2004 Ford Explorer

What Edmunds Says

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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.

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Safety
Reliability

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.

Cons

Dull cabin design with some low-grade materials, low resale value, confusing controls on highline models, lousy fuel economy.

Available Explorer SUV Models

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2002 Ford Explorer XLT 4WD 4dr SUV Shown FQ

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XLS

4.0L V6 flex-fuel engine
Automatic transmission
Up to 14 cty/20 hwy mpg
All-wheel drive
4-wheel drive

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Used TMV from $5,430

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XLS Sport

4.0L V6 flex-fuel engine
Automatic transmission
Up to 14 cty/20 hwy mpg
All-wheel drive
4-wheel drive

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Used TMV from $5,595

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XLT

4.6L V8 engine
Automatic transmission
Up to 14 cty/20 hwy mpg
All-wheel drive
4-wheel drive
Stability Control (Optional)
Third row seats (Optional)
Traction Control (Optional)
DVD player (Optional)

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Used TMV from $5,860

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XLT Sport

4.6L V8 engine
Automatic transmission
Up to 14 cty/20 hwy mpg
All-wheel drive
4-wheel drive
Stability Control (Optional)
Third row seats (Optional)
Traction Control (Optional)
DVD player (Optional)

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Used TMV from $6,052

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NBX

4.6L V8 engine
Automatic transmission
Up to 14 cty/19 hwy mpg
4-wheel drive
Stability Control (Optional)
Third row seats (Optional)
Traction Control (Optional)

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Used TMV from $6,288

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Eddie Bauer

4.0L V6 flex-fuel engine
Automatic transmission
Up to 14 cty/20 hwy mpg
All-wheel drive
4-wheel drive
Stability Control (Optional)
Third row seats (Optional)
Traction Control (Optional)
DVD player (Optional)

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Used TMV from $6,730

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Limited

4.6L V8 engine
Automatic transmission
Up to 14 cty/20 hwy mpg
All-wheel drive
4-wheel drive
Stability Control (Optional)
Third row seats (Optional)
Traction Control (Optional)
DVD player (Optional)

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Used TMV from $6,859

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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.

2004 Ford Explorer

Pros

Cons

XLSes for sale near you

XLS Sports for sale near you

XLTs for sale near you

XLT Sports for sale near you

NBXs for sale near you

Eddie Bauers for sale near you

Limiteds for sale near you

2004 Ford Explorer

What's New for 2004

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