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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  Second Sport Trac for me - 2005 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By MarkF - October 30 - 12:36 am

  After putting on 100K on a first year 2001 Sport Trac I just had to buy another one. This time I upgraded to a leather package with the full console and fog lamps and couldnt be happier.

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  Fun, Reliable, & Resourceful - 2001 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By blahblahblah - October 6 - 10:00 am

  Very fun vehicle to drive. Additionally, the Truck/SUV has the advantage of Explorer reliability (which is beyond compare) and the resourcefulness of a pickup truck. The bed is 4 ft long but with hitch down (and guard rail) becomes 6 ft, which is the same length of most short bed pickups. Doesnt have the get up and go torque that I expected but then again, there are third party performance enhancements for that.

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  Mechanical Problems - 2001 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By lindasprouse - October 5 - 11:40 am

  We have had several repairs to the truck including brake replacement. The major problem now is the transmission. We need to repair and/or rebuilt transmission at $1,500 to $1,800. One service shop tried a fix for $300 after finding a service bulletin on it. The transmission is still slipping in third gear. It is now at a reputable transmission shop to be repaired. We were told by them that there was an article in a transmission magazine about this problem in this particular vehicle and that also Ford is not very good about transmission recalls even though there seems to be major problems with this model. This is why I have always purchased Toyota.

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  Love The Sport Trac - 2009 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By JRSactown - October 2 - 9:20 am

  Purchased brand new white 09 Sport Trac XLT 4x2, sync/sunroof, over labor day 2009. Truck is perfect for those who want a smoother ride and do not need a huge cargo bed. Plenty of room for 5. Have put 3,000 miles and no issues, rides very nice and getting decent gas mileage, about 18 MPG overall city/hwy. Paid $21,000+ Tax/License

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  High Priced Junk - 2001 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By Mike_A - September 22 - 10:00 am

  I have had it less than a year and its been in the shop 3 times. First the dealer sold me the bad Firestone tires which needed a recall. Next was the power stearing pump when out and the third was my oil pressure guage went haywire and come to find out almost all of the oil sensors had to be replaced. I have the 4x4 loaded model and baby it, dealer oil changes, garaged parked at work and home, never in snow/mud/rain completely taken care of. And the wind noise is unbearable at times, everyone that rides in it makes the same commit "what is that noise". The first chance to unload it for the loan amount its sold....any buyers???

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  I Wouldnt Buy Another - 2001 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By parkerad - September 17 - 10:00 am

  Price & Resale Value (I paid $30k & that didn’t include Leather, Tonneau Cover, Bed Extender, or Running Boards.The day I bought it, 1 yr ago, I had $6k in equity. Been trying to sell it – I’ll be lucky to break even.); Fuel Efficiency; Noisy (Sounds like the drs & windows are cracked w/ the wind blowing thru.); Sun Visors (Sun is always in my eyes no matter how I adjust them.) Overall,not worth the money I spent. Maybe the dealer I used ripped me off. Maybe Ford needs to improve upon this vehicle. Would I buy another? No way.

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  Sport Trac hauls whole family in comfort - 2002 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By bayoumelanie - August 30 - 10:00 am

  When I found out that I was expecting my second child, I knew I needed a bigger vehicle. I searched every make and model for the most comfortable, powerful, smoothest ride, and of couse, the most price efficient truck or SUV I could find. I bought the Sport Trac with the rear A/C, which my 6 year old loves, and the hard tonneau cover and bed extender, which makes the bed into the perfect trunk for groceries or traveling. Definately worth the money!! And the estate green is very attractive!

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  2004 sport trac/shinny blue - 2004 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By SE FLORIDA - August 12 - 2:00 am

  RIDES EXTREMELY WELL AND DOESNT FEEL LIKE YOU ARE IN A TRUCK. GOOD GET UP AND GO BUT A LITTLE HEAVY ON THE GAS PUMP!! I AM TRULEY IMPRESSED AFTER LOOKING AT IT FOR OVER A YEAR, GLAD I GOT MY 2004!!

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  6 Years and NO PROBLEMS - 2002 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By A penny - August 10 - 11:06 am

  We love our Sport Trac. Our rule is when a car breaks down, we fix it then get rid of it. We have had our Sport Trac since January 2001 and have approximately 58k miles. We purchased an extended warranty but never had to use it. We have replaced our other car three times in the past 6 years. We did all of our regular maintenance, but no other repairs. In fact, we have original brake pads and tires. The only semi-complaint I can think of is it does not have the best turning radius (4x2). This is the first car that we will trade before a break down (I just want a new one).

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  Explorer Sport Trac - 2004 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By rudemonkey - August 7 - 10:00 am

  I have only had the truck for a short period of time but it is a vast imporvement form my last car. Even with the short bed it can tackle more thnat you think. I have no regrets with my purchase.