The 2001 Ford Excursion built on the successes of its freshman year with very few changes. Two trims were available for the 2001 Excursion: XLT and Limited; the Limited's luxury accoutrements now included fog lamps and mirrors with built-in electric turn signal lights, as well as the heated mirrors, leather upholstery, and other goodies.

Buyers could choose rear-wheel drive, or optional four-wheel drive. The Excursion's 4WD option was marketed for suburban safety, though, rather than for all-terrain versatility; you weren't likely to want to take this landwhale off-road.

When it came to roominess, the Excursion gave new meaning to the 'full-size' in 'full-size SUV'. Its overall length was 226.7 inches, with a width of 79.9 inches. The Excursion seated 9, with ample legroom and headroom for all, and had a cargo capacity of 146.4 cubic feet.

In addition to its size, the Ford Excursion offered plenty of power. The Excursion came off the line with a 5.4 liter overhead cam V-8 that delivered 255 horsepower and 350 lb.-ft. of torque; buyers could upgrade to a 6.8 liter overhead cam V10, with 310 horsepower and 425 lb.-ft. of torque, or go for even more power with a V-8 turbodiesel option.

The new V-8 turbodiesel was another of the 2001 changes to the Excursion. A 7.3 single overhead cam putting out 250 horsepower and 505 lb.-ft. of torque, this engine was fit for a monster. Or an Excursion?