Taking the best-selling Ford Explorer's frame and twisting
into a versatile package is the Explorer Sport Trac, one
of those hybrid models that does nothing short of re-ordering
traditional notions about automotive segments. Then again,
things had to change sooner or later.
The 2004 Ford Sport Trac is a four-door model with a five-passenger
cabin. However, it also has an open 4-foot cargo bed in
the rear. For 2004, the Sport Trac will not be offered as
a two-door model. Other changes for 2004 include an upgraded
interior, more standard equipment and more variety.
Available Models
The 2004 Ford Explorer Sport Trac is offered in four models:
XLS, XLT, XLT Premium and Adrenalin.
Interior Features
There are three seating styles with the 2004 Ford Explorer
Sport Trac. The standard package includes cloth low-back
front bucket seats and a rear 60/40-split bench seat with
four-way adjustable head restraints.
XLT Premium models offer cloth bucket seats with driver-side
six-way power seat adjustment, a recline function and a
four-way manually adjustable head restraint. Finally, heated
leather seats with power lumbar adjustment are available
with XLT Premium and Adrenalin models.
You get what you pay for: XLT Premium and Adrenalin models
also offer an optional power sunroof.
Exterior Features
The Sport Trac's cargo bed measures 50 inches long and 19.7
inches deep for a total of 29.6 cubic feet of cargo space.
Ford changed the XLT Premium to a fresh monochromatic look
that includes color-keyed bumpers, fascia, moldings and
step bars.
Performance
Ford assigns one versatile engine to cover the entire Explorer
Sport Trac lineup for 2004. It is a single-overhead cam
4.0-liter V6. Revved up, it will produce 210 horsepower
at 5200 rpm and 245 lb-ft of torque at 3000 rpm. It is mated
to a 5-speed automatic transmission.
The 2004 Explorer Sport Trac is available in either rear-wheel
drive or four-wheel drive. Fuel estimates are 16/20 mpg
(city/highway) for two-wheel drive models, 15/20 mpg (city/highway)
for four-wheel drive models.
With the 4.0-liter V6 engine, the Explorer Sport Trac is
the only SUV in its class to offer standard flexible-fuel
capability. The V6 can also pick up the slack and do some
dirty work when needed. Properly equipped, the Sport Trac
has a 5,300-pound maximum towing capacity.
Safety and Security
Dual front airbags and antilock 4-wheel disc brakes are
standard on all 2004 models. For added safety and security,
curtain side airbags are offered as optional equipment.
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