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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Fun for the whole family - 2002 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
By Hefhay - March 21 - 10:00 amWhat a great all around vehicle. The versatility is unmatched in any other vehicle available. Good room in all seats. 4WD rips through snow and really helps on wet surfaces. Bed is great for family sized hauling (mulch, bikes, weekend get-a-way bags, etc.)
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NIce Vehicle - 2002 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
By Mike6 - March 13 - 2:00 amthis is an awesome vehicle
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sexy but>>>> - 2003 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
By sportracker - March 8 - 2:00 amgreat looking vehicle,stand alone looks for price.(by the way i like black) owned a honda prior to this purchase and spent a whole $4.00 on repairs in 3 years and 100,000 miles.second trip to the gargage for brakes in 6 months on this one im still crossing my fingers because i still love it.
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Still Pleased - 2002 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
By Alynda - March 7 - 10:00 amI now have over 15,000 miles on my Sport Trac and am still pleased with my purchase.
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Its Falling Apart - 2001 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
By Duncsdad - February 26 - 10:00 amJust came from the dealership and it needs new ball joints and seals at 55K highway miles. Estimated cost = $600. Dealer said it was a normal "wear" item. Already had paint (black); 4WD control; oil pan; oil sending unit; and seat bolts replaced under warranty. Have not had trouble with brakes -- yet. Has been in the shop in the last 2 1/2 years more than my 7 previous GM trucks/SUVs were in the last 16 years. Will be my last Ford. I am not putting a dime in thise crate after reading what I may be in for in the near term. Doing research on a new vehicle right now.
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my explorer sport trac - 2004 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
By joe maisel - February 7 - 10:00 amthis is my 2nd sport trac I had a 2001 I ordered my 2003 on 6/2002 even before they had come out so as to get exactly what I wanted. I was not disapointed.I got a fully loaded vechile with the exception of leather and I bought it in zinc yellow. it has been everybit I had hoped for
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ST 4X4 looks great and is fun too. - 2002 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
By James white - January 29 - 2:00 amI bought my 2002 but I loved the ST when I first saw it in 2000. I just never buy first year releases. It seats 4 normal size adults with comfort. Performance is realy good and off road is fun. Because it is ans SUV or Truck class you and customize it. The only thing I hate is the MPG. It just sucks. Other then that I love the BEAST.
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Keepin it until it dies. - 2004 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
By Excellent Truck - January 25 - 9:13 amI love driving this truck, however because of poor fuel economy (17 mpg) cant use for commute. Handles great, only two repairs in 5 years. Traded a Toyota Tacoma when I bought Ford new and this truck is hands down better. It is perfect for our needs.
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2001 Sport Trac - 2001 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
By jlathem - January 24 - 10:00 amI love the truck. It is my first truck so I wasnt ready for the extreme fuel consumption. It fits my needs perfectly however. I looked at all of the competetors and chose this truck. I am not one to purchase a vehicle on impulse.It performs all of the duties that one could ask of such a vehicle. It handles and rides in an acceptable manner for a vehicle of this type. ( If you want a Caddy buy one )The build quality is excellent when compared to other mass produced vehicles.
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Happy 55 yr. old! - 2002 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
By Ron E. Brandich - January 18 - 10:00 amI have been drivig Ford custom Vans for 30 years and decided, after the kids were gone, that I needed something different! I sold my 97 custom Ford van and ordered a new 2002 Explorer Sport Trac last Oct. with every option available and waited till Dec. 26th to get it. I then ordered some other available optins from my Ford dealer and had them installed and then ordered gray metal flake pin stripping and had that put down the sides and I really LOVE my car/Suv/truck..it has been call everything under the sun, but I LOVE it! Wish the gas mileage was a little better..its almost like driving a big Econoline again..with the mileage, but I LOVE it.
