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:
Showing 31 through 40 of 560.00-
Sport Trac=Fun - 2003 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
By fuente858 - March 17 - 10:00 amThe best truck that I have ever owned. Very comfortable, love the leather seating. Test drove all the others and this was the one.
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I love it! - 2004 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
By IL Cop - March 9 - 11:00 pmI traded my 98 Eddie Bauer Explorer on a brand new Ford Freestyle and was miserable. I finally talked my wife into taking the Freestyle off my hands so I could get a small truck and in steps the Sport Trac Adrenalin. I couldnt be happier with everything about this vehicle from the great styling to the smooth driving. I bought a used 04 with 38K miles and it takes off smoother than any vehicle Ive ever owned. The 4 litre, 210 HP engine is plenty to pull this truck along and Im sure it will handle my bass boat come spring. This truck is roomy inside and has all the amenities I need.
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Love this truck! - 2002 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
By acpeterson - March 4 - 10:00 amI have had nothing but good luck with this vehicle. Its fun to drive and great for the dog to ride in the back seat. Plenty of room for four or five people.
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Usefull and comfy - 2003 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
By nyrican26 - February 27 - 2:00 amThe Sport Trac fit perfect with my needs. The comfort and space of a SUV with a bed big enough to carry anything I want.
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Great vehicle! - 2004 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
By fordlover - February 18 - 8:23 pmThis 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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Best of them all - 2004 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
By Wildhear0527 - January 15 - 2:00 amDriving 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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OUTSTANDING TRUCK! - 2004 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
By FFRoss - January 6 - 9:10 pmThe 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 pmThis 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.
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a fun little ford - 2004 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
By fordlite - December 3 - 2:00 amthe 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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Adrenalin all the way - 2005 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
By mj2say - October 10 - 12:46 pmA 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 $.
