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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  After 8 months looks good, BUT! - 2010 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By doctomof ws - May 17 - 11:43 pm

  After owning a 2005 version of the Explorer SportTrac I was ready to try the newer version. I was attracted by its upgraded styling which I found more appealing than the older version from 2000 to 2005. Also I liked the idea of the independent rear suspension on the newer version versus the live straight axle of the 2005 iteration. It still drives like a truck. Stiff and solid, which for me is a plus. It has the feeling of a vehicle that is strong and capable of hauling around my toys as well as being a dependable every day commuter. Thats a very nice compromise in my estimation

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  03 SPORT TRAC... GREAT VEHICLE - 2003 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By MoMan - May 14 - 2:00 am

  I have had my eye on a new vehicle for some time now. When I looked at the Sport Trac I wasnt quite sure about it. Then I test drove one and was so impressed with it that I bought it right then and there. I have driven all brands except G.M. (its a personal thing), I think this vehicle is fun to drive. It is perfect for my needs as Im the President of a Construction company and need to entertain clients as well as visit jobsites. It is both comfortable and very versatile. I have only had the vehicle for a short period and already have great respect for what Ford accomplished with this vehicle. I cant say enough positive things about this vehicle.

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  Love/Hate this car - 2001 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By JEK - May 2 - 10:00 am

  Although I like the concept of this vehicle and it is great to drive it is one of the most trouble prone I have owned. Received it with tires out of balance, 3 recalls, replace thermostat at 10,000 miles, oil pressure switch at 27,000miles, new tires at 29,000, idle air control at 31,000, brakes checked at 27,000 and 30,000 miles - by 34,000 was metal to metal on front - front rotors replaced (this is the fastest brake wear out on any car I have ever owned). Ford needs to get their act together on quality, especially brakes.

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  Not bad, no complaints - 2007 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By dn010 - March 22 - 1:35 am

  I purchased a V6 XLT 2X4 in 2010 used from a dealer with 56K, I am now at about 87K. Issues Ive experienced: one rear wheel bearing went bad, replaced for about $75 doing the work myself, also had check engine light for engine under-heating, replaced stuck open thermostat myself and turned off the light with my code reader - good to go. Ive put in new rear brake pads only, spark plugs, I keep the engine happy with full synthetic. I drive to NY from FL yearly, gone up and back twice (over 2400 miles each trip) and have had no problems. I can TOW my 25 cuddy boat @ 4K lbs and my 18 boat @ around 2500 - can pull the 18 out of the water, havent tried with the 25 and I doubt I will.

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  sexy but>>>> - 2003 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By sportracker - March 8 - 2:00 am

  great looking vehicle,stand alone looks for price.(by the way i like black) owned a honda prior to this purchase and spent a whole $4.00 on repairs in 3 years and 100,000 miles.second trip to the gargage for brakes in 6 months on this one im still crossing my fingers because i still love it.

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  Its Falling Apart - 2001 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By Duncsdad - February 26 - 10:00 am

  Just came from the dealership and it needs new ball joints and seals at 55K highway miles. Estimated cost = $600. Dealer said it was a normal "wear" item. Already had paint (black); 4WD control; oil pan; oil sending unit; and seat bolts replaced under warranty. Have not had trouble with brakes -- yet. Has been in the shop in the last 2 1/2 years more than my 7 previous GM trucks/SUVs were in the last 16 years. Will be my last Ford. I am not putting a dime in thise crate after reading what I may be in for in the near term. Doing research on a new vehicle right now.

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  my explorer sport trac - 2004 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By joe maisel - February 7 - 10:00 am

  this is my 2nd sport trac I had a 2001 I ordered my 2003 on 6/2002 even before they had come out so as to get exactly what I wanted. I was not disapointed.I got a fully loaded vechile with the exception of leather and I bought it in zinc yellow. it has been everybit I had hoped for

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  Keepin it until it dies. - 2004 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By Excellent Truck - January 25 - 9:13 am

  I love driving this truck, however because of poor fuel economy (17 mpg) cant use for commute. Handles great, only two repairs in 5 years. Traded a Toyota Tacoma when I bought Ford new and this truck is hands down better. It is perfect for our needs.

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  2001 Sport Trac - 2001 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By jlathem - January 24 - 10:00 am

  I love the truck. It is my first truck so I wasnt ready for the extreme fuel consumption. It fits my needs perfectly however. I looked at all of the competetors and chose this truck. I am not one to purchase a vehicle on impulse.It performs all of the duties that one could ask of such a vehicle. It handles and rides in an acceptable manner for a vehicle of this type. ( If you want a Caddy buy one )The build quality is excellent when compared to other mass produced vehicles.

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  Love it but - 2004 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By Lil Blu - January 9 - 8:36 am

  Overall, I Love the vehicles utility and versitility. I have done 105 K so far. It fits any size person. Air bag went bad (second time for Ford product). They are on national back order which translates to bad air bag product. Rear blower went bad as well. Needs better gas mileage. Bed with extended will haul drywall & plywood.