Overview & Reviews

Pickup? SUV? How about both? The specialized Ford Explorer Sport Trac was a vehicle meant to offer the best of both worlds, which is to say the cargo-hauling ability of a pickup and the comfortable interior of an SUV. It was, in essence, an Explorer with a pickup bed grafted to the back.

There have been two generations of the Ford Explorer Sport Trac. We were never very impressed by the original. Though clever in concept, it lacked in execution. The first Sport Trac was low-tech, underpowered and saddled with poor handling characteristics. The redesigned second-generation model, which debuted for the 2007 model year, was a much better package overall thanks to improvements in its power, cargo and towing capacity, and handling and comfort characteristics.

In most respects, Ford succeeded at its goal of building a vehicle that could act as both a pickup and an SUV. For consumers in need of a vehicle for hauling recreational gear or just something that can be used for light-duty trips to Home Depot, the Sport Trac should work just fine. We recommend shoppers take a look at some competing automakers' crew cab midsize pickups of the same time period, however, as they fulfilled much of the same role and offered advantages in refinement, performance and cab/body style configurations.

Most Recent Ford Explorer Sport Trac Models
The most recent generation of the five-passenger Ford Explorer Sport Trac was offered from 2007-'09. It came in a single body style: a four-door crew cab pickup. Although it shared the fundamental structure of the Explorer SUV, the Sport Trac was nearly 17 inches longer. The added length came from its longer wheelbase, which allowed room for the 4-foot cargo bed as well as plenty of rear legroom.

The Sport Trac's bed was constructed from sheet-molded composite (SMC), which was lighter than steel and wouldn't rust or dent. There were three integral storage compartments, and options included a folding cargo-bed extender and a hard tonneau cover. The bed contained a 12-volt power outlet.

Two trims were offered: base XLT and luxury Limited. The XLT's standard features included power mirrors and windows, keyless entry, cruise control, air-conditioning and a CD player. The Limited adds larger 18-inch wheels, color-keyed bumpers and mirrors, foglights and side-step bars. Major options include a sunroof, dual-zone climate control and a navigation system.

There were two engines offered in this generation. The standard 4.0-liter V6 engine (210 horsepower and 254 pound-feet of torque) was matched to a five-speed automatic transmission. The available 4.6-liter V8 (292 hp and 300 lb-ft) came paired with a six-speed automatic. There was also a choice of either rear-wheel drive or four-wheel drive.

In reviews of the Ford Explorer Sport Trac, we found the vehicle competent, with no major faults. Acceleration is average, even with the V8, and handling pleasant enough to fulfill Ford's target of carlike driving qualities. In addition, the cabin was comfortable and worked well enough. Although adequate in most respects, the Sport Trac wasn't outstanding in any one area. Accordingly, we'd advise consumers shopping for a multipurpose crew cab pickup to check out the Honda Ridgeline and Nissan Frontier before making a decision.

Changes throughout this generation's brief span were minor, with Ford adding the Sync system for 2008 and upgrading the optional navigation system for '09.

Past Ford Explorer Sport Trac Models
Sold from 2001-'05, the first Ford Explorer Sport Trac suffered from the launch-model blues. It was based on the old, second-generation Explorer and built around the Explorer's 4.0-liter V6 engine, chassis and suspension. At the time, we noted that we liked the vehicle's dual-nature configuration and many available features, but disliked its sloppy handling, limited towing and hauling capabilities, and subpar off-road abilities.

Changes to this generation were minor, so used-model shoppers should probably not feel a need to focus on any particular year.

User Reviews:

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  Nice Vehicle - 2007 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By Ron - March 7 - 9:56 am

  Great truck overall. Great comfort on long drives. Highway best gas mileage 21mpg. Fuel economy bad overall. Average 14 mpg. Shifter problems normal on recall with Ford. Had rear end go out at 18000 mi. Fixed on warranty after week wait for part.

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  luv my spotrac - 2004 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By gramma10 - March 6 - 10:00 am

  I think over all it is pretty good I wish that it would get better mileage as I do alot of traveling and it is my main source of transportation. It is easy to handle and comfortable riding and alot of room not like other trucks Ive driven. And do I get the looks from younger men when they see a woman driving this vehicle :) It makes me feel good.(incase youre wondering Im in my early 40s and yes I am a gramma :)) I would recommend this vehicle as it has get up and go even towing 2 big Honda Foreman Rubicons be hind it. I cant wait until winter to check out the fun 4wd as I havent had one before.

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  Nice, but.... - 2003 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By Mike Johnson - March 2 - 2:00 am

  Sport Trac is a OK. It looks really good on the outside, BUT... on the inside its lacking. Climate control (no air recycle function), door handle seem flemsy and too damn close to the edge of the driver seat. And...where is the power seat control? I know its down there somewhere, but I cant see it. Also, the seats dont recline all the away, whats up with that??? My dealer ship sells the bed top separately...whats up with that??? Overall it looks good, but the gas mileage is just so so. Its only got a V6 and the F-150 has about the same gas mileage with more towing capacity.

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  Love my Sport Trac - 2003 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By Lance - February 25 - 12:36 am

  I have owned my Sport Trac for three years now and have to say that it is one of the most reliable vehicles I have ever owned. Ive buried it to the axles, had a front end collision (w/o airbag deployment), pulled a 3,500 boat thousands of miles and it runs today like the day I bought it. I love the styling and functionality as well. I can take it on a date to the philharmonic or to the local nursery and load it up with plants in the backseat and mulch in the bed.

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  Dorf on Trucks - 2003 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By Dorf - February 20 - 10:00 am

  Practical as a Truck and yet I can haul 5 adults comfortably. Gas mileage is decent and interior is quite comfortable. Left leg room is limited with steering wheel so close. Overall a very useable/practical vehicle.

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  DONS BEEF - 2003 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By DON KENT - February 8 - 2:00 am

  I love the little bugger. Its fun to drive and looks great.

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  Great Concept - 2002 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By jim1200 - February 2 - 2:00 am

  This SUV/Truck has great flexibility, ride and interior space. The fuel mileage is not so great (unless you have a 5 speed manual over long distances) and although I like the performance, I wish it had a little more zip. Roomy interior at the expense of the truck bed length. Overall, it is a great concept vehicle that is very flexible to everyday needs. However, there is one major dislike - the insurance industry classifies this vehicle as a SUV because of the Explorer nameplate. So the cost to insure is more than a simliar pickup truck.

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  great ride - 2004 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By dtfancy - January 23 - 10:00 am

  we have traveled across country and back 10000 miles to be exact and it is just a great car to ride in the seats are terrific it feels like they surround you like a sports car seat would cannot say enough good about this vehicle

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  Great Buy - 2005 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By dfe109 - January 15 - 3:06 pm

  I had owned a 91 Explorer and enjoyed it for 11 years. So I thought I would give the SportTrac a try. I like the dual use concept vehicle. The room and ride are great. I got the the XLT 2WD with tonneau cover. With the dealers discount and Ford rebate I purchased mine for $18,990 plus tax and title! All the options you need, cruise, air, auto, radio/CD, OLW wheels, roll down rear window. What a price! A good $4K less than nearest comparable vehicle.

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  Ok, but could be better - 2001 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By drew - January 2 - 3:43 am

  Was fine till O/D light blinked, then transmission work, then ball joints, brakes etc. Keep up with those and its a decent vehicle. Mileage is kinda bad, but decent overall. Had other SUV vehicles that were worse. Sure there is some maintenance expense, but not like other vehicles.