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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  Best SUV so far - 2003 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By WVTracDog - August 3 - 10:00 am

  My first one was totalled(my bad)and if I ever get in another accident, a Sport-Trac is what I want to be in. Second Sport-Trac has been even better than the first, even though they are identical. Love the 4:10 gears in the rear with posi-trac...and the 4 wheel disk brakes. Been one great off-road toy for me too.

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  broken - 2004 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By Ronnie - July 28 - 4:27 am

  04 Ford sport trx is the worst truck iv ever owned has 143000 miles on it pulled up in my driveway cut it off and it jumped time. iv now been told the 4.0 ... v 6 is the worst motor they ever made lot off problem on jumping time if the problem was that bad there should been a recall on the dam motor like the truck in all just go head get 302 in it you thank me cause Im stuck with no WAY FIX THIS PC CRAP I BOUT

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  Sport Trac - 2004 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By Cutter - July 27 - 10:00 am

  Very fun to drive and a great ride. Love the style of the truck.

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  Hot Adrenalin Sport Trac AWD V8 292 HP - 2009 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By James Hatfield - July 25 - 2:10 pm

  Great Colorado Red color. Very eye- catching Adrenalin package. Love the 20" tires and special rims. The tonneau cover is very nice, convenient and weatherproof. AWD worked flawlessly in ice and snow in Ohio ice storm. V8 towed mother-in-laws car from Michigan to Florida without breaking a sweat. Fit and finish are beautiful. Sound system is excellent, as is Sync hands-free. Really great software on the Sync. Stupid flaws include: Truck bed storage compartment in bad location and useless when tonneau cover is in place; cannot get telescoping steering wheel; no grab handle on drivers door; marginal inside storage; no directional signals in sideview mirrors. Ford can be proud of this.

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  Next Truck will be one of these too! - 2001 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By Happy Owner - July 25 - 10:00 am

  I purchased mine used and it has been great. It has the rust trap running boards but for a couple hundred bucks, thats fixed. The rear window likes to think theres an obstruction if the window is wet and it wont roll up. But, I will buy a new one when this one finally dies. I never once got stuck in the harsh Midwest ice storms and snows of last year. People complain about ride quality, but this is one of the nicest riding trucks I have ever had. It has a nice look, nice features, nice abilities. Gas mileage could be better, but again, truck. My wife even likes it and she is used to a Grand Cherokee with a luxury car ride and feel.

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  Ford Explorer Sport Trac - 2001 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By ford - July 22 - 8:13 pm

  This vehicle was purchased to tow small trailers and it performs fine. Gas mileage is not acceptable as it is well below the advertised sticker quote. Workmanship is poor. Have had problems from paint and loose body parts to major mechanical problems. All were promptly taken care of by the dealer, but some are reoccurring and the vehicle is no longer under warranty.

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  My Sport Trac - 2005 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By gary - June 29 - 5:26 pm

  Excellent in the snow; in the spring, you can sit in the bed and enjoy the weather at a beach or park.

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  Occasionally the 3rd time ISNT a charm! - 2001 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By WJM - June 26 - 10:00 am

  3rd Explorer-nothing like the first one (1991)no concerns for 60000+ miles until 3/4 ton Chevy turned into me at 60mph. It took a beating but saved me! This vehicle is not what I thought it would be. Trouble on wet roads w/traction-wind noise around front windows that you cant hear a conversation w/pass. unless you both shout(occurs at 35 or higher mph). Gas milage is terrible town 11mpg & highway about 14+mpg. All kings of engine noises under the hood. Many more concerns also. Car seems very poorly assembled. My 91 was the best followed by 96 Eddie B. and this one is a distant 3rd, very distant!!

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  One Great Truck - 2002 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By eastringer - June 5 - 10:43 am

  I purchased the Sport Trac in July 2002 and have driven it 154,000 trouble free miles. I high recommend buying one. Mileage has been very good with an average highway MPG of 23.8 with a full load and freeway speeds. I am looking to buy a new one I hope they are as good as the 2002 has been.

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  Good for a family on the go! - 2004 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By Miss M - May 28 - 10:00 am

  I bought this because I was, frankly, scared of the size of a F150 extended cab! I like that I have a truck that isnt too big, and isnt too small. It is a good and comfortable vehicle for driving long distances in. I know the bed is small and the towing capacity is less than its big brothers, but still 5300 pounds is still pretty good. For me I am beyond pleased!