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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  Texas Sport Trac - 2003 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By Austin Guy - March 2 - 8:40 am

  I have owned my Adrenalin addition Sport Trac for 4.5 years. I am very impressed with the reliablity and versatilty of this SUV. Besides routine maintenance I have only had to replace the battery. Love the fact I can throw firewood in the back and travel with 4 other people without having to own a crew cab truck. Minor trim issues but more irritating than anything. Ungainly design, gas mileage is the same as a larger SUV, needs more horsepower..but overall, very happy.

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  Fun to drive anytime! - 2004 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By ajbran - February 15 - 10:00 am

  This hybrid of an SUV & pick-up truck is everything I had expected it to be. The V6 engine is quite responsive with plenty of "get-up-and-go" when needed on the road even when you have the air conditioner running. The no-frills interior of the XLS is very comfortable with some easy to reach amenities. There is plenty of leg room in the back for three adult passengers and my two kids really enjoy having the elbow room to spread out and keep their distance from their sibling rival. Highly recommend it for anyone looking for an alternative to the standard SUV or those that are sticker-shocked by the large crew cab truck prices.

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  Ol Reliable - 2003 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By Chattavegas - January 31 - 10:13 am

  Purchased from private owner at 70K miles. Needed vehicle to lug my two kids (5 and 2). This truck has been great for that. Can take the abuse-- though resale with the cloth interior will be nauseating. For its size and v6 engine, gets poor gas mileage--on par with v8s that are much bigger, heavier. Cheap materials on dash and cabin--but economical. Paint coming off of center stack facing. But after 132K miles, engine still strong and is very reliable, so no complaints there.

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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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  Sport Trac - 2004 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By bayhuntr - October 16 - 8:10 pm

  This truck is perfect for someone who needs to on occasion haul 4x8 plywood, carry 5 passengers or have a lockable trunk (with the hard bed cover and locking tail gate). Im 66" and have good leg room. The arm rests and seat belts fit with the seat all the way back. The back seats fold down flat for when the dog is along. The only thing I wish they would improve is the mileage. If they came out with a hybrid Sport Trac, Id be all happy.

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  Alans Sport Trac - 2004 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By Bubba Alan - August 28 - 10:00 am

  Overall good vehicle, needs a little more front leg room

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  so far so good - 2002 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By harvey/chad - August 7 - 10:00 am

  so far i enjoy the sport trac 4x4. It has been very reliable. i am 64" tall and so far the interior and leg room works well. Poor gas mileage (16mpg)(i have the 4.10 rearend). the goodyear at/s tires wear poorly. For the money it seems a bit cheesy. Resale value is poor for a 4 wheel drive vehicle. The bed is awefully small and nearly worthless.

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  Sport Trac - 2004 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By Cutter - July 27 - 10:00 am

  Very fun to drive and a great ride. Love the style of the truck.

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  Hot Adrenalin Sport Trac AWD V8 292 HP - 2009 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By James Hatfield - July 25 - 2:10 pm

  Great Colorado Red color. Very eye- catching Adrenalin package. Love the 20" tires and special rims. The tonneau cover is very nice, convenient and weatherproof. AWD worked flawlessly in ice and snow in Ohio ice storm. V8 towed mother-in-laws car from Michigan to Florida without breaking a sweat. Fit and finish are beautiful. Sound system is excellent, as is Sync hands-free. Really great software on the Sync. Stupid flaws include: Truck bed storage compartment in bad location and useless when tonneau cover is in place; cannot get telescoping steering wheel; no grab handle on drivers door; marginal inside storage; no directional signals in sideview mirrors. Ford can be proud of this.

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  Adrenalin cant be beat & turns heads - 2008 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By DrDon - May 26 - 8:13 am

  I couldnt resist buying a brand new showroom leftover Adrenalin & taking advantage of Ford employee discounts. Traded in a 05 Silverado SE Special Edition Extended Cab and theres simply no comparison in quality - Ford wins hands down. The ride is tops, the look is...well, the Adrenalin turns heads everywhere Ive gone. Definitely buy the Navigation option with Sync. Makes a world of difference. Black interior is nice but I wouldve enjoyed a two-color treatment. Still, this car/truck combination is versatile, sporty, smooth, cool & a real winner. Might be the best vehicle Ive ever owned - and Ive had many.