2004 Ford Explorer Full Review - Consumer Guide Automotive

Wider availability of its antiskid system and the addition of optional 2nd-row bucket seats mark 2004 for America's best-selling SUV. Explorer is available with a 3rd-row seat for 7-passenger capacity and comes with a V6 or V8 engine and a 5-speed automatic transmission. Available with either engine is rear-wheel drive, Ford's ControlTrac 4WD that can be left engaged on dry pavement, and all-wheel drive. The AWD system is shared with the similar Mercury Mountaineer, and unlike ControlTrac, does not include low-range gearing. Explorer is among the few midsize SUVs with independent rear suspension. ABS is standard. Ford's AdvanceTrac antiskid system, previously optional only with the V8 engine, is now also available with the V6. Torso side airbags are unavailable, but the optional head-protecting curtain side airbags cover the 1st and 2nd seating rows and are designed to deploy in side impacts and rollovers. Newly optional in Eddie Bauer and Limited models for '04 are 2nd-row bucket seats with a center console. Other available features include rear DVD entertainment, tire-pressure monitor, rear-obstacle detection, and power-adjustable pedals. The Lincoln Aviator also shares the basic Explorer/Mountaineer design.

News

Explorer and cousin Mercury Mountaineer are in for a makeover come 2006. Details are unknown now, but the current basic design should get mild-to-moderate styling changes and engineering updates. A full redesign is at least three years away.

Meantime, Explorer gets a car-based companion in the 2005 Freestyle, a crossover wagon based on a platform designed by Ford-owned Volvo. Sized between Explorer and the compact Escape, Freestyle will offer 3-row seating for 6 or 7, choice of front drive or all-wheel drive, and the new "Duratec 30" version of Ford's familiar 3.0-liter V6 coupled with a new continuously variable automatic transmission. Full particulars await this fall's on-sale date, but Ford says SE, SEL and top-shelf Limited trim levels will have standard air conditioning, 17-inch wheels, tumble/fold 2nd-row seats--either a split bench or twin captain's chairs--and a fold-flat 3rd seat with an optional 50/50 split. The SEL adds dual-zone climate control and uplevel trim, while the Limited boasts heated leather seats and premium audio. Full-length curtain side airbags will be available across the board. Keep checking back with us for further details.

Freestyle is expected to be followed for 2007 by a smaller, sporty Ford crossover based on the "CD3" platform designed by affiliate Mazda. It's intended to answer the likes of Nissan Murano and Toyota Highlander, and should be close to them in size, price and general character. Lincoln will get an upscale version as a rival for the Cadillac SRX, Infiniti FX, and Lexus RX 330. Some underskin components will be shared with Freestyle.

2004 Ford Explorer Road Test

Pros	Cons

Passenger and cargo room	Fuel economy

Consumer Guide® Road Test Ratings

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

Scores for all Midsize Sport-utility Vehicles

Low Score		39
Average Score		52
High Score		66

2004 Ford Explorer Prices & Equipment

Model Prices

Prices Updated: 06/30/2004

Trim Name	Retail Price	Dealer Invoice	Destination Charge

XLS V6 4-door wagon, 2WD	$26,600	$24,179	$645

XLS V6 4-door wagon, 4WD	$29,065	$26,373	$645

XLS V6 4-door wagon, AWD	$29,065	$26,373	$645

XLS Sport V6 4-door wagon, 2WD	$28,015	$25,438	$645

XLS Sport V6 4-door wagon, 4WD	$30,240	$27,418	$645

XLS Sport V6 4-door wagon, AWD	$30,240	$27,418	$645

XLT V6 4-door wagon, 2WD	$29,580	$26,831	$645

XLT V8 4-door wagon, 2WD	$30,380	$27,543	$645

XLT V6 4-door wagon, 4WD	$31,805	$28,811	$645

XLT V8 4-door wagon, 4WD	$32,605	$29,523	$645

XLT V6 4-door wagon, AWD	$31,805	$28,811	$645

XLT V8 4-door wagon, AWD	$32,605	$29,523	$645

XLT Sport V6 4-door wagon, 2WD	$30,755	$27,877	$645

XLT Sport V8 4-door wagon, 2WD	$31,555	$28,589	$645

XLT Sport V6 4-door wagon, 4WD	$32,980	$29,857	$645

XLT Sport V8 4-door wagon, 4WD	$33,780	$30,569	$645

XLT Sport V6 4-door wagon, AWD	$32,980	$29,857	$645

XLT Sport V8 4-door wagon, AWD	$33,780	$30,569	$645

NBX V6 4-door wagon, 4WD	$32,980	$29,857	$645

NBX V8 4-door wagon, 4WD	$33,780	$30,569	$645

Eddie Bauer V6 4-door wagon, 2WD	$33,655	$30,458	$645

Eddie Bauer V8 4-door wagon, 2WD	$34,455	$31,170	$645

Eddie Bauer V6 4-door wagon, 4WD	$35,880	$32,438	$645

Eddie Bauer V8 4-door wagon, 4WD	$36,680	$33,150	$645

Eddie Bauer V6 4-door wagon, AWD	$35,880	$32,438	$645

Eddie Bauer V8 4-door wagon, AWD	$36,680	$33,150	$645

Limited V6 4-door wagon, 2WD	$34,530	$31,237	$645

Limited V8 4-door wagon, 2WD	$35,330	$31,949	$645

Limited V6 4-door wagon, 4WD	$36,755	$33,217	$645

Limited V8 4-door wagon, 4WD	$37,755	$33,929	$645

Limited V6 4-door wagon, AWD	$36,755	$33,217	$645

Limited V8 4-door wagon, AWD	$37,555	$33,929	$645

Pricing Key: Retail prices listed with each report are set by the vehicle's manufacturer. These figures appear on each car's federally mandated window sticker. Most price lists also include dealer-invoice prices. Dealer-invoice prices are what the dealer pays the manufacturer for the car and its factory-installed options. The destination charge is not included in the suggested-retail or dealer-invoice price and must be added to the cost of the vehicle. Car companies change prices frequently throughout the year. If the prices published do not match those on the vehicle's window sticker, the manufacturer has probably altered the price recently.

NA = price note available, NC = no charge.

Rebates and Incentives

There are no rebates or incentives at this time.

Consumer Guide®'s Rebates and Incentives represent a summary of national manufacturer programs available. Regional restrictions may apply, and offerings may vary by model. For a complete list of Rebate & Incentive programs click here.

Standard Equipment

XLS

Powertrain

4.0-liter V6 engine, 5-speed automatic transmission.

Safety

Dual front airbags, antilock 4-wheel disc brakes.

Comfort and Convenience Features

Air conditioning, power steering, tilt steering wheel, cruise control, cloth upholstery, front bucket seats, center console, cupholders, split folding rear seat, power mirrors, power windows, power door locks, remote keyless entry, AM/FM/CD player, digital clock, tachometer, variable-intermittent wipers, rear defogger, intermittent rear wiper/washer, visor mirrors, map lights, cargo-management system.

Appearance and Miscellaneous

Theft-deterrent system, rear liftgate, rear privacy glass, roof rails.

Special Purpose, Wheels and Tires

Class II trailer-hitch receiver, 4-pin connector, full-size spare tire, 235/70R16 tires, 4WD adds: 4-wheel drive, 2-speed transfer case, AWD adds: all-wheel drive.

XLS Sport adds to XLS:

Comfort and Convenience Features

Floormats.

Appearance and Miscellaneous

Step bars.

Special Purpose, Wheels and Tires

235/70R16 white-letter tires, alloy wheels, 4WD adds: 4-wheel drive, 2-speed transfer case, AWD adds: all-wheel drive.

XLT adds to XLS:

Powertrain

4.0-liter V6 or 4.6-liter V8 engine.

Comfort and Convenience Features

Leather-wrapped steering wheel, front bucket seats w/lumbar adjustment, 6-way power driver seat, keypad entry, overhead console, automatic day/night rearview mirror, outside-temperature indicator, compass, illuminated visor mirrors, automatic headlights, floormats.

Appearance and Miscellaneous

Fog lights.

Special Purpose, Wheels and Tires

Alloy wheels, 4WD adds: 4-wheel drive, 2-speed transfer case, AWD adds: all-wheel drive.

XLT Sport adds to XLT:

Appearance and Miscellaneous

Step bars.

Special Purpose, Wheels and Tires

245/65R17 all-terrain white-letter tires, machined alloy wheels, 4WD adds: 4-wheel drive, 2-speed transfer case, AWD adds: all-wheel drive.

NBX adds to XLT Sport:

Powertrain

4-wheel drive, 2-speed transfer case.

Appearance and Miscellaneous

Roof rack.

Special Purpose, Wheels and Tires

Front tow hooks, skid plates, special-tuned suspension.

Eddie Bauer/Limited adds to XLT:

Safety

Tire-pressure monitor (Limited).

Comfort and Convenience Features

Leather upholstery, heated front seats, 6-way power passenger seat, memory (driver seat, pedals) , steering-wheel radio and climate controls, power-adjustable pedals, dual-zone automatic climate control, heated power mirrors, Audiophile AM/FM radio w/in-dash 6-disc CD changer, universal garage-door opener.

Appearance and Miscellaneous

2-tone paint (Eddie Bauer), monotone paint (Limited), running boards.

Special Purpose, Wheels and Tires

245/65R17 all-terrain white-letter tires, satin-finished alloy wheels (Eddie Bauer), chrome alloy wheels (Limited), 4WD adds: 4-wheel drive, 2-speed transfer case, AWD adds: all-wheel drive.

Optional Equipment

Major Packages	Retail Price	Invoice Price
Off-Road Pkg.
4WD XLT Sport V8	$185	$158
Skid plates, front tow hooks, special-tuned suspension.

Class III/IV Trailer Towing Prep Pkg.
Eddie Bauer/Limited, NBX, XLT, XLT Sport	$400	$340
w/antiskid system	$105	$89
Limited-slip differential, Class III hitch, 7-wire harness. NA XLS, XLS Sport.

Powertrain
Limited-slip differential
XLS, XLS Sport	$290	$247
NA AWD.

Safety
Front and 2nd-row curtain side airbags
Eddie Bauer/Limited, NBX, XLS, XLS Sport, XLT, XLT Sport	$560	$476


Antiskid system
Eddie Bauer/Limited, NBX, XLT, XLT Sport	$795	$676
XLT, XLT Sport, NBX require power-adjustable pedals. NA XLS, XLS Sport, AWD.

Rear-obstacle-detection system
XLT, XLT Sport, NBX, Eddie Bauer, Limited	$255	$217


Comfort and Convenience Features
Rear DVD entertainment system
Eddie Bauer/Limited, XLT, XLT Sport	$1,295	$1,101
Includes wireless headphones. Requires power sunroof and curtain side airbags or rear air conditioning and heater. NA XLS, XLS Sport, NBX.

Rear air conditioning and heater
XLT, XLT Sport, NBX, Eddie Bauer, Limited	$650	$553


Power sunroof
XLT, XLT Sport, Eddie Bauer, Limited	$850	$723


Power-adjustable pedals
XLT, XLT Sport, NBX	$120	$102


AM/FM/cassette/CD player
XLT, XLT Sport, NBX	$150	$128


AM/FM radio w/in-dash 6-disc CD changer
XLT, XLT Sport, NBX	$510	$433


Leather upholstery
XLT, XLT Sport	$695	$591
Includes 6-way power passenger seat.

Folding 3rd-row seat
XLT, XLT Sport, NBX, Eddie Bauer, Limited	$745	$633
Includes 40/20/40 split folding 2nd-row seat.

Quad captain chairs
Eddie Bauer, Limited	$795	$676
Requires folding 3rd-row seat.

Cargo cover
XLT, XLT Sport, Eddie Bauer, Limited	$80	$68
NA w/folding 3rd-row seat.

Appearance and Miscellaneous
Running boards
XLT	$450	$383


Chrome side steps
Limited	$150	$128


Roof rack cross rails
XLS, XLS Sport, XLT, XLT Sport, Eddie Bauer, Limited	$60	$51


Special paint
Limited	$275	$234


Special Purpose, Wheels and Tires
235/70R16 white-letter tires
2WD XLT	$130	$111

2004 Ford Explorer Specs & Safety

Vehicle Dimensions

Specification	Ford Explorer 4-door wagon

Wheelbase, in.	113.8

Overall Length, in.	189.5

Overall Width, in.	72.1

Overall Height, in.	71.4

Curb Weight, lbs.	4469

Cargo Volume, cu. ft.	81.7

Standard Payload, lbs.	--

Fuel Capacity, gals.	22.5

Seating Capacity	7

Front Head Room, in.	39.9

Max. Front Leg Room, in.	42.4

Rear Head Room, in.	38.9

Max. Rear Leg Room, in.	35.9

Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist.

Engines

	sohc V6	sohc V8

Size, liters/cu. in.	4.0 /245	4.6 /281

Horsepower @ rpm.	210 @ 5100	239 @ 4750

Torque (lb-ft) @ rpm.	254 @ 3700	282 @ 4000

Availability	Standard	Standard

EPA City / highway mpg

5-speed automatic	15/21	15/19

Engine Key: l/cu in. = liters/cubic inches; ohv = overhead valve; ohc = overhead camshaft; dohc = dual overhead camshaft; I = inline cylinders; H = horizonally opposed cylinders; V = cylinders in a V configuration; W = cylinders in a W configuration; rpm = revolutions per minute; CVT = continuously variable (automatic) transmission; NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist.

Safety Features

Antilock Brakes

Traction Control

Antiskid System

Front Side Airbags

Curtain Side Airbags

Rear Side Airbags

NHTSA Crash-Test Results

Test	Ford Explorer 4-door wagon

Front Impact, Driver	4

Front Impact, Passenger	5

Rollover Resistance	3

Side Impact, Driver	5

Side Impact, Rear Passenger	5

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) tests a vehicle's worthiness in front- and side-impact collisions and rates its resistance to rollovers. Front-impact crash-test numbers indicate the chance of serious injury: 5 = 10% or less; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-35%; 2 = 35-45%; 1 = More than 45%. Side-impact crash-test numbers indicate: 5 = 5% or less; 4 = 6-10%; 3 = 11-20%; 2 = 21-25%; 1 = More than 26%. Rollover resistance numbers indicate the chance for rollover when the vehicle leaves the roadway: 5 = Less than 10%; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-30%; 2 = 30-40%; 1 = More than 40%.

Manufacturer's Warranty

Class	Years/Miles	Comments

Powertrain	5/100,000	Focus only.

Bumper-to-bumper	3/36,000	--

Corrosion	5/unlimited	--

Free roadside assistance	3/36,000	--

Free scheduled maintenance	None/--	--

Manufacturers may periodically offer additional coverage as a purchase incentive. There offers are not reflected on this chart. The federal government requires two other warranties. The Exhaust Emission Warranty covers corrosion-related parts for 2 years/24,000 miles, plus 8 years/80,000 miles on the catalytic converter and any on-board diagnostic device. The Passenger Restraint Warranty covers seat belts and airbags for 5 years/50,000 miles.

Built in: USA

Drivewheels: all-wheel drive, 4-wheel drive, rear-wheel drive

< 2004 Ford Explorer Photos

Also in the 2004 Ford Explorer Review:

Ford Explorer

Ford Explorer Road Test

Ford Explorer Prices & Equipment

Ford Explorer Specs & Safety

Ford Explorer Photos

Ford Explorer Full Review

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