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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A solid vehicle - 2001 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
By JHarbs - December 26 - 10:00 amI have driven several Fords over the past 25+ years and none compare to my Sport Trac. I totaly love this truck. I have 2 small children and it handles my family and needs quite nicely. I sometimes wish for a longer bed but I knew how long it was when I bought it right? My wife drives an Explorer also but jumps at the chance to take my Sport Trac every time. The seats are comfortable and the for a V-6 has great power. To every one who read the Consumer Report on the Sport Trac, remember opinions are like armpits. Everyone has them and some stink! Hats off to Ford on the Sport Trac!!!!!
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This vehicle could have been more reliable - 2004 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
By woodinva - December 26 - 9:26 amReplaced Good year Tires RTS at 10k ( dealer replace) then again they wore out at 40K . Tranny replaced at 37K miles. Shocks replaced at 40K miles ALl new Front end & ball joints replaced at 40K miles. Bearings replaced at 40k miles. Got new Michelin LTX M+S at 40K miles now rides like a dream if you ROTATE tires every 10k miles.
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2001 Sport Trac - 2001 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
By cookfr - December 22 - 7:43 pmHandy vehicle for family use. Seats 5 and can haul quite a bit.
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FORD EXPLORER - 2004 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
By G.J. URBANICK - December 17 - 10:00 amA GOOD TRUCK AND SHOULD BE NO PROBLEM ON THE ROAD.
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Sporty Family Vehicle - 2004 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
By palatemodeler - December 17 - 10:00 amFun to drive. Great all around vehicle for the family. Plenty of room in the front and rear seats. Nice bed for hauling. AWESOME stereo system!!
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Love my Sport Trac - 2007 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
By Travis - December 14 - 6:06 amLove this truck. I tow a 4500 pound travel trailer and I have no complaints with performance.I would not think twice about towing a heavier trailer. The Sport Trac is very comfortable and fun to drive.
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I love my Sport Trac - 2004 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
By sybil - December 6 - 6:30 pmI have had knee surgery and needed something easy to get into and out of without damaging my knee again. The Sport Trac fit that description for me over and above anything else I tried.
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Explorer Sport Trac - 2005 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
By David Temple - November 7 - 5:26 pmI recently purchased a new Sport Trac. This vehicle met the needs I wanted. I didnt need or want a full size pickup. But I wanted a bed to haul items that wouldnt fit inside a normal SUV. I wanted light duty towing capability and with 5300 lbs it easily meets that need. I have found that is has a quiet and smooth ride on the road. The seats are very comfortable. The interior is user friendly and the console easy to see. It isnt loaded with a lot of fancy electronic gadgets unless you want to add them on, which I didnt want. I have found it has smooth acceleration. It doesnt snap your head back but I wasnt looking for a sports car. Really good low end power and the brakes stop on a dime.
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Swiss Army Knife - 2010 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
By PaloRev - October 30 - 6:30 amAfter researching the options for replacement of our 2005 Ranger, settled on a new Sport Trac. We wanted the flexibility of four doors, room for five, a cargo bed and four wheel drive. Initially leaned towards an F150, but the smaller Sport Trac made more sense. Only thing comparable is the Honda Ridgeline, but the reviews we read didnt show it to be superior. Plus, the Honda is more expensive and we werent taken by the boxy styling. We ordered the Sport Trac in February and took delivery in April. The wait was worth it to get the exact color and options we wanted. Proven to be a very good decision. Vehicles "Swiss Army knife" flexibility is great.
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210,000---Need I say more - 2001 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
By Jen - October 27 - 9:26 pm210,000 miles has not broke down once! No motor problems at all. Now that I wrote this review it will probably break down---right! (Actually I am knocking on wood). I think I have been very lucky with this truck. Do and would recommend to anyone.
