• The Ford Explorer was introduced in 1991, replacing the Bronco II as Ford's compact Sport Utility Vehicle (SUV). Between 1991 and 2004, the Explorer went through many changes, including the addition of four-wheel anti-lock brakes in 1993, front airbags in 1999 and standard automatic transmission in 2001. The Explorer was the best-selling SUV in and the fifth best-selling vehicle in the United States overall for that year.
  
  

Engine and Drivetrain

• The 2004 Ford Explorer XLT has a 4.6-liter, 239-horsepower, V-8 engine. It has a five-speed automatic overdrive transmission and rear-wheel drive. The maximum payload is 1,416 pounds, and it has a maximum towing capacity of 7,140 pounds. The turning radius is 36.8 feet.
  
  

Fuel

• The 2004 Explorer XLT has a 22.5-gallon fuel tank. Estimated mileage for city driving is 13 mpg and 18 mpg on the highway. The combined EPA estimated mileage is 15 mpg. On a full tank, the range is 337.5 miles with mixed city and highway driving.
  
  

Interior

• The Explorer XLT has bucket seats in the front and a split-bench seat in the rear, seating five adults. The driver's seat has power adjustments. The vehicle has air conditioning, privacy glass, power windows and power door locks. An AM/FM/CD system is standard as are reading lights and a cargo area light.
  
  

Safety

• The 2004 Explorer XLT has driver and front passenger airbags, an anti-lock brake system and side impact bars. The vehicle came with an anti-theft alarm system and a panic alarm on the key fob. The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration rated the 2004 Explorer's crash protection at five stars for front crashes for the front passenger, five stars for front/rear side crashes, and four stars for front crashes on the driver side.
  
  

Dimensions and Weight

• The 2004 Explorer XLT is 189.5 inches long, 72.1 inches wide and 71.4 inches high. It has a 113.8-inch wheelbase and 8.5-inch ground clearance. The curb weight of the vehicle is 4,304 pounds and the gross weight, with passengers and cargo, is 5,720 pounds.
  
  

Other Trims

• The 2004 Ford Explorer was offered in a variety of other trims including XLS, NBX, Eddie Bauer and Limited. Engines on the other trims ranged from 4.0-liter to 4.6-liter. Options such as leather seats were standard on some trims.