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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my 2004 Sport Trac Adrenalin - 2004 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
By Scott89racin - October 27 - 7:16 pmI have had very few problems with my Sport Trac. Ball joints were replaced at 12k and the transfercase was rebuilt at 29k due to a problem with hanging up in low or not shifting into 4wd at all. Drivers window reg was replaced at 29k and they fixed an evap problem at 35k under warranty.For having such a small engine it still pulls and I have more than once exceeded the 3500 lb towing capacity by 100%(I towed combined 7000 once) The trans cooler is a definete plus for towing. My friends Silverado trans went out going over the divide in Colorado with less miles towing about the same loads as me.(a Jeep) My fluid was cool to the touch while he had smoke comming out of his fill tube!
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Awesome truck! - 2002 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
By Moms Ride - October 14 - 11:26 pmI love this truck! Not only does it look good, but it handles great too, in all kinds of weather and all kinds of terrain. Parking is a breeze, because it turns on a dime. The 4 doors help to make family living convenient, as well as shopping, with the fold down seats. I will definitely buy another!
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Best Truck Period - 2003 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
By Shermstix - September 15 - 2:00 amThis Vehicle is amazing. It is basically the Explorer SUV with a cut out for a composite bed. Smooth ride coupled with a luxurious interior make this "Truck" feel as if you were driving a Lincoln. I would recommed it to anyone who has a family but still needs to haul large items like when you are landscaping. Plus it is Ford tough!!
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Very impressed - 2004 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
By dan the man - September 5 - 10:26 pmI have owned many a truck--and I am very pleased to have purchased this one. My wife actually picked this one out--I was not aware it had a frame which allows it to tow over 5,000 lbs--the current V6 explorers only do 3,500 lbs because of their more uni-body construction (I believe I am correct in this). The rear power window is a god-send! It is large and easy to operate. I love the rubber floors--easy to get messy and easy to clean up! I have a 5x10 trailer and a property that needs a smaller truck to maneuver around the trees so the Sport Track can easily tow the trailer when the load out paces the smaller truck bed and it can also more easily get around the trees on my lot! Buy it!
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I love this Ford! - 2002 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
By James G. King - August 26 - 2:00 amjUST AN AWESOME VEHICLE! a LOT OF THOUGHT WENT INTO DESIGNING THIS VEHICLE!
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My Baby - 2004 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
By YOLY - August 12 - 10:00 amThis is my baby, i have driven various types of SUVs. This is the "reliable" car. Room for 5 and back bed excellent for moving furniture. Great for material if into construction. Love it.
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"A Real Treat" - 2004 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
By A. J. S. - July 23 - 10:00 amGreat looking Sport-truck, very solid and very well constructed. Soooo much fun to drive, and turns a lot of heads for a second look. The leather and Moon Roof are fantastic extras....
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nice - 2004 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
By dwayne a hunt - July 6 - 10:00 amthe best dame truck i have ever had.
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New 07 - 2007 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
By Dave Bransky - June 29 - 6:50 amTraded a 99 F-150 for this vehicle. So far I am very pleased with the Sport Trac. The Sport Trac has a glass smooth ride with outstanding handling, and the motor is extremely quiet. I am not really sure how the fuel mileage is going to be, I have only owned the truck for a week, but compared to the Triton 5.4, anything is better.
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Update after a Year - 2007 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
By Steve - June 12 - 6:16 pmI have had my Sport Trac for over a year now, so I thought I would provide an updated review. I am still a big fan of this truck. Handling and comfort are great. It feels stable in all conditions I am 67" 250 lbs and I have plenty of room which is great because I am in the truck most of the day. The fold flat rear seats provide me a "mobile office" platform, yet the open bed allows for the occassional bulkier item. I have 16,000 miles and fuel economy hovers at 20 in mixed driving. I have had no issues, nothing falling off or not working. Everyone I know loves my truck, and 3 friends have actually got one after seeing mine. I did extensive research before buying, and I am very happy.
