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:
Showing 291 through 300 of 560.00-
2002 Sport Trac 4x4 - 2002 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
By GAG - July 8 - 2:00 amI just traded in my Sport Trac 4x4 with 24,000 miles. Overall, I liked everything about the vehicle. However, I felt I should let others know that it can become very unstable at highway speeds. I nearly lost control of the truck traveling on a curve at 70 MPH on an urban freeway after hitting an uneven expansion joint. The truck ended up skipping halfway into the adjacent lane before I could regain control. Driving at highway speeds on patched pavement with potholes and during windy conditions requires two hands on the wheel to stabilize the vehicle. Driving below 60 MPH, the Sprot Trac handled fine but truck-like.
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FORD EXPLORER SPORTRAK - 2004 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
By STEVE RUGGERI - July 3 - 10:00 amDOES WHAT I BOUGHT IT TO DO, CARRY MY WIFE AND 10 YEAR OLD DAUGHTER AND OUR THREE DIRT BIKES IN COMFORT AND WITHOUT USING AND STORING A TRAILER
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Love your car - 2005 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
By Luisa Friedrich - July 2 - 8:36 pmThe Explorer Sport Track has to be one of the coolest vehicles made. Durable, comfortable; even with a small bed with the tail gate down and the cage opened I can manage to get two dirt bikes in the back, so the small bed is good if you dont want a full size truck. I love the way it drives nice and quiet for a truck. It has plenty of power to haul a load, but yet cool enough to take friends and family on a trip. It is black with two tone grey leather interior and it also has painted bumpers and let me tell you when you clean this thing up it looks amazing! I plan to keep this truck a long time, it has been my favorite!
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The Jack of all Trades Auto - 2002 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
By James White - July 1 - 10:00 amWhat can I say. I love this Auto. I wanted it the first time I saw it and after test driving it I wanted it even more. It has room for 4 large men and no one is cramped in a little space. Its fun to drive for a 4,500 lb SUV/Truck. I can take long trips and take what I need on the trip ( I finaly have the room )
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2002 Sport Trac - 2003 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
By briemarine - July 1 - 10:00 amAll my life, I have owed Chevys; but, not anymore. I love my Sport Trac. It has power, durability and it is fun to drive. Sure beats the cumbersome Chevy Silverado 2500 Lemon I had.
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Excellent value, loaded with features - 2003 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
By Hauler - June 18 - 2:00 amWell, with this rediculously small amount of space, All I can really say is: "Test the Sport Track agains all other cross overs, and it will dawn on you that the others are not even in the same class".
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Quality Sport Trac - 2007 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
By Steve D. - June 10 - 5:06 pmThe 2007 Limited has a lot of nice features that distinguish it from the XLT. The quality, ride, handling, and comfort are more than expected. The truck is solid and have experienced no issues at all since driving it off the lot. A real winner!
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2001 Ford Explorer Sport Trac 4WD - 2001 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
By Jake D. - June 9 - 6:43 pmIt will be going on 8 years since we have bought our truck used from a ford dealer. It was a year or two old. Since then it has been a pretty great companion. The only Problems are fuel economy, Braking System and Steering. The brakes have to be replaced or fixed often, the fuel economy is 14mpg, and the steering can get shaky meaning that you have to replace the control arms. Other then that its been a companion. Only a few years ago i found out that t was loaded with options. All i dont have is the moonroof and leather i think. Came with towing package, all exterior option, 6 disc changer, automatic tranny. Good truck. Repairs have never exceed 500 dollars when u DIY
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Best - 2002 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
By snokid19 - May 30 - 2:00 amMy sport trac is the best becuae its the best of both worlds. Its a truck and an SUV. It can switch between 2x4,4x4 high, and 4x4 low. Thats great for rough roads. The sport trac compared to the avalanche(from what Ive heard about it) is better because its easier to convert and better gas milage.
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rockin sport trac......great - 2004 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
By myfloyd - May 21 - 10:00 amford did a great job on the design of this truck i am a moto crosser/desert rider/sound system audiophile, it hauls my bikes and all my gear with room to spare, for a stock sound system ford and pioneer did a nice job, wont blow your head off....but it will impress, has a great ride and decent power...which can be hopped up for more performamce
