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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New Tires - 2004 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
By JS - June 29 - 10:06 pmI like this truck and would rate it much higher if I didnt have the suspension problems. I have 35,000 miles on my truck and the front tires (second set) are feathering on the inside half. I have been told several different reasons for the problem ... struts, shocks, alignment. This truck has had problems eating up tires since around 13,000 miles. I have never heard of a vehicle going through shocks or struts that quickly. Also idles rough and "floats" during highway driving due to the suspension problems.
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Better Than Original - 2007 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
By Yette - May 30 - 3:13 pmI previously owned a 2004 Sport Trac, the 2007 version is a much better vehicle, quieter, quicker, better handling and more roomy. When I drive down the highway, the Limited edition is as tall if not taller than many F150s and Chevy trucks. The handling is car-like. The Sport Trac does well in snow and rain where the 2004 felt like it could get away at any time.
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2002 SPORT TRAC REVIEW - 2004 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
By JJRAINV - May 25 - 2:00 amVERY FUN AND COMFORTABLE TO DRIVE. I LOVE THE LEATHER, THE FOUR DOORS AND THE SIZE OF THE BED WITH HARD TONNOUE COVER. IT IS A VERY SHARP LOOKING ADAPTABLE TRUCK.
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So far so good - 2008 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
By xero2099 - May 22 - 4:56 amHave had my Trac since August, have loved it so far. Had a Focus before this so there was a little bit of an adjustment period but its all been good. Love the rubberized floor. Its a breeze to clean. Could have done a lot better with the MPG though
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Almost Perfect! - 2004 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
By The Paul - May 14 - 10:00 amI recently bought the XLT premuium 2004 with leather, sunroof, 6-disc changer, etc. It is a absolutely great truck. The performance is good, ride is good ( a little rough on bad terrain, but it is a truck). Sound is good, seats are very comfortable and the price was good. I am happy to see ford build a product that Americans can buy and be happy about. Buy American!
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03 Sport Trac - 2005 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
By Jonathan - April 23 - 11:26 amThe only flaw I have found is the rigid and light rear end causes some stability issues. Often at normal road speeds, hitting bumps when going any direction but straight can cause the rear to skip a little, not a fun feeling. I would pass on the power seats if you want to be able to store anything under them, and the rear seats dont fold down flat if you store anything of size under them. Other than that, a wonderful truck.
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I never expected to love it - 2003 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
By jocopapay - April 6 - 2:00 amI was driving a BMW 315 when I came across the Sport Trac. It was supposed to be for my husband but I loved driving it..now its mine! The back seat has so much room, even four adults can ride in comfort and there is plenty of room to haul just about anything. Sitting up so high makes me feel safer too.
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Love it, but I did overpay - 2003 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
By washatkc - April 1 - 10:00 amThis baby handles well. It is fun to drive and I love the original look. Easy to clean, gas milage for a truck/SUV is solid. I am happy with my Sport-trac, just realize I was over charged. So if you are buying in the KC area beware Rusty Eck.
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Review - 2001 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
By MEC - March 17 - 2:00 amFun to drive, put a class III hitch an rent a trailer for big bulk jobs, handles towing with ease, nimble, fits in garage, 4wd a must. Overall interior appointments excellent when compared to Nissan Frontier, Toyota Tacoma, Dodge Dakota.
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MY XLT - 2004 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
By BCBard - February 11 - 10:00 amI love this truck. It is perfect for all I need it to do. Not too big and bulky, as the gas sucking testosterone laden trucks out there. It carries my family and I comfortably, all 5 of us. My family and I enjoy its versitility. We use it for fishing and camping trips, the shorter, smaller bed being just the right fit for us. This is a great compact truck.
