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DougK

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Ford Maverick Old Truck New Truck: 2004 vs. 2024 ford old new 2
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Ford Maverick Old Truck New Truck: 2004 vs. 2024 ford old new



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 ;-)
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Redline

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I forgot that short box truck ever even existed. This version seems to be more well received.
 

Baloo

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In 2003 I rented a Explorer, same as the Sport Trac drivers compartment wise. I had no room in it, I am 6'6" and at the time 340lbs. When I sat in a Maverick before ordering one, I weighed the same, bit was shocked at how much more room there was compared to that generation of the Explorer platform.
 

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In 2003 I rented a Explorer, same as the Sport Trac drivers compartment wise. I had no room in it, I am 6'6" and at the time 340lbs. When I sat in a Maverick before ordering one, I weighed the same, bit was shocked at how much more room there was compared to that generation of the Explorer platform.
Yes big difference in room and a whole lot more, ride, handling, maneuverability, better traction (FWD), more HP and torque comparing 4 cylinders, safer, side air bags etc not to mention technology difference or upgraded. It's also a whole lot easier getting in and out of the cab with unitized body without sacrificing ground clearance. The Maverick actually has a little bit more.

Even then the Sport trac was ahead of it's time. The low mpg and pricing so close to the F150 sealed it's fate. Besides what you already mentioned the lack of cab space at least leg and head room .
 

Hunters Edge

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ford old new 2.jpg
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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 ;-)
You finally took delivery? Congratulations with your new Maverick. I hopefully the Ford Maverick will do better than your old truck. I know it's going to get better fuel economy. Nice looking truck. I would highly suggest a hard trifold tonneau cover. You will be able to utilize your rear view mirror.
 

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ford old new 2.jpg
ford old new 3.jpg
ford old new.jpg



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 ;-)
Congratulations on the new Maverick! We hope you love it just as much as your old one.
 

Guv

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Congratulations on your new truck and your high mileage on your Sport Trac.
I bet you have about 800lbs less truck now.
 

Gray Goose

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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 the same Sport Trac, 2001 model minus the topper. Loved the power rear window.
 

Gray Goose

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I forgot that short box truck ever even existed. This version seems to be more well received.
The Explorer Sport Trac was a vehicle with an identity crisis. Had it been named the Ranger crew cab, it would have sold much better. I had a Ranger prior to the Sport Trac. From a functional perspective the Sport Trac had more in common with the Ranger than the Explorer.
 

NDL

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Congrats on your new truck! I hope you have many trouble free years ahead of you...

I had a 2001 Ranger, which I absolutely loved. Compared to the Sport Trak, how's the steering effort - (is it light/heavier) - than the Sport Trak? And how are the riding characteristics compared to the Sport Trak?
 
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Dad

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I wonder why Ford dropped that Explorer pickup. I thought it filled a nice niche. Apparently, they decided to expand the size of the Ranger which made the Explorer redundant.
On another note: Once you drive the Maverick for a few hundred miles, I'm guessing you'll be less keen on the Explorer based on how much better the Maverick rides and manages gas mileage. Nonetheless, very happy for you getting your new Maverick and I wish you many safe and happy travels with her.
 

Maverickman74

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In Ohio at least the Sport Tracks were really popular. Everyone I knew that had one loved em and there were always too expensive to buy used for me. Body on frame gave em less interior room, but they made up for that in durability. Also the integrated bed cover and rear window were awesome.

As for your new Maverick, you are gonna love it. And that Ford pass deal is occasionally uselful. I used it a couple times in the past year to get the AC going on a hot day. I personally recommend the ARE MX toppers. With the windoors on both sides and the rails on the roof you get a lot of utility and access with them. I did a thread on mine about how I reinforced the roof rail mounts on the inside and added solid hanger points all made out aluminum from Lowe's. Then I had some old aluminum channel from a bridge I made roof crossbars out of with ratchet straps mounted to em.

https://www.mavericktruckclub.com/forum/threads/are-mx-topper-cargo-mods.37285/

Ford Maverick Old Truck New Truck: 2004 vs. 2024 IMG_20240325_182256_854
Ford Maverick Old Truck New Truck: 2004 vs. 2024 IMG_20240325_183513_353
 

Gray Goose

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I wonder why Ford dropped that Explorer pickup. I thought it filled a nice niche. Apparently, they decided to expand the size of the Ranger which made the Explorer redundant.
On another note: Once you drive the Maverick for a few hundred miles, I'm guessing you'll be less keen on the Explorer based on how much better the Maverick rides and manages gas mileage. Nonetheless, very happy for you getting your new Maverick and I wish you many safe and happy travels with her.
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/
 
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DougK

DougK

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Congratulations on the new Maverick! We hope you love it just as much as your old one.
it's a high bar to clear ;-)

I am 6'6" and at the time 340lbs. When I sat in a Maverick before ordering one, I weighed the same, bit was shocked at how much more room there was compared to that generation of the Explorer platform.
I'm 6'2" and the driver seat in the Explorer is good, can even wear my cowboy hat inside..
but the rear seat in the Maverick is much more spacious. My occasional passengers will be happy..
 
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DougK

DougK

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I had a 2001 Ranger, which I absolutely loved. Compared to the Sport Trak, how's the steering effort - (is it light/heavier) - than the Sport Trak? And how are the riding characteristics compared to the Sport Trak?
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 !
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