2004 Ford Explorer: Road Test
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2004 Ford Explorer ▼
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- MSRP: $26,600 -$37,755
- Invoice: $24,179 -$33,929
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Our road test for the 2004 Ford Explorer includes a full evaluation of the 2004 Ford Explorer from the inside out. We evaluate not only engine and handling performance for the 2004 Ford Explorer, but also interior cabin and cargo space. Let our comprehensive road test ratings for the 2004 Ford Explorer help you decide if a 2004 Ford Explorer is right for you.
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ACCELERATION
| XLT V6 4WD | Limited V8 WD | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 4 | 5 | 4.8 |
Test V8 Eddie Bauer 4WD did 8.4 sec 0-60 mph. Expect the same for a V8 AWD Mountaineer. Ford says V6 Explorers and Mountaineers do 0-60 in 10.2 sec. In practice, both V6 and V8 furnish modest acceleration from a stop, but build speed quickly. Surprisingly, no great difference in throttle response between the two engines in the 40-55-mph range. Maximum towing capacity is 7140 lb.
FUEL ECONOMY
| XLT V6 4WD | Limited V8 WD | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 4 | 3 | 3.8 |
Extended-use-test 4WD V8 XLT Explorer averaged 15.1 mpg in mostly highway driving over 8885 mi. Similar examples averaged 13.3-14.1 with more city driving. Test 4WD V6 Eddie Bauer Explorer averaged 17.1 mpg. Mountaineers mirror these numbers. Ford and Mercury recommend regular-grade fuel for both engines.
RIDE QUALITY
| XLT V6 4WD | Limited V8 WD | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 4 | 4 | 4.5 |
Somewhat trucky, though reasonably compliant and devoid of sloppy motions. Mountaineer's stiffer shock absorbers make it more stable than Explorer on dips and swells, but slightly less absorbent on rough pavement.
STEERING/HANDLING/BRAKING
| XLT V6 4WD | Limited V8 WD | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 4 | 4 | 3.7 |
Capable and confident overall, with best-in-class steering feel for both Mountaineer and Explorer, and a relatively compact turning circle for good low-speed maneuverability. Still, typical of truck-type SUVs, some body lean in turns and, compared to a car, somewhat slow reaction in quick directional changes. AdvanceTrac antiskid system a laudable feature designed to help prevent sideways skids, which can lead to rollovers. Explorer and Mountaineer have strong stopping power, though brake-pedal effort slightly high.
QUIETNESS
| XLT V6 4WD | Limited V8 WD | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 4 | 5 | 4.4 |
Wind, road noise unobjectionable, and low for an SUV. Engines intrude only under full throttle, though V8 quieter than V6.
CONTROLS
| XLT V6 4WD | Limited V8 WD | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 7 | 7 | 6.2 |
Bold, clear gauge markings. Most controls illuminated and within easy reach, with welcome capability to operate air conditioning in all air-distribution modes. Dashboard layout shared with Mountaineer, and cabin materials are of good quality, but the Mercury's brushed-aluminum look is dressier than Explorer's color-coordinated plastic.
ROOM/COMFORT/DRIVER SEATING (FRONT)
| XLT V6 4WD | Limited V8 WD | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 7 | 8 | 6.4 |
Plenty of room on comfortable seats. Standard tilt steering wheel, available memory seat help custom-tailor driving position. Available adjustable pedals help shorter drivers sit farther from steering-wheel airbag. Outward visibility good, and available rear-obstacle-detection system adds a measure of safety when backing up. Available running boards too narrow to provide a solid step when exiting the vehicle, but wide enough to require stretching over.
ROOM/COMFORT (REAR)
| XLT V6 4WD | Limited V8 WD | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 7 | 7 | 5.6 |
Three adults can squeeze across in 2nd row, where there's generous head room and better knee and foot clearance than in most midsize SUVs. However, seat divided into three segments, and each can feel narrow and confining. Third-row seat cushion low to floor and pancake-flat, but head room expansive, leg space surprisingly good. Second-row seats tip forward in single, easy motion, but access to 3rd row still for the young and/or limber.
CARGO ROOM
| XLT V6 4WD | Limited V8 WD | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 8 | 8 | 7.8 |
Large hatch glass opens separately, dips low into tailgate for easier loading. But glass releases only via keyfob, lacks its own pulldown handle. Tailgate itself weighty to open or close. Cargo room tight behind 3rd-row seat. Third-row folds almost flat with floor for more space, but process can be awkward. Rear bay is wide, tall.
VALUE WITHIN CLASS
| XLT V6 4WD | Limited V8 WD | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 8 | 7 | 5.1 |
Explorer is a more-than-competent overall performer with an unmatched array of useful features: available V8 power, 7-passenger seating, adjustable pedals, curtain airbags, DVD entertainment, rear-obstacle detection, and antiskid system. Mountaineer's higher sticker price brings more-expressive styling but, in all, Explorer is the better value.
Total Score
| XLT V6 4WD | Limited V8 WD | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 57 | 58 | 52.3 |
Total Score: 58
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