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:

• 

  2001 Overall A Disappointment - 2001 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By JR - November 21 - 10:00 am

  I purchased the truck with approximately 20,000 miles on it. The power rear window was a selling feature to me along with the looks and versatility of a SUV/truck. The ride is rough but after all its a truck so that is ok. The disappointing features are as follows; paint bubbling up and popping off the hood at 35,000 miles, Ford did pay for the repaint though. Lower Ball joints at 50,000 miles (told normal wear), horrible gas mileage (15 mpg mixed driving, 16-17 on highway), moisture in the headlights, annoying timing chain slap noise, slow/low torque motor and now transmission problems (which I was told is common). My 91 Explorer was bulletproof for 175K miles, doubt this one will make that.

• 

  Deceptive - 2005 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By LesterUt - November 8 - 9:20 am

  The Sport Trac is confining to drive. I had previously owned an regular Explorer and a F-150. This Sport Trac seems to be a buffed up Ranger and seems to be a Ranger chassis. Legroom and space for the driver lacks room and the seat sits fairly high, obscuring driver vision. The engine is underpowered for the frame. But fuel economy does not reflect the poor performance. I would not purchase this vehicle again. I would recommend spending a weekend with this vehicle before making a decision on your purchase.

• 

  Maintenance Nightmare - 2001 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By Indy - July 1 - 4:00 pm

  You name it. It had to be fixed. Leaks transmission fluid like a sive. Major transmission problems. Complete replacement at 5,000 miles, pan gasket replaced too many times to count, major transmission repair ($2,000) at 75,000. ABS sensor failure - warrany, windshield replacement - warranty, plus a ton of other stuff. Worst truck Ive owned. Would not buy again.

• 

  Cant Tow a thing with this vehicle - 2007 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By Bogeymstr - October 17 - 5:06 pm

  I purchased this "redesigned" vehicle as it was the perfect vehicle to tow the 17 fishing boat and the still have room for the kids. I recently went to rent a smae 6x12 enclosed trailer to do some moving. Much to my surprise this National company refused to rent me the trailer citing that "the vehicle is a high rollover risk when towing". I checked with my insurance company and verified that the vehicle was at high risk for roll over when towing, in fact they want to triple my premium no that I broght it to thiier attention. Needless to say I am exploring either Lemon Law remedy or at least consumer fraud.....This vehicle seems to have become a bad buy!

• 

  works for me - 2004 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By Dipit - August 9 - 10:00 am

  For my need`s this little gem has so far done ok.It`s Defiaately not a pick up and Not a true 4x4 suv.For commuting 70 miles a day and carrying my wife wheelchair it not bad> the ride could be better and so could the handling. but all and all I like it.

• 

  Love it but not a keeper - 2002 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By Jnttsikes - February 14 - 10:00 am

  I love the truck and how it drives... I have had more problems mecanicaly than any other vehicle I have ever owned. I am a fifty year old female and I have had many vehicles. This was the first time I have ever worn out a set of brakes at 19 thousand miles, as well as go threw to the roter. That was a quick $400 out of my pocket. The rebuilt the transmition at 15 thousand. I had to have it towed in because it left ma stranded and would not get back going.... That all started about 8 thousand miles...

• 

  Wish I owned stock in ford parts dept. - 2001 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By pritchett642 - August 27 - 10:00 am

  Before 53,000 I had front axle seals,brakes and rotors,iap sensor,oxygen sensor,intake manifold gaskets,transfer case,power steering pump,and lower balljoints replaced. All of which the dealership said was normal. Granted this is the same dealership who recommended this vehicle for ease of maintenance.I am currently getting ready to trade it off as the dealership has offered to give an exceptional deal after showing them my full maintenance list.

• 

  Cant Be Trusted In The Heat of the Day - 2003 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By smartsnacker - May 7 - 9:23 am

  Over the past two years, my 2003 Ford Explorer Sport Trac seems to get vapor lock in the summer. But it doesnt happen all the time. When it happens, Ill take it into the dealer, but the service team cant duplicate the problem. What happens (sometimes) is that Ill drive it to the store (maybe 6 miles), turn it off and shop for maybe 10 minutes. When I return to the vehicle and start it, it will sometimes not start, or, if it starts, it wont let me go over 20 mph. I had the fuel pump replaced in March (its now June) and that seemed to help. But the other day, out of the blue, it happened again! We also had a new fuel filter installed last March as well. Why does this happen?

• 

  Extreme disappointment - 2003 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By disappointed - April 4 - 1:20 am

  I have had nothing but problems with the vehicle performance. I am sure I was sold a lemon. I love the looks of the Sport Trac, but the rest of the vehicle is another story. Very hard idling, almost stalling, sputtering down the road, malfunctioning windows, turn signals and seat belts. Hope all of you have better luck than I.

• 

  Needs improvement - 2001 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By bimmerchick - February 23 - 10:00 am

  At 35,000 miles this vehicle has had the wheel bearings, and u-joints replaced three times. A new waterpump at 30,000 miles, brakes at 27,000 miles. Brakes at two days old squeak continuously - dealer cant do anything about it and suspension is very loose. Great design, but lacks in performance. All these issues are leading me to trade in for better European or Japanese imports.