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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  Excellent - 2004 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By RobSky - March 19 - 2:00 am

  Nice vehicle. Wanted one and finally got one. Like the versatility.

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  My 03 Sports Trac - 2004 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By Exxchuck - March 19 - 2:00 am

  Looks great but handling is questionable. Too bouncy which causes a feeling of not being in total control of the vehicle. Gas milage is only fair at 17 in town and 19 on the road. Lots of aminities and the 6 CD player is great.

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  LUV IT! - 2004 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By dcarver - March 19 - 2:00 am

  I have had mine for 18 months and I luv it! It is fun to drive and cuts thru snow like a plow! My kid love the rear window in the spring. I wish the MPG were better but that is my only complaint.

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  Great Vehicle - 2004 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By Dennis Weller - March 19 - 2:00 am

  My Ford Explorer Sport Trac is a good running vehicle. I did expect better fuel economy. The v6 has alot of power. I have been asked alot by people about the vehicle, it really stands out and turns heads. The comfort is great and it rides high off the ground.

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  It Works for ME!! - 2001 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By SLIM - March 12 - 10:00 am

  First, I agree and disagree with what has been written in the other reviews. Yes, GAS mileage is not great...17.4 for me, mostly highway. BRAKES have not been a problem. Still have original rotors and replaced pads @ 38K. WHO KNEW! Stop tailgating and your brakes might last a little longer!! Functionality has been phenominal. Im in sales and I haul large equipment often. I even mounted an Aluminum toolbox in the bed and still have room to haul. A V8 would be nice and a larger fuel tank would be in order as well. I AM VERY PLEASED.

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  Good to go - 2005 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By RTC - March 11 - 8:13 pm

  My Trac does everything I need it to. I do a lot of hunting and 4 wheeling and the Trac has enough tow power to tow my boat and atv trailers. The ride is not as smooth as I would like after being spoiled in a 04 F150. The interior is kind of boring compared to the 07 models and the 04 and newer F150s and 05 and newer Explorers.

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  My Sport Trac - 2005 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By Russ - March 8 - 12:06 am

  Its been one of the best vehicles I have ever owned, I bought it just before the gas prices went through the roof. Still not too bad on fuel consumption. On the highway Im averaging 21-22 mpg. Great little truck.

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  Needs improvement - 2001 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By bimmerchick - February 23 - 10:00 am

  At 35,000 miles this vehicle has had the wheel bearings, and u-joints replaced three times. A new waterpump at 30,000 miles, brakes at 27,000 miles. Brakes at two days old squeak continuously - dealer cant do anything about it and suspension is very loose. Great design, but lacks in performance. All these issues are leading me to trade in for better European or Japanese imports.

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  Best of everything - 2001 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By S Lillard - February 22 - 1:43 pm

  At first when I drove the Sport Trac I remember thinking that it drove more like a car than a truck. I had just gave my reliable F-150 to my son-in-law prior to buying the Sport Trac from an acquaintance. The previous truck had given me 269,000 miles and was still running strong and looked newer than the 1995 that it was. I was now hoping the Sport Trac would be as loyal. Now at 100,000 and going strong without any problems thus far. I live in the country, use the Sport Trac as a dirt road explorer, and love driving it. It looks good and it feels good.

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  Noise and brakes - 2001 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By TM - February 15 - 9:36 am

  Wind noise on drivers side is loud and the dealer has "tried" to fix it two times. The front end makes a loud sweaking noise when I turn the wheels hard to make a U turn. If I open the back window I hear a lot a sweaking from the rear bed. at 17,000 the brakes are making a swealing noise and in they need to be changed