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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SportsTrac is the perfect car/truck - 2003 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
By superman1000 - March 20 - 2:00 amWe purchased our SportsTrac to compliment our Audi A4 and WOW are we impressed. The SportsTrac has a luxury ride, quality interior and is the perfect size for my 53" wife. She loves to drive this new addition to our family. Go get one - you will enjoy the perfect truck that drives and rides like a car!
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Fun, Flashy, and Practical all in one! - 2009 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
By Tena V. - March 12 - 11:56 amAfter looking for about a month at every GM vehicle in the SUV, crossover, and truck category, I found this FORD to be a much better fit for comfort, available features, power, looks, and most importantly PRICE! The Adrenalin packages gives you everything you could want in a stylish, flashy ride. The 4.6L 8cyl engine gives you the power that makes this fast and fun. Gas mileage is typical for an engine this size.
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brake dust - 2003 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
By unired00 - March 10 - 10:00 amI am enjoying my sport trac. The only think that Ive noticed is the amount of brake dust coming from the front rotors. Ive gotten 3 opinions and have been told all 3 times that its normal on SUVs. I havent had any problems with the brakes, it just looks like crud. The interior driver space is limited. Your arm will get stuck trying to adjust the seat.
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Explorer Sport Trac does what I want. - 2007 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
By Peter St. Amour - March 6 - 5:50 pmI am not really sure what the reviewers think they are driving, but my Sport Trac handles well both on the highway and off road. Road repair in my area is mostly bad and the Sport Trac handles all of it very well. Off road in the 4x4 Low setting and the V8 engine, it simply powers its way up what ever rut trail Ive traveled on. As for the cabin space, I am over 6 foot and I find quite roomy as does the rest of my family of four. It has excellent pickup for a truck its size from standing starts and it gives the power to pass with a full trailer load as well. I am very satisfied with my Sport Trac.
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Texas Sport Trac - 2003 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
By Austin Guy - March 2 - 8:40 amI 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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Slight stall - 2010 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
By AndrewFox - February 21 - 7:03 amWhen I slow to make a turn (at low speeds) the truck has a slight pause when pressing on the accelerator. It is incredibly frustrating because I bought the Adrenalin package. My dealer is being great about trying to find the problem. We are waiting for Ford to find a technical (programing) solution. There are no problems at normal speeds.
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Fun to drive anytime! - 2004 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
By ajbran - February 15 - 10:00 amThis 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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what an improvement - 2007 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
By dave - February 10 - 7:06 amjust bought the new 07 Sport Trac-- what an improvement! This is our 4th one(01, 04, 05). The ride with the new frame and rear axle is vastly better. The V-8 gives more power and better mileage than the old V-6 with the 4.10 rear axle. We bought a loaded Limited model and were most impressed with the upgrades. Only possible criticism would be that the console mounted shifter takes away the small storage tray the old model had. Overfall a big upgrade for Ford.
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New Adrenalin - 2004 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
By DaintyCruiser - February 8 - 10:00 amWe absolutely love the new truck and we get compliments all of the time. Enough room to haul and still versatile. The stereo in the Adrenalin is awesome!
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Ol Reliable - 2003 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
By Chattavegas - January 31 - 10:13 amPurchased 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.
