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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  Cant believe I bought a Ford - 2007 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By dgeho - February 24 - 1:00 am

  A good looking truck along with the V8 power made it attractive to me. The car-like ride, handling and good visibility made it attractive to my wife. If you are looking for a good towing vehicle that will fit in your garage, this is it. We test drove quite a few trucks before deciding to purchase, but it was an easy decision based on the price/available options/and nice design. There are some areas that could use some updating and the service you get from a Ford dealer is a little shaky - but the vehicle is very solid, quiet and easy to drive.

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  Vibration Warning - 2003 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By WhitewaterTrac - February 20 - 10:00 am

  The vehicle develops a vibration around 60 mph that is present from there up in speed. The vehicle has been looked at by two different dealerships, both of whom have stated that ALL Sport Tracs do this. Multiple balances and rotations performed on this vehicle at multiple shops have not removed this vibration. New tires were installed and the vibration still exists. Ford Customer Service agrees that this exists on all Sport Tracs they produce. Please be very cautious when buying this vehicle. If you plan on doing primarily highway driving on smooth surfaces above 60 MPH I would suggest a different vehicle.

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  Great vehicle! - 2004 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By fordlover - February 18 - 8:23 pm

  This has been a great vehicle so far. I think that as long as the routine maintenance is performed that it will last a long time. There have been a few items inside that havent held up. The paint is cheap around the stereo console, the air vents do not always stay open, and the steering wheel cover is very worn.

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  One Fun Ride - 2001 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By Jill - February 11 - 9:26 am

  The Sport Trac is one of the most fun vehicles that I have ever driven. The exterior style is awesome, and the interior is very comfortable. It can hold up to 5 people, and still have room for hauling things.The ride is very good for a Sport Utility Truck. The gas mileage is not great, but everything else about this "truck" makes up for it. This is the first vehicle that I have ever fell in love with. I will definitely buy another one when the time comes.

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  Best of them all - 2004 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By Wildhear0527 - January 15 - 2:00 am

  Driving my truck gives me confidence that I wont stay stranded on the side of the road. I have never had a problem with my truck. Unlike friends who bought other makes (new) and have a stack load of repair bills. I bought new. Its my pride and joy.

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  i love my truck - 2004 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By HUE - January 15 - 2:00 am

  i lover driving my sports trac,it handles beautifully. so far no problems.im surprised the editors rating was 7.2,but i do agree it handles better as a suv than a truck. anyway i love,im a first time truck buyer and im enjoying the ride.

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  Half way there - 2001 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By By - January 14 - 10:00 am

  I love the design, it is perfect for me. It great for lugging stuff but not to much stuff. Roll down rear window, seating, 4 doors, perfect design, great, bravo. That said, some quality would be nice. At 46K I have been 4 set of brake pads, 1 rotor cut job, rotor replacement and a transmission valve body replacement. The rattle I have been trying to address from day one is still present, no one has a clue. The most expensive to maintain car I have ever had. If only Ford had an engineering department to back up the design department it would be great.

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  nothing but trouble - 2003 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By KELLY - January 14 - 2:13 am

  Bought it New and it has been a headache. Door locks lock when I turn the ignition on when it is cold out,key does not turn in door or rear door when it is cold . Doors all freeze and i have to pry them open with a chisel. Compass does not work,shows a different direction every day even though it is parked in the same spot. Fuel gauge shows full then suddenley drops to 1/2 tank,not accurate at all and clock will not stay set. Tires lose 10 lbs of air a week and now the alternator is bad at 15,000 miles. Runs real rough and shaky when I first start it. Tailgate door falls off if you dont hold it real tight and carefully open . Parking lightbulbs keep burning out and have to be

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  OUTSTANDING TRUCK! - 2004 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By FFRoss - January 6 - 9:10 pm

  The 2004 Explorer Sport Trac is fun to own and fun to drive. Very good styling inside and out. 4 foot bed extending to 6 foot with bed extender is a nice option. Power rear window is very nice.

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  Herb Gause - 2007 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By HGause - January 2 - 8:16 pm

  This is my third Sport Trac and its a 100% improvement over the other two. It rides a little stiffer but the other improvements make it more fun to drive. I would not consider owning any other vehicle. I really like it.