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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  01 Sport Trac - 2001 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By stl owner - March 29 - 10:00 am

  Love the look of the truck and the interior size. Hauls family well. However, had it in the shop for the first time after owning it for 1 month to replace the thermostat. Ive now replaced three thermostats, 2 waterpumps, brakes, rotars, and various sensors. I no longer have any trust in this vehicle for traveling long distances.

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  The best of both worlds - 2003 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By TNTrac - March 26 - 6:46 pm

  I was tired of maintaining both a car to carry folks in and a truck to carry big things in, so I bought my Sport Trac almost three years ago. Its the vehicle of choice when the family gets together to go out or on vacation. Backseat riders say the backseat is as roomy or roomier than that of any car I have ever owned. I love the looks of a truck, and the Sport Trac lets me drive a car/SUV that looks like a truck. The small bed is sufficient for my needs, although I admit it may well not be for some folks. Also, I have noticed that the number of men and women who drive the Sport Tracs I see seem to be pretty equal, so the Sport Trac is in many ways a crossover vehicle.

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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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  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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  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.

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  This vehicle could have been more reliable - 2004 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By woodinva - December 26 - 9:26 am

  Replaced 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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  Explorer Sport Trac - 2005 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By David Temple - November 7 - 5:26 pm

  I 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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  2002 Ford Sport Track - 2002 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By Lefarm - October 9 - 10:00 am

  I love the vehicle...its so versitile and well equipped!!! Its great, I can take the family anywhere comfortable and yet still haul stuff. I did have a problem with it when it was only 1 year old. It did not want to start, it took the dealership almost a month to figure out the problem-the idle air control valve. Other than that, Ive had no problems with it and love it!