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:

• 

  Excellent Buy! - 2008 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By nauboey - August 30 - 8:50 am

  The Sport Trac is a great truck/SUV! Its great for everyone including familys. This thing has so many features that I dont know where to start. My Kids love it and my wife perfers to drive it over her Mustang and Audi!

• 

  Different! - 2007 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By FYFFE7 - August 21 - 3:20 am

  Cool SUT. Ford Sport Trac won over the Honda with the funky door handles and truck like interior. Toyota cant even put cruse controls on the steering wheel. Replaced the air box with an air intake and acceleration is fantastic on the V8. Mileage city 14- 17 depending how you drive. HIway is 19-28 again depending how you drive. Interior matches the Ford Explorer which is nice. Door hands are different and very easy to use. Ride and comfort are as good as the best SUV on the market. Grab handle for passenger could be higher. Overall an SUT that can do it all.

• 

  Has done everything my family has needed - 2004 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By science - August 14 - 10:00 am

  I bought my Sport Trac during a Colorado Blizzard and drove it home using the 4wd. I have driven it to California from Colorado and from Colorado to Las Vegas 4 times with no complaints. I have hauled fence material for my MOM, furniture for friends, and many things for me. My daughter sits in the back and loves to use the climate control. I currently have 19,000 miles only one transmission coolant line that the dealer fixed. I would buy a sport trac again it this car was ever totaled.

• 

  works for me - 2004 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By Dipit - August 9 - 10:00 am

  For my need`s this little gem has so far done ok.It`s Defiaately not a pick up and Not a true 4x4 suv.For commuting 70 miles a day and carrying my wife wheelchair it not bad> the ride could be better and so could the handling. but all and all I like it.

• 

  XLS Five spped - 2003 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By skier4life2000_101 - July 31 - 2:00 am

  Delivers what it promises. The XLS doesnt have many extras, but it is a comfortable 4 door, 4wd that is sharp looking. The price was right as well, $200 UNDER invoice!

• 

  2004 sport trac - 2004 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By wpearson1 - July 28 - 7:05 pm

  Purchased my 2004 Sport trac xls new in 2004. After 66,000 plus miles it is still going strong. Replaced tires after 50,000 miles. I have driven through 4 hurricanes to work in 90 plus mile hour winds with no worries about my safety. The truck is paid for and I am sure it will be give me at least another 100,000 miles of transportation. It is a little thirsty at todays gas prices but at least there is no car payment. I have hauled numerous bikes, trees, 25 bags of mulch, lawn mowers, wood, furniture, playsets, without a worry. It is nice to be high up when driving on the highway. I just change the oil and filter per manual and have had no worries.Better than wifes Mercedes in reliability!

• 

  My Dream Truck - 2008 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By Woodchopper - July 26 - 5:46 pm

  I have had many vehicles, of all sorts. I have been looking at the Sport Trac since its debut in 2001, but wanted more than the 4.0 litre engine. Now with the V8 4.6 my dream truck is a reality, and the wait was worth it, more robust frame & suspension (IRS), better looks, plus overall refinements. I am over 61", comfort is great. I like the door handles (placement, appearance) and have no issue with the door pulls, seats, or anything else. The rubber floor covering is much easier to clean than carpet would be. I trailer two large ATVs at "highway speeds", passing & handling is spot on. I am very pleased with my Sport Trac, and have recommended it to others, friends and family included.

• 

  Design Flaw? - 2004 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By spar07 - July 22 - 7:49 pm

  My wife bought her truck about 4 years ago. A little less than 4 months later, the front passenger wheel literally broke off at a speed of approximately 60 mph. The reason for the problem was due to the wheel bearing freezing up. The dealer where she bought the truck was surprised that the vehicle did not roll and do some serious damage to life and property. This winter, just short of 4 years later, the bearing froze up again and was on the brink of breaking once again. The only conclusion is that there has to be some kind of design or material flaw in the materials used for this model. The truck has been inspected in attempt to find the problem. Owners beware!!

• 

  Great Truck - 2007 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By FordFan76 - July 17 - 9:20 pm

  My wife has a 2002 Explorer which we love. The newly redesigned Explorer and Sport Trac are even better. My truck is quieter, safer, and slightly better on gas. It is also a great compromise for people who dont want a full size truck but still want the capabilities of one. The only problem I have experienced so far was a jerky transmission, which was fixed under warranty by adjusting the computer settings. Some improvements: needs more cushioning in the steering wheel. I drive two hours to work and I find my hands getting sore frequently. Put the shifter back on the column. It isnt as "cool" but you have a lot more space on the center console.

• 

  Glad I bought this one - 2004 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By ENP - July 8 - 2:00 am

  Owned a Chevy truck, owned a Dodge 1500, Now trying a Ford. Loven it. Handles great, easy to park, warm seat to relax the tird muscles of an ER nurse. Down side: Mirrors, lots of blind spots. I am short and have to reach for the radio, would like a lock on the storage comaprtment.