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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  FRONTEND PROBLEMS - 2001 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By TOM FRANKFURTH - November 17 - 2:00 am

  AT 45000 MILES MY TRUCK NEEDED BRAKES. AT 60000 MILES BALL JOINTS WERE REPLACED AND AT 71000 WHEEL BEARINGS ARE SHOT.

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  Great secret model at Ford - 2007 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By David - November 7 - 11:00 am

  Had to have a v8 and wife wanted this truck. It been rock solid as terms of reliability. I am large guy and takes some time to find a comfortable driving position. Interior is my only complaint. Hard plastic scratches easily and hard to keep clean. Handling is better than any truck I owned this is due to independent rear. Have every option but leather. Sound system is great. Some are complaining about mpg. We are getting 18.5 in combine driving of city and highway. On long highway trips we are getting 23 on average. Ford stand behind their warranty and had no issue when small issues came up. See below.

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  Fun SUV/Truck - 2004 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By David T - October 19 - 2:00 am

  As a replacement for my extended cab Ranger Ive been very pleased so far with my Sport Trac. Inside its extremely comfortable and outside very functional. It really does offer the best of both worlds with the SUV interior and truck bed. I highly recommend the bed extender though for squeezing out the extra capacity from the bed.

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  Just misses the mark - 2001 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By RDG - October 17 - 10:00 am

  Was a unique vehicle has too many little nagging problems to really enjoy ownership. The A/C fan quit within first week. Has had a noise in powertrain since new never fixed the dealer can never verify. Has recently developed a annoying popping sound while driving dealer has order parts per Ford TSB. Gas door was replaced a year ago because the hinge chipped the gas door opening. The tires were replace by recall.

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  You MUST test drive this truck! - 2007 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By Jim Russell - October 14 - 3:46 pm

  All I can say every time I get inside and drive is "WOW"! Great ride, great handling, very quiet, sweet engine, 6-speed automatic behaves very well. Please, if you are testing Tacoma, Frontier, Ridgeline, try this truck. Get the V-8. Ive always been a Toyota guy, but Ford has really done a great job with this one. Its nicer than the F-150, which is by far the best full size pickup. 292 horsepower, fully boxed truck frame, fully independent rear suspension, and it rides like a luxury car on the highway!

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  Decent Truck - 2001 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By bennb - October 14 - 10:00 am

  Everything seems solid, but not outstanding to say the least. Moonroof shorts here and there. Engine replaced under warranty for head crack. Rear piece on tailgate bottom comes unglued. Seems a little on the poor side concerning integrity of build. Ride is OK, not great, but tolerable definitely. Paint on running board has chipped, interior finish on door handles and around the stereo scratches easily and peels as well. Really like the plastic bed, bed extender, and the tonneau cover helps overall satisfaction a great deal. A little tight in the back seat, but decent. A/C compressor slows at idle (engine idles too low?) .. no cooling then.

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  All Fords Trucks Need This Style - 2008 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By Dennis - October 10 - 5:40 pm

  Test drove several different full-size trucks models including Ford. Had an F- 150 for 11 years. Not much had changed on the interior including, entire front display panel and radio. I was disappointed with this until I test dove the Sport Trac. Its like getting the inside comfort and styling of a luxury car, yet with the manly toughness and sporty styling of a truck. I get 23 mpg on the highway and 17 mpg in town. This is slightly better than my previous F-150. My family and I really enjoy going places in this remarkable vehicle.

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  My First New Vehicle - 2003 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By cozmos - October 1 - 11:46 pm

  I love this Sport Trac even after 5 years. It is very comfortable in the front and back seats and I still think it is the sharpest looking truck on the road. It also has plenty of power for me. The ride has some choppiness and side to side rock that I dont like. I have had no maintenance yet.

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  Super truck - does everything I need it for - 2004 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By Zap0007 - September 28 - 4:38 pm

  I have owned my truck since new (2004 ST XLS with a hard Tonto cover and bed extender) I get about 18-24 MPG depending where and how I drive - I would love to had better MPG. In 135,000 miles all I have had to do is regular oil changes, air filter, liquids, tires, brakes, rotors, and replaced front ball joints (normal maintenance stuff) It has been very dependable, the power locks have stopped working but that is acceptable I may have them fixed in the future. I paid less than $18K tax and all out the door new in 2004 and I have gotten my moneys worth I plan to keep mine for another 5 years (my 8 year old grandson) wants it - not sure it will last that long, we shall see. :)

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  1st Ford in 20 years - 2007 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By Redman - September 14 - 5:53 pm

  I have not bought a Ford in 20 years. This is a homerun because I use it for hunting and fishing, wet dogs and all. With dogs and all on outside, comfort is inside. Features are fine for price paid. 20K miles and no problems.