing else like it on the road, and that's because most people who want an 8-passenger SUV don't want to make the fuel economy or ride and handling sacrifices to own one this capable.
I don't own any of my vehicles to impress anyone else, and if I needed the interior space and the towing capability of a half ton truck I would likely own a Suburban. My Excursion rides as bad as my last F350 and doesn't handle any better, and I've never seen over 14 MPGs on the highway. No regrets whatsoever, it's the correct tool for my situation. But I sacrifice much for the capability.
Sure, I agree, this isn't really a soccer mom vehicle. This is a heavy duty vehicle that can do many things.
I don't own any vehicles for looks/reputation or to keep up with the joneses. I drive them because they fit my need and/or handle the way I like them to.
Driving the excursion as a daily driver isn't smart, but so is a suburban.
My bad experiences with gm vehicles and the billions in tax dollars thrown away on them is something that will make me NEVER own a gm vehicle ever again.
Lead Driver
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 5,420
Likes: 16
From: Ouray, CO
Every single person who has ridden in my Ex leaves amazed at the
miles/gallon it achieves - compared to the "belief" it's only 8-10 MPG.
My PSD Ex gets BETTER fuel mileage than my 2000 TJ, 2004 Explorer, and my '97 Tahoe did. It's huge to drive, but I'm MUCH more comfortable, I have room to take 5 other adults out to lunch - without anybody feeling squished.
On those days when I visit the home improvement store, I can haul home anything I buy (my Tahoe had pipes/2x lumber sticking out the passenger side window).
Posting Guru
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 1,758
Likes: 3
From: Colorado
I politely disagree with this - if it's a Diesel...
Every single person who has ridden in my Ex leaves amazed at the
miles/gallon it achieves - compared to the "belief" it's only 8-10 MPG.
My PSD Ex gets BETTER fuel mileage than my 2000 TJ, 2004 Explorer, and my '97 Tahoe did. It's huge to drive, but I'm MUCH more comfortable, I have room to take 5 other adults out to lunch - without anybody feeling squished.
On those days when I visit the home improvement store, I can haul home anything I buy (my Tahoe had pipes/2x lumber sticking out the passenger side window).
Every single person who has ridden in my Ex leaves amazed at the
miles/gallon it achieves - compared to the "belief" it's only 8-10 MPG.
My PSD Ex gets BETTER fuel mileage than my 2000 TJ, 2004 Explorer, and my '97 Tahoe did. It's huge to drive, but I'm MUCH more comfortable, I have room to take 5 other adults out to lunch - without anybody feeling squished.
On those days when I visit the home improvement store, I can haul home anything I buy (my Tahoe had pipes/2x lumber sticking out the passenger side window).
Not sure about your neck of the woods but over here diesel is now 75 cents a gallon more. There goes your savings. Combined with all the improvements you need to do before it is reliable.. no thanks.
Unless I towed a lot of heavy stuff and frequently in hilly areas... No diesel for me. Love the torque, love the low rpm cruising.. but the V10 does what it needs to do and a lot cheaper and more reliable.
Lead Driver
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 5,420
Likes: 16
From: Ouray, CO
You've got valid points, I just can't justify having another vehicle to insure and maintain on those days when I don't need to carry somebody else. My wife packs well on even a
day trip, and my Tahoe needed the hitch mounted carry-all more than once.
We've managed to FILL up the Ex on two occasions and even SHE is glad to have the
extra space. Even if she doesn't like the ride (but my RAS is gonna help! tomorrow it goes on)
The Ex is sort of the "Swiss Army Knife of Vehicles" it has room for people, cargo, towing, etc. just in case the need arises - all in one tool that is always with me.
But yes if you only need a cork screw or knife it's a lot bigger to have along. :-)
day trip, and my Tahoe needed the hitch mounted carry-all more than once.
We've managed to FILL up the Ex on two occasions and even SHE is glad to have the
extra space. Even if she doesn't like the ride (but my RAS is gonna help! tomorrow it goes on)
The Ex is sort of the "Swiss Army Knife of Vehicles" it has room for people, cargo, towing, etc. just in case the need arises - all in one tool that is always with me.
But yes if you only need a cork screw or knife it's a lot bigger to have along. :-)
Posting Guru
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 1,758
Likes: 3
From: Colorado
You've got valid points, I just can't justify having another vehicle to insure and maintain on those days when I don't need to carry somebody else. My wife packs well on even a
day trip, and my Tahoe needed the hitch mounted carry-all more than once.
We've managed to FILL up the Ex on two occasions and even SHE is glad to have the
extra space. Even if she doesn't like the ride (but my RAS is gonna help! tomorrow it goes on)
The Ex is sort of the "Swiss Army Knife of Vehicles" it has room for people, cargo, towing, etc. just in case the need arises - all in one tool that is always with me.
But yes if you only need a cork screw or knife it's a lot bigger to have along. :-)
day trip, and my Tahoe needed the hitch mounted carry-all more than once.
We've managed to FILL up the Ex on two occasions and even SHE is glad to have the
extra space. Even if she doesn't like the ride (but my RAS is gonna help! tomorrow it goes on)
The Ex is sort of the "Swiss Army Knife of Vehicles" it has room for people, cargo, towing, etc. just in case the need arises - all in one tool that is always with me.
But yes if you only need a cork screw or knife it's a lot bigger to have along. :-)
For that reason I bought a good used excursion. 2 other people took the depreciation hits and maintained it well for me. I figured It would need some repairs over time but it's still a bargain. Plus I used it as a secondary vehicle. Hauling stuff /many people or for vacations. Everything else there is the smaller car.
Tuned
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 285
Likes: 2
From: Suwanee, GA.
I have owned 5 Suburban over the last 15 years. The Suburban IMO seem to ride more like a car. Very comfortable to drive. And seem to have more standard bells and whisles then the Ex. I would compare it more to the Ford Expedition's then the Excursion. The Excursion is the "Super Freak" of an SUV! Really shouldn't be called an SUV, it's built more like a 3/4 ton truck then a SUV.
* More towing capacity then both the 1500 and 2500 Suburbans.
* Wider wheel base and a stiffer suspension then the Suburban, So it sways less then the Suburban.
* 5 to 6 inches longer then the Suburban too. If size matters to you? LOL!
Plus the Ex just looks like a badass!
ever the
* More towing capacity then both the 1500 and 2500 Suburbans.
* Wider wheel base and a stiffer suspension then the Suburban, So it sways less then the Suburban.
* 5 to 6 inches longer then the Suburban too. If size matters to you? LOL!
Plus the Ex just looks like a badass!
ever the
Hey guys im looking at getting either an excursion or suburban in the 2000-2004 range with 160-200k miles. both are about the same price so its a matter of preference. I know yall are biased obviously, but what are some pros and cons of both compared to the other?
I would be getting gas for sure, ideally the V10 if i got an ex.
I would be getting gas for sure, ideally the V10 if i got an ex.
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More Turbo
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 727
Likes: 2
From: Seaside NJ
uhuh. right.
Not sure about your neck of the woods but over here diesel is now 75 cents a gallon more. There goes your savings. Combined with all the improvements you need to do before it is reliable.. no thanks.
Unless I towed a lot of heavy stuff and frequently in hilly areas... No diesel for me. Love the torque, love the low rpm cruising.. but the V10 does what it needs to do and a lot cheaper and more reliable.
Not sure about your neck of the woods but over here diesel is now 75 cents a gallon more. There goes your savings. Combined with all the improvements you need to do before it is reliable.. no thanks.
Unless I towed a lot of heavy stuff and frequently in hilly areas... No diesel for me. Love the torque, love the low rpm cruising.. but the V10 does what it needs to do and a lot cheaper and more reliable.
As for the original question, having owned products from the big 3, I would have to say that the Fords that I have owned have been best overall quality, I have never driven a GM product that didnt have the spongy brake pedal, just didnt seem well designed to me, interiors are ok, ride is too much like a car and the 4x4 have no ground clearance to the frames, they sit very low.
My EX is the most versatile vehicle I have ever owned, comfortable, decent ride, incredible capacity, easy to work on, very reliable......
Laughing Gas
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 829
Likes: 22
From: Florida
I'm not sure a company taking government assistance is a good reason for someone to negate doing business with them:
EVERY major bank did...so no bank accounts or credit cards or loans?
Chrysler took bailouts
EVERY major airline did...so no flying?
EVERY foreign investor got/gets incentives from the govt to do business here
BTW: I think the storage of the Excursion is second to none. The Suburban is so...NARROW. It's weenie, compared to my BEAST!
EVERY major bank did...so no bank accounts or credit cards or loans?
Chrysler took bailouts
EVERY major airline did...so no flying?
EVERY foreign investor got/gets incentives from the govt to do business here
BTW: I think the storage of the Excursion is second to none. The Suburban is so...NARROW. It's weenie, compared to my BEAST!
Post Fiend
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 11,798
Likes: 14
From: Mt. Shasta California
Likewise there is a reason why the Suburban is still being made to this day and the Excursion is not. Might have something to do with the fact that they only sold something like 16,000 Excursions in the last model year.
The Excursion is much more of a niche vehicle that is only the best choice for people who want an 8-passenger vehicle with the capabilities of an HD truck. There's nothing else like it on the road, and that's because most people who want an 8-passenger SUV don't want to make the fuel economy or ride and handling sacrifices to own one this capable.
I don't own any of my vehicles to impress anyone else, and if I needed the interior space and the towing capability of a half ton truck I would likely own a Suburban. My Excursion rides as bad as my last F350 and doesn't handle any better, and I've never seen over 14 MPGs on the highway. No regrets whatsoever, it's the correct tool for my situation. But I sacrifice much for the capability.
The Excursion is much more of a niche vehicle that is only the best choice for people who want an 8-passenger vehicle with the capabilities of an HD truck. There's nothing else like it on the road, and that's because most people who want an 8-passenger SUV don't want to make the fuel economy or ride and handling sacrifices to own one this capable.
I don't own any of my vehicles to impress anyone else, and if I needed the interior space and the towing capability of a half ton truck I would likely own a Suburban. My Excursion rides as bad as my last F350 and doesn't handle any better, and I've never seen over 14 MPGs on the highway. No regrets whatsoever, it's the correct tool for my situation. But I sacrifice much for the capability.
Posting Guru
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 1,758
Likes: 3
From: Colorado
I'm not sure a company taking government assistance is a good reason for someone to negate doing business with them:
EVERY major bank did...so no bank accounts or credit cards or loans?
Chrysler took bailouts
EVERY major airline did...so no flying?
EVERY foreign investor got/gets incentives from the govt to do business here
BTW: I think the storage of the Excursion is second to none. The Suburban is so...NARROW. It's weenie, compared to my BEAST!
EVERY major bank did...so no bank accounts or credit cards or loans?
Chrysler took bailouts
EVERY major airline did...so no flying?
EVERY foreign investor got/gets incentives from the govt to do business here
BTW: I think the storage of the Excursion is second to none. The Suburban is so...NARROW. It's weenie, compared to my BEAST!
GM did NOT. The government took stocks for the money they pumped into GM. They are now selling stock at half of what they should have been to break even. The result, billions of losses that the taxpayers will have to come up with. Yeah, that was a good idea.
And don't come up with suppliers etc.. the losses they have now could have retired everyone involved comfortably and then some.
Laughing Gas
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 829
Likes: 22
From: Florida
Most banks paid back every penny.
GM did NOT. The government took stocks for the money they pumped into GM. They are now selling stock at half of what they should have been to break even. The result, billions of losses that the taxpayers will have to come up with. Yeah, that was a good idea.
And don't come up with suppliers etc.. the losses they have now could have retired everyone involved comfortably and then some.
GM did NOT. The government took stocks for the money they pumped into GM. They are now selling stock at half of what they should have been to break even. The result, billions of losses that the taxpayers will have to come up with. Yeah, that was a good idea.
And don't come up with suppliers etc.. the losses they have now could have retired everyone involved comfortably and then some.
So once again, Buy an Excursion and avoid the "Bailout Blunders" and drive the best towing, cruising, trail riding SUV there is!
Whoo Hoo!
Elder User
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 777
Likes: 2
So to answer OP, before this turns into a gas/diesel debate or why GM may or may not suck...
The general consensus on this here forums is that the Excursion is overall more truck like and badass whereass the 'Burban is an overgrown minivan.
The general consensus on this here forums is that the Excursion is overall more truck like and badass whereass the 'Burban is an overgrown minivan.