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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  Great Vehicle - 2004 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By dexley74 - May 9 - 2:00 am

  Ive had my ST for 3-weeks now and I love it more everyday (except for the scratch I put on it :( This vehicle is a blast to drive, I cant wait till summer when I can open the moonroof, and open all the windows including the rear. My only regret is I didnt get the upgraded stereo. I have the basic CD player with 4 speakers which is ok, but would like a little more now. I have the bed extender and hard cover which makes this vehicle even more versatile. It can haul plenty including my bikes and other recreational equipment. All the conveniences of an SUV and a large enough bed to haul/carry what I need.

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  Not Bad - 2001 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By Big Willie - April 19 - 2:00 am

  Bought my sporttrac in June 2000 and like it more as the time goes by. Looks very sporty and still get accolades from acquaintances concering its style and functionality. I commute 100 miles daily and this vehicle can hang with the best of them. Im certiantly well represented driving my Sporttrac. I did have to put on a set of brake pads and turn the rotors at 55K miles. Visibility is poor when backing. Turning radius is rather large.

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  Nice Features and Design - 2003 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By bcoomer - April 14 - 10:00 am

  Outstanding features and very comfortable leather seats in the XLT Premium. The small bed meets our needs with the bed extender. Great exterior look. Nice innovation to create more room for the back seat which is actually comfortable, compared to the Nissan Frontier CB. There were rumors of being "floaty", though somewhat floaty at 65mph it drives like a sports car compared with the Frontier CB, even at 30mph. Low ground clearance, but we got 2WD anyway. The electric rear window & sunroof create an awesomely nice draft!!

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  Not Sure What To Think - 2001 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By gelton1 - March 31 - 2:00 am

  Consumer Reports gave the Sport Trac a big thimbs down, ranking it one of the worst vehicles. I use to think there was something to their annual report, but I have 2nd thoughts now. I bought my Sport Trac in Dec. 00, a co-workers husband bought his 3 months later, a friend bought his that same month, and someone I talk with via work bought one this past summer. With the exception of me getting the Firestones replaced (all the others did not have the Firestones), neither of our vehicles have been returned to a dealership for anything (well the co-workers husband does use the dealership for routine service)

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  Love that Sport Trac - 2002 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By SpttrkBob - March 25 - 10:00 am

  I purchased this vehicle for its versatility. You can seat four comfortable (five in a pinch) and it drives like an SUV. Yet, I still have a bed to get mulch or bring things to the dump. I really enjoy driving it. It was a good replacement for my 94 Ford Ranger

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  Weve now had TWO Sporttracs - 2002 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By teachers husband - March 22 - 10:00 am

  We leased the first one off the truck at a dealership. Loved it. After two years, we bought one "loaded" and have not had a single complaint. Wife loves the higher view, comfort, and reliability of the unit, expecially the factory road assistance (if she ever needed it!!) We even bought the extended 7 yr. 75,000 warranty, but have not needed any assistance. Weve added custom wind screens - custom painted to match Sporttrac silver.

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  Rating - 2005 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By Tom - March 7 - 7:00 pm

  Only had one problem with this vehicle.Only happened once; bogged down while going down highway. Pulled over - shut off engine - waited a couple of minutes and it started right back up and has not happened again since (months ago). Like the style and plenty of room in back seats for adults; the rear seat air conditioning is excellent. Recommend the hard cover option for the bed. Keeps items dry and helps gas mileage. I keep my foot in it and still get 20MPG highway.

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  First looks may be incorrect - 2004 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By Hibshman - February 23 - 7:53 pm

  I picked this truck up used by someone who jumped the gun. The Ford was getting around 12 miles to the gallon. After further research and previous knowledge. I picked a K&N air filter and changed the engine oil to 5w40 oil which is called for by Ford for the 4.0 v6. And by only filling half of the 22.5 gallon tank at gas stops, not to mention the flexible fuel feature. I am now doing better then 17 MPG city for a four wheel drive! The comfort level and look of the truck along with the versatility. So prior to chasing everyone to an import make sure you have correct oil and air filtration. Along with tire PSI.

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  Outstanding Vehicle - 2002 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By TLCOOP - February 10 - 10:00 am

  This has been a wonderful vehicle. No problems at all.

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  Enjoyable - 2005 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By Don - January 3 - 11:30 pm

  Extended cab allows for the seating of up to 4 people comfortably and up to 5.