Ford Explorer Sport Trac

Name: 2004 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
Brand: Ford

EPA MPG: NA

Owner Reported MPG:

EPA MPG: NA

Owner Reported MPG:

RECALL ALERT: There are 2 recalls on this vehicle. Learn More.

There are 2 recalls on this vehicle. Learn More.

RECALL ALERT: There are 2 recalls on this vehicle. Learn More.

There are 2 recalls on this vehicle. Learn More.

Reliability Details

Owner Satisfaction Details

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Road Test

The Sport Trac is essentially a cross between Ford's Ranger pickup and its pre-2002 Explorer SUV. It provides a roomy, versatile cabin and well-rounded performance, but ride is stiff and choppy and the engine is unrefined. A tip-up of the two-wheel-drive version in the gov't rollover test is a concern. The four-wheel-drive version performed better.

2004 Pickup trucks Reliability

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Ford Explorer Spo...

Ford Explorer Sport Trac

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Ford Ranger

Mazda B-Series

Toyota Tacoma

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Crash Tests

IIHS Front Moderate Overlap

IIHS Front Small Overlap, Driver

IIHS Side Crash

NHTSA Overall Crash

NHTSA Overall Frontal-Crash

NHTSA Overall Side-Crash

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Crash Tests

IIHS Front Moderate Overlap

IIHS Front Small Overlap, Driver

IIHS Side Crash

NHTSA Overall Crash

NHTSA Overall Frontal-Crash

NHTSA Overall Side-Crash

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Ford vs. Other New Car Brands

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Owner Reports

Owner Satisfaction Owner Satisfaction

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Driving Experience

Comfort

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Ford vs. Other New Car Brands

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Ford vs. Other New Car Brands

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Crash Tests

IIHS Front Moderate Overlap

IIHS Front Small Overlap, Driver

IIHS Side Crash

NHTSA Overall Crash

NHTSA Overall Frontal-Crash

NHTSA Overall Side-Crash

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2004 Midsized pickup trucks Ratings

2004 Ford Explorer Sport Trac

$5,250 - $5,825

EPA MPG NA

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2004 Chevrolet Colorado

$3,150 - $6,725

EPA MPG NA

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2004 Dodge Dakota

$3,175 - $5,075

EPA MPG NA

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2004 Ford Ranger

$3,525 - $6,175

EPA MPG NA

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2004 GMC Canyon

$3,075 - $6,275

EPA MPG NA

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2004 Mazda B-Series

$ NA

EPA MPG NA

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2004 Nissan Frontier

$4,675 - $7,000

EPA MPG NA

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2004 Toyota Tacoma

$4,500 - $9,700

EPA MPG NA

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

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Features & Specs

crew cab

2 front, 3 rear

4WD, Rear

4-liter V6 (210 hp)

5-speed manual
5-speed automatic

In most cases, automotive warranties are based on the vehicle identification number (VIN), and the warranty will be valid regardless of ownership. The dealership can tell you exactly how much warranty is left.

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Model History

2007-2010

2007 Redesign Year

The 2007 redesign brought standard ESC and independent rear suspension, but only modest improvements to ride and handling. With the refinements, we found handling to be competent, but ride stiff and choppy. Also, braking performance had room for improvement, with a poor showing in our fade tests. Part of the problem is this version of the Sport Trac is based upon an earlier version of the Explorer, which lacked many of the refinements of the day. As result, we also found modest interior space, along with unimpressive fit and finish. However, outward visibility to the front is quite good and the seats are supportive -- if somewhat lumpy. The bed is good for a six-foot load with the tailgate open and the bed extender in place. It also contains hidden storage.

2001-2006

2001 Redesign Year

Based on the Explorer, the Sport Trac is a four-door pickup with a five-passenger cabin and a small cargo bed. Handling is secure and relatively responsive, but the ride is stiff, choppy, and uncomfortable. An adequate selection of storage nooks is provided, along with a removable zippered bag between the front seats. The four-foot cargo bed, with a volume of about 30 cubic feet, is made of sturdy, rustproof plastic. Because it is relatively short, its usefulness is somewhat limited, but an optional bed extender stretches the usable load floor to the end of the tailgate. Properly equipped, Explorer Sport Trac is good to tow 5,100 pounds. However, a tip-up of the two-wheel-drive version in the government rollover test is a concern. Therefore, we recommend only the four-wheel-drive version.