2004 Ford Explorer Sport Trac

The Sport Trac's interior trim smartly melds comfort and taste. While strongly reminiscent of Explorer from which it came, the basic trappings have a more rugged, resilient finish and are complemented by several bespoke cosmetic touches. Topping that list is a pair of more robustly bolstered front buckets and rubberized washable flooring covered by removable Berber-carpeted mats. Settle back in the driver's seat and you face an array of white-on-black instruments. An easy reach away, at the center of the dash, is the radio and heat/air switchgear. All of these elements are set off by Warm Steel accent trim. Multiple stowage cubbies are located throughout the Sport Trac's inner sanctum, with its center, covered armrest folding open to reveal a carry-along soft tote bag.


The Adrenalin Edition will offer a fresh look for Sport Trac. Prominent is a 510-watt Pioneer Premium Audio system, which includes nine speakers (an 8-inch subwoofer) and a dual media audio head unit. Exterior Adrenalin cues include "thumbprint" 16-inch aluminum wheels, P255/70R16 OWL all-terrain tires, foglamps, step bars and special Adrenaline badging.

All Sport Tracs are fitted with the same 4.0-liter SOHC V-6 that makes 210 horsepower and 240 lb.-ft. of torque.

On the safety front, second-generation dual front airbags, optional segment-first Safety Canopy Side Curtain Airbag System, belt-tighteners and load-limiters, computer-designed crumple zones, side-impact bars, child seat tethers and LATCH anchors in rear outboard seating positions provide concrete evidence of Ford's continuing commitment to overall passenger safety. Fully capable of taking on adult riders-but frankly two would be the optimum count in that department-the Sport Trac's split rear bench also folds to accommodate smaller items that may be best secured inside the cabin. A final and particularly nice touch is its one-touch up/down rear window with a separate vent setting that helps optimize airflow throughout the interior.


When mission priorities turn to heavier/bulkier/dirtier items, the Sport Trac offers an equally useful cargo box made from rustproof, ding-proof composite material. This industry-first design not only ensures years of low maintenance, it's 20 percent lighter than an equivalent steel box. In addition to a handy 12V power-point and 10 tie-down hooks, the 50-inch box also offers provisions for a removable cargo area divider as well as the aforementioned optional cargo cage that flips rearward to extend the effective length of the bed by nearly two feet (22.6 inches). For owners more concerned with keeping their outback cargo away from Mother Nature as well as the prying eyes/sticky fingers set, Ford also offers a slick two-piece, lockable hard tonneau cover.


Dynamically, the Sport Trac makes a pretty respectable case for itself as a lighter-duty hauler. While the more potent 4.6-liter corporate V-8 would certainly be a welcome option, the 4.0-liter six definitely has enough snap on tap to keep it well abreast of normal traffic flow under most circumstances-and still meet LEV smog standards. For 2004, the FFV (flexible fuel vehicle) engine capability allows for operation with traditional gasoline or ethanol 85 blended fuel.