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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  good - 2004 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By llol - June 11 - 10:00 am

  It is good the own this truck. The is the best truck to own,yes.

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  Ford SportTrac - 2004 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By Rocco - June 10 - 2:00 am

  This truck is a well built vehicle. Im impressed with the environment and radio controls in the front and rear. The dual headphone connections in the rear cab was an excellent idea that my kids use (thank God!).

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  I LOVE IT - 2003 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By fdsfd - June 2 - 2:00 am

  i love this car.

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  Cool... - 2002 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By Arvissers - May 27 - 2:00 am

  Have had many people very interested in vehicle after purchase. Fits my dad with headroom to spare and he is 6- 4"... The only bad things about it is the fuel economy - to be expected - and wouldnt mind a small V-8 in the engine bay. Really make this baby hum. Other than that, I love it. Great SUV/Truck.

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  Love it! - 2002 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By speechgeek - May 21 - 10:00 am

  I love this truck/SUV! Ive read reviews that rag on its ability to tow, but if I wanted to tow a huge trailer, I would have bought a huge truck. If I would have wanted a people mover, I would have bought a huge Excursion. This vehicle is the best of both worlds. I can haul more than a Chevy S- 10, and its so much better looking. You cant beat the Pioneer audiophile 6- disc in-dash changer w/ subwoofer, either!

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  Mos fun in years - 2007 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By Michael - April 2 - 2:46 am

  I looked at a lot of SUVs and came upon the Sport Trac almost by accident. This car/truck is roomy and fun mine is equipped with almost every option. The gas mileage seems to be pretty good so far.

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  Best Truck Ive Ever Owned - 2001 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By J Ketchum - March 17 - 2:46 am

  I was driving to the Jeep dealer to trade in and buy a new Jeep when I saw the Sport Trac. I stopped and looked at the truck, with no sales pressure I went for a test drive and loved every minute. I got a great price and drove home. After 105k miles this truck has never let me down. I can`t say this about the imports Ive owned.

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  Just Right! - 2007 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By SevereBeagle - March 11 - 7:33 am

  Before purchasing this vehicle I test drove the Honda Ridgeline. I needed a truck to handle small chores so I checked out an F-150 but it was more than my pocket would allow. The Sport Trac is just what I needed! Great ride,very roomy, and the bed is big enough for the small chores I need to accomplish. The six cylinder engine provides me with enough power. A great value for the money. The Honda Ridgeline is a bit pricey and very hard to see out of the rear window, even though I did like the large compartment in the bed. I was really impressed with the Sport Tracs ride and inside headroom.

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  25+ years in auto buisness - 2005 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By wyomack - March 9 - 8:16 pm

  I have bought three of these, based off the old Ranger platform they have been very reliable and sturdy, after putting Michelin tires on they get better mileage and ride tremendously better. The rear seating arangement is better than all the other 4dr pickup suts, comfortable for 4 people with thier junk as well, always stable and very well mannered on the road. It is not a sports car or hot rod--buy a Lightning or a 2008 v-8 Sport Trac, gets good mileage. Always over 20 hwy and very capable even 2wd in snow and ice, also is a flex fuel vehicle and easy to maintain for the owner. Best SUV buy out there

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  luv my spotrac - 2004 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By gramma10 - March 6 - 10:00 am

  I think over all it is pretty good I wish that it would get better mileage as I do alot of traveling and it is my main source of transportation. It is easy to handle and comfortable riding and alot of room not like other trucks Ive driven. And do I get the looks from younger men when they see a woman driving this vehicle :) It makes me feel good.(incase youre wondering Im in my early 40s and yes I am a gramma :)) I would recommend this vehicle as it has get up and go even towing 2 big Honda Foreman Rubicons be hind it. I cant wait until winter to check out the fun 4wd as I havent had one before.