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 301 through 310 of 560.00-
My Sport Trac - 2003 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
By brett chapman - April 28 - 1:43 amI use this truck for my sales job and for a multitude of other things. It is a great design in terms of versatility. It carries my sales tools, kayaks, bikes and camping gear with ease. I can use it to haul yard waste to the dump in the morning and then take my wife out to dinner in the evening in style.
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Its a fine ride. - 2007 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
By WT - April 27 - 7:00 amHave only owned this vehicle for a few weeks. But, it is so similar to my wifes 06 Explorer I had a pretty good handle on the rig before purchase. It handles very well and gives a quiet, comfortable ride. The steering and suspension systems feel positive on turns with no lean or sway. Mine has the 4.0L engine and it does not lack for power. It pulled my utility trailer with ATV aboard easily. Is the Sport Trac really a truck? Well ... maybe, sort of, I guess, but you wont realize it until you look in the rear view mirror. It is a very pleasing step up from my trade in, an 04 Ranger FX4. The five star crash test rating was a plus.
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Nice Looking But Weak Performance - 2004 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
By The Gadget Man - April 25 - 10:00 amThe SUV/truck looks good and drives ok when going straight...but try to turn and it wobbles like a duck. If youre into something different than the ordinary...this is the vehicle for you...its not too big and not too small...the Big Bad Wolf would be confused with a vehicle like this.
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NOISEY!!!!!!! - 2001 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
By Elmar - April 25 - 10:00 amDeafening wind noise. NO turning radius. NOISEY Suspension. Poor Excelleration BUY a truck if you want a truck. Buy an SUV if you want an SUV. POOR DESIGN all over!!!!!!!
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No Problems At All - 2001 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
By Amazo - April 25 - 10:00 amHave owned this since it first came out. Have camped, hauled, went out on the town with it. Always gets stares from people and many questions. 3-5K miles between regular oil changes and normal rotations and mtce. Good brake wear, good tire wear, no squeaks, noises or rattles. 4WD works in snow and mud very well.
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Love it! - 2002 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
By Trisha88 - April 19 - 2:00 amWe would buy this truck all over again. I had a 1991 Explorer that finally died and we test drove all kinds of SUVs including the Explorer. When we saw the Sport Trac that was it!
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New Sport Trac 4WD Adrenalin - 2004 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
By DS - April 9 - 10:00 amI just bought a 4WD Adrenalin. Price was great at $27,500. In fact my dad bought one also the next day. I also have an Excursion but wanted something smaller to commute to work. I bought this vehicle because of my experience with other Ford trucks compared to other brands. I live in a small town and really like my local Ford dealer for service.
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Love it! - 2003 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
By BlackLabLover - April 6 - 10:00 amI was looking for an Explorer with a BIG trunk - this is it! I drove an Explorer before this and the cargo area was too cavernous when I wasnt hauling anything, and sometimes too small when I was. This is the best of both worlds.
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Excellente - 2003 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
By jjuan jose - March 30 - 2:00 amThe best car ever
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Sport Trac #2 - 2005 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
By jgibb - March 28 - 10:00 amThis is my second SportTrac. I was extremely happy with the first until a little old lady in a 71 Lincoln sled totalled it. I came away from the accident with only bumps and bruises and was as impressed as thankful.I turned around and purchased another ASAP. It has performed well in inclement weather and off-road. The 4.0 liter has plenty of guts, the interior is comfortableand seats five easily. Granted, the bed is small but I dont need a full size truck. This is a niche vehicle and fits perfectly into my niche. Unlike the Avalanche it also fits perfectly in my garage. A lockable, removeable hard tonneau cover is a great accessory. This truck draws stares and lots of thumbs up!
