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:

• 

  Sport Trac - American Car - 2001 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By Trac Owner - June 4 - 8:53 am

  The Sport Trac is the second Ford I have owned. In my experience the quality has been outstanding but fuel economy has been worse than any of the several foreign vehicles Ive owned. Took it to repair shop; they did computer analysis; couldnt find a problem. Suggested using premium gas which didnt help only cost me more money to buy! Im going back to foreign made especially with gas prices today.

• 

  Ford should keep it - 2010 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By kirby28 - May 26 - 11:09 am

  I am reviewing a V8 Adrenalin 2010 6 speed. Im impressed! Quiet, smooth, gorgeous! But why such crummy gas mileage? And wait, no carpet(?) in a 38K vehicle?

• 

  The best truck Ive ever had - 2005 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By Bart - May 23 - 1:33 pm

  My Sport Trac is the funnest truck Ive ever driven, and its absolutely gorgeous. The unique body style makes it a real head-turner and I couldnt be happier! I LOVE IT!

• 

  Good Bur a Rough ride - 2001 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By Good but a rough rid - May 16 - 4:56 am

  I first saw the Sport Trac in late 1999 in a commercial and I wanted it. So I sent to the several dealerships and they only had a few- but I found a 4x4 Gold w/ black trim. Of course I paid sticker - it was brand spankin new. I have had it since 2000 - 10years now and i have almost 72K miles on it. I just spent $700 for mew plugs, tune-up, etc. OVerall - its been a very good little truck. Gets me where I wanted to go, never got stuck.

• 

  Good Choice - 2002 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By RRMan03 - May 9 - 4:16 pm

  I bought this brand new with 4 miles. I have never had any problems except for the poor quality factory tires and of course the brakes and rotors. I have had 2 sets of pads and the rotors turned at 64000. Now after changing to Mich tires LTX at 30000 miles and new pads and rotors turned at 64000 it drives as new if nor better. This truck has been from TN to Idaho 4 times.

• 

  Cant Be Trusted In The Heat of the Day - 2003 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By smartsnacker - May 7 - 9:23 am

  Over the past two years, my 2003 Ford Explorer Sport Trac seems to get vapor lock in the summer. But it doesnt happen all the time. When it happens, Ill take it into the dealer, but the service team cant duplicate the problem. What happens (sometimes) is that Ill drive it to the store (maybe 6 miles), turn it off and shop for maybe 10 minutes. When I return to the vehicle and start it, it will sometimes not start, or, if it starts, it wont let me go over 20 mph. I had the fuel pump replaced in March (its now June) and that seemed to help. But the other day, out of the blue, it happened again! We also had a new fuel filter installed last March as well. Why does this happen?

• 

  2001 Best multi purpose vehicle - 2001 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By Brad - May 7 - 8:40 am

  My friend said that I should submit my review on the Sport Trac. So, here it goes. Overall this is a very good truck. I dont know how most people drive, but here I get an average of 21.8 mpg highway and 18.6 city. In my eyes thats pretty good for any truck. That is in 2wd, which is what I drive it in most of the time. The 4wd comes in handy for Michigan winters! I am also impressed with the ride quality, performance and workmanship. Next time Im shopping for a new truck, Ill look at the Sport Trac again.

• 

  Its just what I wanted - 2003 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By david - May 7 - 6:50 am

  My experience with Ford Sport Trac has been one of the best experiences I have had in my life. I drive it often, even on trips. I have had no problems other than normal maintenance. It is what I needed. Living in the country area I needed 4X4, wanted no carpet and be able to carry my grandkids. It does it all, and since I am retired I just have small jobs for the yard and such and the bed it just perfect, you dont have to worry about the bed scratches and the tie down would allow you to carry a lot more than you think. My wife loves it and has no problem getting to and back from work in the snow, and we can go out in the field with no problems.

• 

  Nice Ride - 2007 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By Ford Fan - May 5 - 10:46 pm

  Over 5500 miles on my Sport Trac, really enjoying it. Had a problem with a soft brake pedal, but the dealer has since fixed it. The v8 engine and 6 speed transmission work well, I have towed my 4000 lb travel trailer over 2000 miles, lots of power in the mountains. Fuel economy - only 9.5mpg towing, but my last tank unloaded on the highway (60-75mph) lasted 415 miles, for 19.88 mpg. I recommend this truck.

• 

  Great truck @ great price.... - 2007 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By aparrothead888 - April 30 - 8:40 pm

  I really love this car. I had been wanting to get this car for the past year. After someone hitting me in the end of 2006, I was then willing to buy one if I could get a good price. I got a FULLY loaded Limited for $26,000 with tax and all other junk! About $7500 off MSRP! I really love the truck now.