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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  This is a real Ford truck - 2001 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By MrQuib - December 22 - 5:03 pm

  Solid reliability. All the known bugs with the vehicle have been eradicated (tranny 2-3 flare, PCV vacuum hose...etc) I have a programmer for mine that reprogrammed the tranny. A little searching on the net will help you fix any problem, for ANY vehicle. There are a few whiners on here who have taken one problem and turned it into a complaint forum. One or two problems do not make a bad vehicle! If you have vibrations, try checking your wheel balance! A leaking tranny is NOT a common problem, I suggest you take care of your vehicle a little better. Ive had this truck for a number of years and I haul a 25 camper with it. Never had any major issues with it. Engine runs smoothly @ 100K

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  a fun little ford - 2004 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By fordlite - December 3 - 2:00 am

  the vehicle is fun to drive. the rubber flooring is a must have. Everything cleans up well and the cooler/console/armrest is very functional. I believe this to be a under rated vehicle that people need to take a second look at.

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  Great ride - 2008 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By ryan - November 4 - 7:56 pm

  I came out of a 2003 4x4 F250 w/ the V10. I loved th truck but needed a vehicle with a lower payment and lower fuel bill. The Sport Trac did both. I have really enjoyed the ST. I think the 4.0 v6 handles it better than the 4.6 v8 handles the F150. Fuel mileage is avg. about 17, and, with the tailgate down, my Honda Foreman 4wheeler will fit in the back(the side tie downs come in very handy for this. Would definately recommend this vehicle.

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  Nothing but problems - 2005 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By dodad - October 27 - 9:00 am

  Bought this Sport Trac in October, had nothing but problems since. First the PCM burned up. Then three weeks later it wouldnt start. Its in the shop right now .They dont have a clue whats wrong with it. It only gets 10 miles to the gallon of gas. Has no power at all.

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  Adrenalin all the way - 2005 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By mj2say - October 10 - 12:46 pm

  A plush SUV up front and a lockable, watertight, pick-up bed out back. Nice ride, smooth 5 speed transmission and good power. Very comfortable seats, with leather, power and heat. Excellent ventilation with the sunroof and power back-glass window. The sound system is one of the best around, and worth the $.

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  Dream Car or truck it has it all - 2005 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By Teri - September 15 - 12:16 pm

  Has good acceleration, comfortable to ride in, easy to handle. The side rails are a must have if youre going to use it as a family car. I thought the moonroof was just an extra expense - boy was I wrong. Its great for evening drives. If you open the moonroof on the open road, you need to open the rear windows a little to cut the roar; if you dont the interior is very noisy.

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  Great Truck - 2007 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By Tim - September 5 - 10:26 pm

  I like the truck a lot. It is the perfect city truck and can really haul but if you want it to. It handles well and fits in a parking spot!

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  Give me back my Jeep! - 2001 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By jcpo - September 4 - 10:00 am

  I think I bought this truck only because I liked the looks, something different. It is so hard to handle, parking, backing up, and turning are hard. Backing up at night is nearly impossible. The gas milage is AWFUL! The re-sale value is awful as well. Ive already tried to trade it in and sell it out right and have not been pleased so far. I had a Ford Bronco II years ago and I loved it, then went to Jeep, loved it too. Now Im looking for a Jeep Wrangler. I cant wait to get rid of this Ford. What was I thinking?!?

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  Sport Trac takes you in style - 2002 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By David T - September 2 - 10:00 am

  I love the vehicle and it rides smooth. I am a 4 time jeep owner now making the switch. The practicality of this vehicle is unmatched. All the comforts of a explorer with a pickup bed.

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  Explorer Sport Trac - 2002 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By kzerby - September 1 - 1:36 am

  I purchased this vehicle because I am going to be having a child soon and needed something with more room. I chose the Sport Trac because of its unique ability to carry passengers and still haul items in the pickup bed. I also chose this vehicle because of the decent reviews it has gotten from most reviewers. Also I love the color (Island Blue)! So far I have 1450 miles on my Sport Trac.