2004 Ford Explorer

New for 2004

• Second-row sport bucket seating on Eddie Bauer and Limited editions with a third-row seat
AdvanceTrac enhanced stability control system is now available on V-6 XLT, Eddie Bauer and Limited models (previously V-8 only)




• Tire Pressure Monitoring System now standard on all models equipped with aluminum wheels (late availability on all models except Limited)

• NBX package updates: Off-Road package is now standard, optional power moonroof and new NBX rear badge
4.6-liter V-8 and 4.0-liter V-6 have new engine components to meet LEV II emission standards



Overview
The award-winning Ford Explorer is America's best-selling sport utility vehicle, 12 years and counting. For 2004, Explorer offers second-row sport bucket seats on Eddie Bauer and Limited models.
All models are available with a fold-flat third-row seat for comfortable seven-passenger seating, a feature made possible through Explorer's compact independent rear suspension design.
The independent rear suspension also contributes to Explorer's outstanding driving dynamics and ride qualities.
Safety remains a cornerstone of Explorer for 2004. The Safety Canopy side-curtain air bag system with rollover protection is optional, while the Personal Safety System and anti-lock brakes are standard equipment.
The 2004 Explorer is available in XLS, XLS Sport, XLT, XLT Sport, NBX, Eddie Bauer and Limited trims. It is built in St. Louis, Mo., and Louisville, Ky.
Design and Equipment
Key design elements include simple, rounded forms and sections, uncluttered body panels and a bold new grille featuring the familiar egg-crate insert of all Ford SÚVs.

High-quality, durable materials and finishes are used in all aspects of the exterior and interior design.
Explorer leads its class in third-row headroom and legroom. In seven-passenger models, the second-row seat is split 40/20/40, offering access ease to the third row, as well as the ability to customize the cargo area for long or odd-sized cargo.
The Explorer NBX is back for 2004 by customer demand. The exterior of the NBX features unique two-tone black front and rear bumpers that coordinate with the black side moldings, wheel lips and step bars.
Powertrain
The Explorer is powered by a choice of two engines.
The 4.6-liter V-8 uses aluminum block and heads and is an overhead-cam design. It delivers 239 horsepower and 282 foot-pounds of torque and will go 100,000 miles before its first scheduled tune-up.
The 4.0-liter V-6 offers flexible fuel capability and produces 210 horsepower and 254 foot-pounds of torque. Explorer is the only SÚV in its class to offer standard flexible-fuel capability.
Towing capability comes built-in. The standard receiver hitch offers Class II towing capability. A towing package provides Class III/IV towing capability of up to 7,140 pounds when properly equipped.
ControlTrac four-wheel drive is available.
Safety
In the Ú.S. NHTSA front crash test, the 2002 Explorer achieved a 4-star (driver)/5-star (front passenger) rating. Explorer was named a Best Pick by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety in its offset frontal crash test evaluation. In its 40-mph frontal offset crash test, Explorer outperformed all other major competitors. Steel beams in the doors help prevent intrusion during side impacts. Together, the front crush zones and the beams absorb the energy of certain impacts to help protect the driver and the passenger.
Four-wheel-disc anti-lock brakes are standard. The Explorer can be equipped with the Safety Canopy curtain air bag system , power adjustable pedals, a tire-pressure monitoring system and AdvanceTrac stability control.
Major Equipment and Options
XLS: 4.0L V-6 engine, five-speed automatic transmission, anti-lock four-wheel disc brakes, tilt steering wheel, speed control, cloth upholstery, front bucket seats, center console, split-folding rear seat, power mirrors, windows and door locks, keyless entry, AM/FM/CD stereo, intermittent wipers, rear defogger, intermittent rear wiper/washer, map lights and cargo-management system.
XLS Sport adds to XLS: 16-inch aluminum wheels, Medium Dark Platinum wheel lip moldings, black step bars, deluxe center floor console and floormats.
XLT adds to XLS: leather-wrapped steering wheel, front bucket seats w/lumbar adjustment, six-way power driver seat, keypad entry, overhead console, automatic day/night rearview mirror, outside-temperature indicator, compass, cargo cover and automatic headlights.
XLT Sport adds to XLT: 17-inch machined aluminum wheels, P245/65R17 all-terrain OWL tires, platinum gloss step bars, platinum gloss cladding, wheel lip moldings and two-tone front and rear fascia.
Eddie Bauer/Limited adds to XLT: leather upholstery, heated front seats, six-way power passenger seat, driver-seat memory, steering wheel radio and climate controls, power-adjustable pedals w/memory, dual-zone automatic climate control, heated power mirrors, Audiophile AM/FM radio w/in-dash six-disc CD changer, universal garage-door opener and message center.
NBX adds to XLT: 17-inch machined aluminum wheels, P245/65R17 all-terrain OWL tires, off-road package, two-tone black front/rear bumper, black cladding, wheel lip moldings, step bars, rubber floor mats, cargo soft liner, storage bag, front tow hooks and unique cloth interior.
Major Options include second-row sport-bucket seating on Eddie Bauer and Limited, Class III/IV towing package, Safety Canopy, rear seat DVD entertainment sytem, Reverse Sensing System, rear-seat climate control, power moonroof, power-adjustable pedals, AdvanceTrac and third-row seat and off-road package.

Source - Ford