2004 Ford Explorer: Overview

Vehicle Highlights

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.