Old Truck New Truck: 2004 vs. 2024

[Mervin the Maverick]

2004 Ford Sport Trac Explorer, 2024 XL Maverick

The trucks are nearly identical in size - within an inch or two in length and width.
The Maverick is slightly lower and the hood line a couple of inches lower, which is welcome in this age of giant aggressive hoods.

I need a Sport Track or Ranger to play off road!
Maybe not the best choice, but I want to stick with small Fords.

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[Charles T.]

Those “steelies” look great on your truck!

 

[NDL]

steering effort much the same I find, did not notice it.

The old truck rides mighty like a truck, part of its appeal - every drive a bit of an adventure, bumping along ;-)
Maverick is quiet and easy, my wife loves it but it may be too much luxury for me, ha.
Still have to do some dirt-roading in the Mav, that is where the old truck really shone. I would gleefully accelerate onto dirt roads.. a bit falls off ? well we're still going, so clearly that bit wasn't really necessary, onward ho !

I appreciate your feedback...thank you! I too, prefer the driving characteristics of the Sport Trac/Ranger.

 

[801Maverick801]

Did you have the 4.0 V6 in that Sporttrac?

 

[Sporttrac1]

2004 Ford Sport Trac Explorer, 2024 XL Maverick

The trucks are nearly identical in size - within an inch or two in length and width.
The Maverick is slightly lower and the hood line a couple of inches lower, which is welcome in this age of giant aggressive hoods.

The camper top is unexpectedly complicated, apparently the stock versions of Leer and SnugTop don't support roof rack installations. Seems odd.

Still debating whether to get another white top, just to make the truck a bit more distinctive and easier to spot in parking lots..

I'm going to miss that old Ford, still running well at 180k. Hopefully the Maverick will do as well.

I am a little spooked by the FordPass application where I can go online and see my tire pressure, oil life, etc.

Too much tech for me (computer scientist, forty years of programming ;-)

I had a 2003 Explorer Sport trac that was amazing - I loved that truck, but sold it about 8 years ago. I always hoped Ford would bring it back so I could buy a new one! Bought the 2024 Maverick XLT Ecoboost with 4K Tow Pkg, and so far it's been great!

 

[DougK]

Did you have the 4.0 V6 in that Sporttrac?

yes - regular synthetic oil changes at 8k, so far have not heard the dreaded timing belt rattle..
Terrific engine in my experience, plenty of power, hauls me and canoes etc over the Continental Divide with no fuss or bother..

 

[Dad]

Ford transitioned the Explorer to unibody in 2011, so no more frames available. The Ranger was also discontinued between 2012-2018, so no frames there either. Why Ford decided to go the better part of a decade without a small or midsize truck is a real puzzler. More back story here.
https://www.slashgear.com/1619407/why-did-ford-discontinue-explorer-sport-trac/

Thank you for the Ford history lesson!

 

[mepot101]

I sold my 2003 sport trac when I got the Maverick. 42 vs 14 mpg has sold me on the Mav. I do miss the rear window though.

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