A functional interior, ample passenger space, strong powertrain and a well-controlled ride all contribute to the 2004 Ford Explorer's well-deserved reputation as a practical midsize SUV with few faults.

• Pros

Excellent ride and handling characteristics for a truck-based SUV, strong optional V8, comfortable cabin with user-friendly layout and seating for up to seven, good crash test scores.

• What's New for 2004

Ford's AdvanceTrac electronic stability control that was previously available on V8 models only is now available on all models, except the XLS and XLS Sport and all AWD models. The NBX version now comes standard with the off-road package and "NBX" tailgate badging, and can be ordered with a moonroof. Limited and Eddie Bauer models get a quad bucket seating option when equipped with the third-row bench, which adds second-row buckets and a floor console. Family buyers of the 2004 Ford Explorer should note that the optional rear air conditioner no longer requires the purchase of the third-row seat. Finally, a tire-pressure monitoring system is now standard on XLS Sport and higher trim levels, and a rear cargo shade is optional on XLT, Eddie Bauer and Limited models.

Features

• Interior Features
• Front Seats
• 6 -way power driver seat
• Passenger seat with manual adjustable lumbar support
• Driver seat with manual adjustable lumbar support
• Height adjustable driver seat
• Cloth
• Bucket front seats
• Rear Seats
• Split-folding rear seatback
• Rear ventilation ducts with fan control
• Power Features
• Remote keyless power door locks
• Power mirrors
• 1 one-touch power windows
• Instrumentation
• Clock
• Tachometer
• External temperature display
• Low fuel level warning
• Compass
• Convenience
• Cruise control
• Front and rear cupholders
• Front and rear door pockets
• Overhead console with storage
• Retained accessory power
• Power steering
• 12V rear power outlet(s)
• Tilt-adjustable steering wheel
• Cruise controls on steering wheel
• Comfort
• Air conditioning
• Cargo area light
• Front and rear reading lights
• Leather steering wheel
• Rear floor mats
• Electrochromatic inside rearview mirror
• Dual illuminating vanity mirrors
• In Car Entertainment
• Mast antenna
• 4 total speakers
• 80 watts stereo output
• AM/FM stereo
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Features

• Exterior Features
• Roof and Glass
• Intermittent wipers
• Privacy glass
• Rear defogger
• Intermittent rear wiper
• Roof rack
• Tires and Wheels
• Alloy wheels
• 16 x 7 in. wheels
• Steel spare wheel
• P235/70R16 tires
• All season tires
• Underbody mounted spare tire
• Fullsize matching spare tire
• Doors
• Manual flip-up lifgate window
• Rear liftgate door
• Towing and Hauling
• Cargo tie downs
• Trailer hitch
• Trailer wiring
• Safety Features
• 4-wheel ABS
• Front head airbags
• Child seat anchors
• Remote anti-theft alarm system
• Front and rear solid disc brakes
• Rear door child safety locks
• Engine immobilizer
• Front fog/driving lights
• Dusk sensing headlamps
• 2 front headrests
• 2 rear headrests
• Rear center lap belt
• Front seatbelt pretensioners
• Electronic brakeforce distribution
• Rear height adjustable headrests
• Tire pressure monitoring