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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"Oh... I like that!" - 2002 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
By Josh L - February 3 - 10:00 amThe Ford Sport Trac is a kick @ss ride. A vehicle which can not be duplicated (although has been tried.. Avelanche...). The uniqueness of this truck/suv is absolutley somthing not to miss. A Full 4 door cabin, center console, and a bed sized enough for a daily trip to the shoppes and large anough for a cammute to Home Depot. What absolutely gets me with this truck/suv, is that the 4.0L V-6 engine has enough power to get a thrill out of. Producing 210 Hpr, this engine does its job. Quiet, and smooth they maid it, Fords 4.0 IS THE BEST.
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fun to drive - 2004 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
By gnatsum - January 24 - 10:00 amThe sport trac is very comfortable and gives a good view of the road. It is sized just right for someone who wants a pickup which is not oversized but can get the job done.
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2004 ford sport trac problems - 2004 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
By hstafford - January 20 - 3:49 am1 bought this suv new and have a lot of problems. always had a slight viberation then at about 70,000 miles the lifteres started rattling. took it to a dealer he said there was a sock in the valve cover which had falling down the cost would would be $300.00. aweek later they called said the timing chain was worn out now $1300.00.left it over a week i finally called them & the said fixted & was idling sitting ,then it broke agan, now we are over $3ooo.oo fixed & i took it home not very long & it stoped right in the middle of the road.in the shop again now the cam on the right side worm out. now price up to nearly $4700.00 fixedworkin ok . transmission went out then $2900.more fords for me.
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2007 Sport Trac - 2007 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
By Good truck; BUT - December 28 - 10:56 pmI owned a 2003 Sport Trac for 5 years, love the truck. Cant think of one bad thing. In 2007 when Ford came out with the V-8 engine, I though wow that will be great. So I purchase one with the V-8 engine, and I love everything about the V-8, love that power. But on my Sport Trac V-8 engine, if you let is sit for a day or two, when you start the engine, it will burn oil and blue smoke like a dog. Had it in the shop a few times, of course the computer has everything good. I believe it is valve guild seals, and of course Ford do not want to open the engine, as I dont want a new truck that someone had to do engine work on it.
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Nice truck but..... - 2004 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
By Matt Cappadonna - December 25 - 1:53 amI purchased this truck from Car Max. I did a lot of research before purchasing the vehicle and came to the conclusion that this is the one. Unfortunately the vehicle has made me marginally happy. Was it because of Car Max or Ford build quality, I dont know, but here are a few of the pros and cons.
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Ford best for the money - 2008 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
By Craig Baber - December 24 - 2:06 pmI have had lots of Fords over the years but this is one of the best. I traded a 2004 F150 Crew for this and I am as pleased as punch. The 4.6 V8 is a power house and delivers basicly the same mpg as the 6. It is so easy to park, garage friendly (takes less room) is great on the road. It is quiet, ride is outstanding, no need for rails as in and out access is great. The new Sync by Microsoft and sirus radio makes it a intertainment wonder. No need for cds as one 2mb in the usb will access hundreds of songs with out worry of storage or scratching of cd. The vinyl floor is padded and the cab is quiet. It is a well thought out suv and with current offer of 4000 cash back is a must have.
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Be Careful - 2002 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
By Chris - December 23 - 5:33 pmI bought this truck with under 65,000 miles on it, and never had a problem. As soon as I turned it over to 90,000 miles a lower rod broke in my engine and a couple thousand dollars later, here I sit. I had loved this truck, but am very reluctant to buy Ford again. I changed oil every 3000 miles and get up maintenance.
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Couldnt be happier! - 2005 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
By jew72 - December 21 - 12:20 pmI originally looked at Sport Trac when they first came out years ago, but was able to get away with buying a much cheaper xtra cab Tacoma. Since then the kid has gotten a lot bigger and he was getting cramped in the back of the Yo. I looked at all the small/mid-size crew-cab trucks and found flaws with all of them. The Sport Trac had the fewest cons and by far the most pros. Since then I am extremely happy with my choice and with this Ford product. There is tons of room in the back seat (tested a Frontier, Tacoma, Dakota or Colorado). Front seats are extremely comfortable. Reliability is first class. Good job Ford. I am looking forward to testing a 2008 soon- gorgeous interiors!
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Pretty Good SUV - 2005 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
By Jeff - December 19 - 9:46 amThe truck is a solid vehicle. We had trouble with the transmission at 10,000 miles but was handled promptly by the dealership. The only other issue I have is that the front seats on long trips become very uncomfortable for both my wife and me. We use the truck for everything;, skiing, snowmobiling, boating, biking. Really its the perfect sports vehicle; not too big not too small and decent gas mileage.
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Great Function - 2004 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
By Beaub - December 19 - 2:00 amThis truck is perfect for a fast-paced lifestyle. The ability to haul around friends with the capacity to pull a boat or haul lumber. Great buy!
