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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  brakes...break - 2002 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By ex ford driver - January 20 - 3:53 pm

  Front brakes are junk! I bought this vehicle brand new and it just passed away at 187,000 miles. Engine blew last week. $$ to fix engine and of course I was at the 25,000 mile mandatory brake and rotor job. Other than that, oil changes and usual up keep along with bearings on both sides at 175,000.

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  Better than they say it is - 2007 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By Roger Braddock - January 17 - 7:20 am

  Vehicle is everything the manufacturer claims it to be! Ride, drive, performance are outstanding. Plus, very quiet inside.

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  perfect for my lifestyle - 2005 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By tralic - January 6 - 8:23 am

  I always fancied having a pick-up because I do a lot of maintenance with properties I own and also like to take my bikes and other stuff to the beach. This is the perfect all rounder. Very practical with lots of nice details like the back window that goes down and all the anchors to tie down any loads. With the bed extender the capacity should be plenty for most occasions. Solid, tough build quality and fine engine. We have 3 vehicles. This is the cheapest and most popular. There are numerous times when the Sporttrac has been indispensible that I and my friends are constantly grateful for such an excellent purchase.

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  Great Truck - 2003 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By Hellraiser5d - December 24 - 2:00 am

  fun, good, excellent great to drive. i lkie the way that it looks too.

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  OUTSTANDING - 2002 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By Buckeye Fan - December 14 - 10:00 am

  I am impressed with the entire vehicle. Ive only had a couple of small problems and one big problem with Fords National Customer Service. I live in Columbus OHIO. This past winter it snowed 24" within a week. I had no problem getting through 2 to 3 foot drifts. This vehicle will boogie through snow. It rides great. Ive never had this much fun driving a vehicle. It fits great in my garage unlike my previous F150. People who rag on power, bed capablility, and overall truck performance. Buy a truck (F series), this is a SUT.

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  Perfect Match - 2007 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By AP - December 11 - 5:16 am

  As a previous 1997 Ranger owner, 2002 & 2003 Explorer owner and a 2004 F150 owner, I have to say the new SporTrac is the best of both worlds. If you are looking for the best combination of passenger room and a bed, the SportTrac is your best choice. Excellent handling, extremely comfortable and superb features make this my favorite Ford truck so far.

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  Had it a year, and still love it - 2007 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By Mrtwister - December 9 - 3:53 am

  Got rid of my TrailBlazer for this and got the way better deal. Build quality over GM is superior. Rides like an SUV, but I can pack 22 bags of leaves into the back. I drive 52 miles to work every day,

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  Good but be ready to compromise - 2004 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By korbe11 - December 8 - 10:00 am

  The truck has a number of great features, and pretty fun to drive. But it also has its share of The truck is great for hauling goods, and going out on excursions. I would like more quality in performance though, lower interior noise, better acceleration, and better handling. It needs 4 wheel independent suspension, and better gas mileage.

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  totally useful and reliable - 2005 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By jward - December 5 - 10:40 am

  This vehilcle has been trouble free and is the most useful vehicle I have had, considering I have owned over 35 automobiles. It fits the need of the do it your self lifestyle and is totally trouble free. Just gas and go. I have experienced over 23 mpg on highway driving at posted speeds +/- 5 mph.

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  Sport Trac Review - 2002 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By Stacie Meeks-Black - December 2 - 2:00 am

  I have been very pleased with my vehicle from the first day that I got it.