2004 Ford Explorer Sport Trac

Thinking outside the box has become a hallmark of success in today's rapidly changing business world. The same is proving true in the automotive realm, where rethinking conventional approaches has led to numerous variations on the basic transportation theme.

The Sport Trac blends the people-moving prowess of a traditional four-door sport utility with the cargo carrying capabilities of a pickup truck.

One of the most innovative embodiments of that philosophy is the Ford Explorer Sport Trac. Introduced for the 2001 model year, this midsize hybrid blends the people-moving prowess of a traditional four-door sport utility with the cargo carrying capabilities of a pickup truck. With its unique configuration, bounteous comfort-and-convenience touches and value-oriented pricing, the Sport Trac has found favor with a wide range of active-lifestyle buyers from coast to coast. Modestly tweaked for 2004 with a freshened interior and various package upgrades, it promises to be an even more popular choice for the young and young at heart.


This year's Sport Trac comes in four trim levels-XLS XLT, XLT Premium and Adrenalin-in either two- or four-wheel drive. Even the base XLS, which opens at $23,045, plus $645 destination charge, offers an impressive roster of standards that includes AM/FM/CD stereo, power windows and locks, 16-inch wheels, intermittent wipers, two-tone cloth front bucket seats and a split rear bench seat. Newly added to the 2004 XLT standard features mix are (Convenience Group) remote keyless entry, tilt steering wheel, woven floor mats and speed control.


Whether rear-drive or fitted with two-Speed Shift-On-The-Fly, all Sport Tracs are fitted with the same 4.0-liter SOHC V-6 that makes 210 horsepower and 240 lb.-ft. of torque. The engine is paired with a five-speed automatic regardless of the number of driven wheels. For this encounter, we sampled an XLT Premium grade rear-drive model that based at $26,750. At that level, items like keyless remote entry with door-mounted keypad, tilt steering column, speed control, fog lamps, step bars and 255/70 tires also are part of the mix. Comfort Group and Premium Sport Group items also come standard on XLT Premium Sport Tracs and include such amenities as a six-way power driver seat, premium floor console, bright cast aluminum wheels with conventional spare and more.

Front seats offer good lateral support; standard upholstery is cloth, but leather trim is available. All switchgear is within easy reach.

Spawned from the previous-generation Explorer 4-door, the Sport Trac benefits from a 14.25-inch stretch in wheelbase-to 125.9 inches-as well as a host of structural reinforcements that enhance chassis stiffness by some 40 percent. Both rear and 4WD Sport Tracs rely on a common suspension formula. Up front, upper and lower control arms work with torsion bars while a live axle is suspended by two-stage leaf springs in the rear. Stabilizer bars at each end help round out the package, and directional control comes courtesy of a decently weighted rack-and-pinion power-steering package.