The 2004 Ford Explorer Sport Trac model year saw only a few changes made to the popular sport-utility truck. Design inside the cabin, and on the dashboard, was updated a bit; still, reviewers complained that Ford hadn't made similar revisions to the basic platform, which not only remained unchanged since the Sport Trac's introduction, but which had already been an outdated version of the Explorer platform.

Despite these gripes, the '04 Explorer Sport Trac sold briskly. Ford had a good sense of how many drivers out there were looking for the interior comfort of a midsize SUV as well as the versatility of an open pickup bed (with tonneau cover as an option).

The Adrenalin trim was made more luxurious for the 2004 model year; the '04 Ford Explorer Sport Trac Adrenalin featured a high-end stereo system as well as flashy styling. The XLS and XLT trims were less out-there, and aimed more at the family market than, like the Adrenaline, at young men looking for a performance truck.

With a 4.0 liter V6 engine that put out 210 horsepower and 240 lb.-ft. of torque, the 2004 Explorer Sport Trac wasn't ever going to set the road on fire, especially with its 126-in. wheelbase. Still, that was just fine with most of its owners, who found their Sport Trac to give them all the comfort they needed for fun, and all the versatility they needed for work.