There were many years where xlt was the top of the line. Wasn't until @ 92/93 where Ford offered Eddie Bauer trim. Used to be if you wanted pwr windows/locks and a/c etc you had to got to a xlt. You could add those to a xl with the right pkg but not to many dealers had em.

Now, even 04+ you couldn't get the top end stereo in a XLT, or console shifter etc...