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 Value - 2003 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By overflow23 - October 30 - 2:00 am

  I love my ST! The ride is super quiet, especially for a truck! I was quite impressed with the initial quality. The power is great. Even though they have been out for 3 years, it still turns heads. There is a great support community and owners meets across the US. I recomend it totally!

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  GREAT FOR A WOMAN THAT WANTS A TRUCK - 2005 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By TERESA - October 29 - 8:50 am

  I am woman with children and hauls a lot of kids around. It is great for hauling flowers and taking kids to the football game all at the same time.

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  Great Truck - 2005 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By Diane Sapp - October 22 - 6:20 pm

  I had a station wagon but wanted a truck, but also the room for my grandkids. With this truck I have both.The bed seems small and I was a little worried about that for I have horses, but it will hold 3 bales of hay. So it is just perfect for me. I have leather interior that is very comfortable.To sum it all up I love my truck

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  Cant Tow a thing with this vehicle - 2007 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By Bogeymstr - October 17 - 5:06 pm

  I purchased this "redesigned" vehicle as it was the perfect vehicle to tow the 17 fishing boat and the still have room for the kids. I recently went to rent a smae 6x12 enclosed trailer to do some moving. Much to my surprise this National company refused to rent me the trailer citing that "the vehicle is a high rollover risk when towing". I checked with my insurance company and verified that the vehicle was at high risk for roll over when towing, in fact they want to triple my premium no that I broght it to thiier attention. Needless to say I am exploring either Lemon Law remedy or at least consumer fraud.....This vehicle seems to have become a bad buy!

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  Love - 2002 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By ciq - October 6 - 10:00 am

  I love this SUV!!!!

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  A little of everything - 2002 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By Karen - September 30 - 3:06 pm

  Have driven this vehicle since September after moving to a mountain town with high roads that my car couldnt handle. Survived the winter great with the four by four. This truck loved the snow and clambered through it without difficulty. Had to replace the brakes at 42,000 miles after the previous owner had to replace at 20,000. From what I have read this is a consistent problem. The car creaks and makes weird noises that no vehicle with 50,000 miles should make. I love the back, and have the full cover. My dog travels back there happy as can be and I dont have to worry about his safety (completely enclosed) or dog hair. If he wants to visit all we have to do is lower window.

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  Great Family Car! - 2002 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By KDJ1220 - September 29 - 10:00 am

  This is such a great family car especially if you have animals too! It is so functional. You have the convenience of a SUV with the capacity of a truck for your visits to Home Depot! You can seriously do it all with this vehicle. We are very thrilled about our purchase and wouldnt be surprised if we buy another a couple years down the line.

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  like a Lincoln/Cadillac - 2002 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By Eric Loudermilk - September 18 - 2:00 am

  Fully equipped, looks & feels of a LINCOLN or Cadillac. Luxury-Versatile- Flexible/ all the features of a great SUV & convenience of a truck. Surprised & impressed w/the drive & feel of this Ford. Great power. Silver-Birch looks Classic but Sporty. Replaced the tonneau cover cause of leaks-no problems w/ replacement. Ask for door adjustments cause of wind noise. Clicking/grinding in the front turning the wheel all the way to the right or left in turns. Other owners say the same thing. Overall good value.Back Seat equally comfortable for passengers- you dont know youre in a truck. MPG 17 city 20 hwy. Side-Steps a must for this vehicle.

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  Two Vehicles in One! - 2002 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By dblackwell - September 13 - 2:00 am

  My husbands employer eleminated company provided cars so we traded our truck for something economical. I needed a car to haul grandchildren & grandparents and a truck for the yard work, recycle center & furniture. I traded my 2000 Maxima and the SportTrac has been a dream come true. I can do it all!

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  WARNING THIS THING TIPS EASILY - 2003 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By Corinnenr - September 12 - 10:00 am

  I had my Sport Trac for less than 3 weeks when i got inot a major accidnet, but it was one that shouldnt have happened. I barely jerked my sterring wheel when all of a sudden my truck is going all over the freeway the next thing we know we hit the back side end of the the vehicle to our right then we kind of spun around and then flipped 5 times. The only good thing i can say is if the cab hadnt held up so well me and my friend would be dead right now.