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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  03 ST XLT Premium is a solid SUT - 2003 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By Marc99GT - June 11 - 10:00 am

  My wife and I purchased our first 03 ST 8/1/03. It now has just over 300 miles and it is a nice comfortible ride. The truck feels solid and smooth. It moves fairly well getting onto the highway and the rear A/C controls are a huge plus. The power rear center window is very cool & the 285 watt stereo sounds very good.

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  A Convert - 2009 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By Dane B - May 25 - 2:26 am

  I have not owned an American built automobile for years, but was pleasantly surprised with the quality of the Ford. With the Adrenalin package, it’s the hottest looking truck around, and the performance with the V8 is decent. With the incentives Ford was offering, it was also one of the best values out there. The SYNC system is excellent, and the cabin is insulated well enough so you can enjoy the great sound system.

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  I love my ride!!! - 2004 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By banjopickinchick - May 24 - 10:00 am

  I love my truck, it is very dependable, great to haul things and if you have children, then this is a great truck. I love it.!!

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  Love It - 2004 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By dazzcoach - May 24 - 10:00 am

  I love the sporty look of my Sport Trac. I drove a Jeep prior to this purchase and I will never go back.

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  fun driver - 2004 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By stevie straight - May 24 - 2:00 am

  this replaced my 91 ranger as a highway travel vehicle. liked that truck and kept it for local running around. the 4.0 is an outstanding engine. have 239k on the p/u and still going strong. tranny feels solid. ride is as expected for a p/u bed vehicle. overall performance is quite good. steering is excellent . brakes are quite good and responsive. I like the 16" tires. the composit bedliner is a great item. interior is roomie and comfortable, although for long trips the drivers seat starts to feel like it needs more bottom cushion support. altogether, this vehicle tickles me pink and will be around for a long time.

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  Primary Vehicle - 2008 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By J. Hines - May 22 - 5:53 am

  Pretty much satisfied with the vehicle. Only drawbacks are fuel economy, of which I am getting close to 18 mpg around town, and the tire pressure indicator keeps going off. Have had 2 dealerships look at the tire pressure indicator but no solution yet.

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  Get this truck - 2003 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By rookie - May 21 - 12:13 am

  Ive had this truck for 2 weeks. I bought used with 96,000 miles as my first vehicle and Ive put over 200 miles on it already just having fun in it. When I bought it it needed a new rack and pinion and new rear axle hose which the dealer replaced for free. Other than that it has nothing wrong with it. I love the truck so much and would recomend it to anyone. I just wish the outside looked a little more eye catching but the newer ones do

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  2002 sports track - 2004 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By RC - May 18 - 10:00 am

  I like it overall, improvement over my 95 F150. Solid, no rattles.

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  Great SUV for the Money - 2004 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By Andy Z - May 18 - 10:00 am

  Cost me about $16995 plus tax with all the rebates and discounts. Great vehicle for the money. Would have loved better fuel economy -- but its a SUV so what do you expect. Very practical for around the home -- 5 pass and a pick up bed with a cover -- cool

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  GREAT Family SUT - 2001 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By Dave HArmon - May 16 - 4:26 pm

  I bought this truck used with about 30k. It now has over 50K and the only problem was left rear turn signal would not work sometimes. I tracked the problem to the switch in the column. The wire for that bulb was too short, factory defect, and would get pulled enough to stop the electrical feed. Other than that it has been a great little truck.