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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  Good Car - 2003 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By Jennifer - March 24 - 10:00 am

  Over all the car is pretty good. It was my first car, and brand new there are just a few things I would change.

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  Much room for improvement - 2005 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By William - March 21 - 11:26 am

  I like the truck a lot. Nice styling, good features like the bed extender and bed cover. Lot of room in the back seat. Good off road capabilities, both in 4H and 4L. Only problem are the side steps which are quite low and tend to touch the ground off road. My biggest problem is my dealership; the after sales service is as bad as can be. Build quality is fair and reliability not as good as a Japanese make.

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  Its cute, but . . . - 2002 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By Cary in Florida - March 17 - 7:23 pm

  Our SportTrac is cute, but it doesnt handle well at all, and its loud and rough-running. It creaks when you turn the wheel "too far" in either direction (like when Im going through a drive- through restaurant!), the engine light constantly comes on (thankfully we got the extended warranty), and the drivers seat wont go close enough in for my comfort.

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  Good truck - 2004 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By T Alan - February 26 - 10:00 am

  Oveall this is a great truck.

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  Fun To Drive - 2001 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By schermen - February 20 - 2:03 am

  During summer enjoy rolling rear window down, open sun roof, feels very open. Negative is poor gas mileage. Have over 90,000 miles on it; had to replace A/C & front end parts. When in 2WD in rain or snow it gets pretty scary without weight. 4WD has a ghost, turns on and off by itself. Nice looking truck though. Bought 100,000 mile warranty; havent spent much on repairs because of that.

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  ES SPORT TRAC - 2004 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By Espie Cisneros - February 19 - 10:00 am

  I LOVE MY SPORT TRAC VERY FUN TO DRIVE I AM BUYING THIS VEHICLE MY FIRST PURHCHASE. I LEASED MY OTHER TWO TRUCKS I GET ALOT OF LUCKS WHILE IM DRIVING MY SPROT TRAC. I LOVE THE COLOR AND THE TENT ON THE TRAC

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  Love it but not a keeper - 2002 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By Jnttsikes - February 14 - 10:00 am

  I love the truck and how it drives... I have had more problems mecanicaly than any other vehicle I have ever owned. I am a fifty year old female and I have had many vehicles. This was the first time I have ever worn out a set of brakes at 19 thousand miles, as well as go threw to the roter. That was a quick $400 out of my pocket. The rebuilt the transmition at 15 thousand. I had to have it towed in because it left ma stranded and would not get back going.... That all started about 8 thousand miles...

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  2001 EXPLORER SPORT TRAC - 2001 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By PHIL L. - February 11 - 1:20 am

  I think Ford made a mistake widening the body width after 2001. This car slides into parking spaces with ease, and the performance and ride is better than most. Currently have over 90,000 miles and cant find a better replacement. The utility of the open cargo area is the best thing since sliced bread, and the rear seat fold down is also handy. Long lumber can be transported by sliding down the electric rear window -- a really slick feature.

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  My Dream Truck - 2007 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By Paula - January 27 - 1:50 am

  I really love this truck. It drives really nice and not too bad on gas. Its really great to move things and just to drive around town too.I did my homework on this truck before I bought it. The 2007 model is on the Explorer frame, instead of the Ranger frame and that makes a big difference.

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  Sport Track- Reliable tough and fun - 2002 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By freddy3stix - January 13 - 10:00 am

  Great all around vehicle. 50,000 miles with no problems. 20mpg is a bit tough to take for me as a commuter, but I cant give it up.