Sources tell us that Ford is making up for their “extreme losses” (thanks to its leased out vehicles) by increasing the prices for the Ford Explorer, F-150, Sport Trac, and Super Duty. The flaw in this plan is that Ford will have to raise the price to an amount that no one would even want to pay them. It won’t surprise us if they shut down soon after they discover the negatives of this effect.

Email This To A Friend or Social Bookmark It!

An audio input jack is standard with all radios. The available DVD entertainment system now features a larger 8-inch screen, and a new Carbon Clearcoat Metallic exterior color is available on all models. A new White Sand Tri-Coat Clearcoat Metallic exterior color is available on Limited models. Limited models now come standard with auxiliary air conditioning, 18-inch machined aluminum wheels and a reverse sensing system.

For 2007, Eddie Bauer and Limited models offer power running boards. In the Explorer’s 2002 redesign, engineers devised an innovative porthole-in-frame independent rear suspension, with shafts that poke through holes drilled into the frame. Ford says trailing arms added to the rear suspension in 2006 make it more robust. Built on a 113.7-inch wheelbase, the Explorer measures 193.4 inches long overall. Large door openings coupled with a low step-in height should help ease entry and exit. A power moonroof and 18-inch chrome-clad wheels are optional.

A chrome four-bar grille, unique bumpers, fog lamps, puddle lamps and 16-inch aluminum wheels are installed on XLT models. Eddie Bauer editions get a two-tone bumper and trim treatment, a chrome three-bar grille, Pueblo Gold running boards and 17-inch painted aluminum wheels. Chrome roof rails and 18-inch machined aluminum wheels are installed on the Limited.

Ford says the interior features a contemporary instrument panel, with a console-mounted floor shift lever. Seating for five occupants is standard, but a flat-folding third-row seat that permits seven-passenger capacity can be installed. An optional Powerfold feature allows the third row to fold flat at the touch of a button. The 60/40-split, folding second-row seat can be reclined.

The XLT adds an overhead storage console and a six-way power driver’s seat with lumbar adjustment. Woodgrain interior accents and leather-trimmed seats highlight the Eddie Bauer edition, which has a four-line message center and remote keyless entry with a keypad. Heated front seats, a power passenger seat, dual-zone automatic temperature control and a six-CD player with MP3 capability are standard in the Limited. Insulation materials used along the headliner, door panels and floor of the passenger compartment offer a quieter ride. A heated windshield, Sirius Satellite Radio and DVD navigation system are optional.

Email This To A Friend or Social Bookmark It!

2005 models are once again not offered in 2-door, last seen in 2003, but instead, in recognition of the target demographic most thrilled by the Sport Trac, offers some new techno and style features with a moonroof for XLT trims and both MP3 and Sirius radio compatibility on all audio systems. Other changes for 2005 include an two bold new exterior colours; Bright Red and Dark Stone.

The 2005 Ford Explorer Sport Trac offers three seating styles, cloth low-back front bucket seats and a rear 60/40-split bench seat, the same seats with driver-side, six-way power seat adjustment and recline function or two-tone heated leather-trimmed bucket seats, available on XLT Premium and Adrenalin models, with an additional power lumbar adjustment feature.

However, as mentioned, the 2005 Explorer Sport Trac is compatible with today’s technology systems, with Sirius radio on all audio systems and available MP3 capability. However, Sport Trac sound is all about choice; whether you go for basic AM/FM/CD or select one of the two optional sound upgrades.

The Sport Trac’s cargo bed measures 50 inches long and 19.7 inches deep for a total of 29.6 cubic feet of cargo space. In 2004, Ford changed the XLT Premium to a fresh monochromatic look that includes color-keyed bumpers, fascia, moldings and step bars and this is complemented for 2005 with the new exterior colours; Bright Red and Dark Stone.

The different trims differentiate the exterior looks with a choice of several wheel options including five-spoke cast aluminum, bright cast aluminum or chrome, depending on whether you choose the base XLS or upgrade to the XLT Premium or Adrenalin models.
Ford retains the single-overhead cam 4.0-liter V6 for 2005. It will produce 210 horsepower at 5200 rpm and 245 lb-ft of torque at 3000 rpm, for ample power to meet most requirements.

It is mated to a 5-speed automatic transmission available with either rear-wheel drive or Ford ControlTrac four-wheel drive that features low-range gearing and can be left engaged on pavement. Top-level trims have front tow hooks for their 4WD editions.

Email This To A Friend or Social Bookmark It!

Like Honda’s Ridgeline, Sport Trac has independent rear suspension designed to provide a more carlike ride than the solid rear axle common to pickups. XLT and uplevel Limited models are offered. A 210-hp V6 is standard.

A V8 is optional for the first time; it has 292 hp. Both team with automatic transmissions, the V6 a 5-speed, the V8 a 6-speed. Sport Trac offers rear-wheel drive or Ford’s Control Trac 4WD that can be left engaged on dry pavement and includes low-range gearing.

Antilock 4-wheel disc brakes and antiskid control with rollover sensors are standard. So are front side airbags. Optional are curtain side airbags that cover both seating rows and include rollover deployment.

The cargo box, now made of dent-resistant composites, has three in-floor covered bins with drain plugs. Other options include heated windshield, rigid bed cover, frame bed extender, DVD entertainment, and rear obstacle detection.

 

Email This To A Friend or Social Bookmark It!