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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  I like it! - 2001 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By rlgay1000 - May 15 - 2:00 am

  Have had a new thermostat put in. Have also had to have air/fuel valve replaced. Buts its a fund truck to drive and very versatile with pickup bed and room for 5 adults!

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  Best auto investment yet - 2002 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By Joe Sonnier - May 3 - 7:23 am

  I bought my Sport Trac w/ 44k miles on it, outside of routine maintenance the only thing Ive had to replace was a new hub due to off roading. The interior is very comfortable, great for commuting, camping, and overall driving. I live in Alaska and I havent had a vehicle this reliable in the winter (started right up in -20 weather!) It has room for the kids, but extra hauling space in the bed, as well as great towing capacity for its size. Excellent truck for family camping trips and small enough to take on most ATV trails provided theres not too much mud!

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  Good truck, good value - 2007 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By Bill - May 3 - 1:10 am

  I would buy a Sport Trac again. It is a great vehicle, drives and handles well and is perfect for someone who needs a truck only sometimes. HoweverI rated the exterior and interior design below average because the Ford design team missed some simple features that would make the vehicle much more easy to use.For example the storage compartment in the bed is unreachable unless you crawl up on the bed. I’m 6’5” and I cannot open the compartment, you would need to be built like an ape to use this compartment effectively. The other issue with this compartment is it does not lock, but considering how hard it is to access maybe the Ford design guys felt it was too difficult for a thief to access?

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  Unique Vehicle - 2001 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By kevin639 - April 19 - 10:43 am

  Very nice five passenger SUV with the ability to haul a small about of materials. Get the tail gate extender and soft bed cover - well worth it. Only draw back is the gas milage - 18 mpg.

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  Best one yet - 2007 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By Tom - April 19 - 6:16 am

  Having had 2 previous Explorers, this is by far the best. Ride quality and handling are much improved with the new platform. The v-8 gives it a needed power boost and seems to do as well as the 6 cylinder on mileage. The interior is outstanding as well as the new exterior design.

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  Sport Trac=Fun - 2003 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By fuente858 - March 17 - 10:00 am

  The best truck that I have ever owned. Very comfortable, love the leather seating. Test drove all the others and this was the one.

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  I love it! - 2004 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By IL Cop - March 9 - 11:00 pm

  I traded my 98 Eddie Bauer Explorer on a brand new Ford Freestyle and was miserable. I finally talked my wife into taking the Freestyle off my hands so I could get a small truck and in steps the Sport Trac Adrenalin. I couldnt be happier with everything about this vehicle from the great styling to the smooth driving. I bought a used 04 with 38K miles and it takes off smoother than any vehicle Ive ever owned. The 4 litre, 210 HP engine is plenty to pull this truck along and Im sure it will handle my bass boat come spring. This truck is roomy inside and has all the amenities I need.

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  Have you replaced the Ford brakes lately - 2002 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By ekim - March 5 - 2:00 am

  Paint is crap and from what I am told on both the black and dark blue. The brake pads are inadequate. The customer service Ford provides is substandard at best.

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  Love this truck! - 2002 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By acpeterson - March 4 - 10:00 am

  I have had nothing but good luck with this vehicle. Its fun to drive and great for the dog to ride in the back seat. Plenty of room for four or five people.

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  Usefull and comfy - 2003 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By nyrican26 - February 27 - 2:00 am

  The Sport Trac fit perfect with my needs. The comfort and space of a SUV with a bed big enough to carry anything I want.