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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Most Versatile Vehicle! - 2002 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
By Jim Johnson - August 31 - 6:16 amThe Sport Trac ("ST") excels as an automotive Swiss army knife. It has decent performance and handling, seats five in comfort, functions surprisingly well as a pickup, and handles snowy roads with aplomb. And unlike the Chevy Avalanche, it doesnt look like it was designed by a committee. Simply the most versatile vehicle Ive ever owned!
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Wish I owned stock in ford parts dept. - 2001 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
By pritchett642 - August 27 - 10:00 amBefore 53,000 I had front axle seals,brakes and rotors,iap sensor,oxygen sensor,intake manifold gaskets,transfer case,power steering pump,and lower balljoints replaced. All of which the dealership said was normal. Granted this is the same dealership who recommended this vehicle for ease of maintenance.I am currently getting ready to trade it off as the dealership has offered to give an exceptional deal after showing them my full maintenance list.
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RIDE ON. - 2003 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
By sayyed - August 6 - 10:00 amgood rugged front end on the sport trac. everyone & everybody should own one of these.
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I love the truck in spite of its flaws - 2004 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
By percplayer - July 31 - 2:00 amI owned a Ford Ranger for 13 years and it was a great truck. When I saw the review of the sport trac in Car and Driver magazine, I knew this was the truck for me. I bought my sport trac the first year they were manufactured. Its been recalled a few times for small issues - nothing that I feel compromises the safety of the vehicle. The ride isnt as quiet as I expected in the cab, but thats about the only thing I really dont like about it. I love to drive my sport trac and it meets my needs.
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Best Mid Size Pick-up/ SUV - 2004 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
By Papa Bung - July 15 - 10:00 amThis is the best truck that I ever had. You can fit five passengers in it and still have room to put 4 golf bags in the back without a problem. It hace a nice stiff ride and the 4.0L V6 have got really nice pick-up. You can get a lot truck for your money. You wont be disappointed. It a great buy!
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Like this Truck a Lot - 2005 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
By KBS - June 20 - 4:56 pmOverall this vehicle fit all of my needs at a reasonable price. I needed a 4 door truck, but I didnt want a vehicle that was too long. I have been extremely pleased with the truck so far. Handles well and has good pep when you need it. I also like the fact that I can haul things and not have to worry about a bed liner or scratching the paint.
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I LOVE my Sport Trac! - 2002 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
By Ron Brandich - June 17 - 10:00 amI ordered my Sport Trac on Oct.19, 2001. I ordered evrything that was offered and then I waited till Dec.26 when it came in I also had the dealer order and put on the automatic headlights, bug deflector for the front,side window deflectors, rear cargo mat and custom mud flaps. I also just had it stripped with silver metallic sparkle double stripe tape last week. I now have 2300 miles on it and I will admit it gets about the same mileage as my FULL SIZE Ford Econoline. I really dont know if it will get 15 to 20 MPG like the window sticker said anymore. I give it a rating of 9.5! I also do wish you could get the same options for the Sport Trac as you can get for the regular Explorer.
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Heart BRAKER - 2002 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
By surreal - June 14 - 1:26 pmI love the look of the vehicle, very sporty chic looking, Ive had it two years and have had to replace the brakes twice and the rotors once, which I believe to be sub standard from the factory, and now have my suspicions about the bearings as well! Im a female, miles are all highway, and I do not do heavy braking. Im getting a LOT of road noise frequently from the front end, when its checked, its the brakes or the rotor. Now Im suspecting the bearings are bad! For my driving style, this is unacceptable for a vehicle of this type/cost to be having so many wheel problems. If used as a mans truck, worked, it would not survive long I fear. Im worried, so I bought the extended warranty!
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Great Truck For The Money - 2007 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
By Grego - June 9 - 9:03 pmThis is a great truck in a mid-size. Not as big as the F150 and still packs a punch with the V8. I have a boat that I trailer around all the time with no problems. The inside is roomy and comfortable and the amount of plastic used is minimal which gives the truck a rattle-free ride and a nice luxury feel. The exterior styling is functional (no non-functional hood scoop) and still looks tough and not "girly" like the Tacoma or Frontier.
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Birthday Present - 2004 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
By Pirrung Family - June 8 - 10:00 amMy husband bought me a White 2004 Sport Trac. I absolutely love it. It is fun to drive and has all the room I need and more. It even fits in the garage of my apartment building. I feel safe and protected in it. Thanks Ford for building such a great vehicle. Sincerely, Mary and Family
