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:
Showing 81 through 90 of 560.00-
I Should Have Read The Reviews Closer! - 2001 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
By shorthorn5 - July 13 - 2:00 amA new car to me..I soon discovered the problem Black 2001 Ford SUVs/trucks can have with paint Someone else wrote about this here too. The surfaces are "crowfooting" or "crazing" like old pottery. Hood, fenders and roof! Ford customerservice said theyll cover cost.Whew! Dealership agreed to paint. Said there was anotherin the shop right then.Gonna take 7-10 days but will give loaner. Its a hassle but Fords standing behind it without argument. Luckily, its still under warranty--one more month!
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Sport Trac - 2004 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
By strac - July 3 - 10:00 amAn excellent "cross-over" vehicle. As a previous two-time Explorer owner, I always had to borrow friends pickup trucks in order to haul anything big. Now I have the best of both worlds; a luxury SUV, and a place to carry my bikes!
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2005Adrenalin - 2005 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
By BillT - June 13 - 12:23 amFirst Sport trac was a 2001 XLT (Company car). Loved it. Traded in at 80,000 for only one on the lot.. Adrenalin. Special Red. A beauty Have never seen another. That is #1. Will be made to trade in soon and I will to buy the trade. Gas mileage is frustrating..can only average 16.
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Good Design-Marginal Quality - 2001 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
By William - May 31 - 1:30 amA intermitent rattle around the pasenger door has never been found. Ford engineer just denied hearing the rattle, so now we people ask what the rattle is I tell them that there is no rattle. The brakes are horrible, rotors warp at 10,000 miles, at 32K I am having up graded rotors & a third set of pad installed. I understand that this is a problem Ford has been having but the dealer / Ford, in the true form is denying any problem. I love the design & functionally of the vehical, just wish the quality was there.
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The beginnings of a love affair - 2003 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
By Gary DelVecchio - May 20 - 10:00 am1st truck Ive ever owned. Was concerned about a move to a truck re. comfort and ride. Was very pleased with both ride & comfort. Wish it got a little better fuel economy.
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A Good SUV/Truck - 2002 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
By Chris500 - December 31 - 2:00 amThis has been one of the most comfortable vehicles Ive ever owned. It seems to fit like a glove. He has performed flawlessly and has never had to return to the dealer for anything. It doesnt get quite the mileage I was hoping for, but it is very reliable and stable on the road. Most everyone Ive met has liked it and they comment on how smoothly it rides.
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very satisfied - 2003 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
By ta - December 21 - 10:00 ampurchased a used sport trac,03,9000 miles, love it, very handy auto/truck. drives and rides much better than the rest,colarado,tacoma,frontier, etc. more room in the back seat. the bed holds enough for the home owner/sports men. wish it came with the V8, under powered put adaquite. gas mileage about 16 around town 19 trip.
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Modded! - 2004 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
By Math-you - December 18 - 11:26 amThis is my second SportTrac, and I love it more than the first. Have modified it for more performance, better handling, and appearance.
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Satisfied - 2001 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
By Scott Moore - December 15 - 10:00 amIve throughly enjoy this City version of a truck. Meets all nddes of my busy family.
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2004 ford explorer sport trac 4X4 - 2005 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
By mcr3020 - December 15 - 10:00 amI have driven both explorer and sport trac and love both. T do not find any truck like ride with the sport trac. I found it to be great for soccer moms. Plenty of room inside. Rubber floors easy to clean and wont get ruined from mud and cleated shoes. The bed has just enough room for groceries or duffly bags and book packs. And a Kid"s bike fits great> They must of changed the undercarrage because I drove 2002 4X4 Ranger and this doesn"t drive like it did. I loved the Ranger but needed more room. I think someone needs to ride in the newer make.
