Ford Explorer Sport Trac Research & Reviews

Overview & Reviews

Average Score

4.39/5 Average
560 Total Reviews
Model Overview:

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:

Showing 411 through 420 of 560.00
  • great do anything car - 2004 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
    By -

    I love the car/truck it will fit 1 motorcycle with the tailgate down and has a great ride loader or unloaded. Needs more power and better economy so it needs to shead some pounds to get that done it is a heavy truck for its size. Overall I am very pleased with the Sport.

  • Ford Sport Trac - 2005 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
    By -

    Sport Trac has been a joy. Weve had very few, if any problems. Sport Trac has been very solid with no rattles, squeaks and is well built.

  • Luxury Truck - 2005 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
    By -

    Truck has a great look and a decent ride. When youre driving you dont know youre in a truck; has leather seats and luxury features with plenty of room for front and rear passengers. Cab carries enough for everyday use.

  • 2007 Explorer SportTrac - 2007 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
    By -

    Have owned this vehicle for about a month now. Looked at other vehicles but decided on this one for several reasons. The V-8 is O.K. but could use more bottom end torque. Runs good up high but should pull better down low. Mileage is disappointing even considering the type of vehicle it is. Good transmission. Quite comfortable. Wish I would have got the reverse sensing. Not easy to back up. Pulls 4200 lb. boat quite well. Overall a good vehicle, but the low first gear in the transmission doesnt make up for the relatively poor low end torque. The 5.4 litre motor would be a better choice if was available. Mileage would be about the same. Still the 4.6 is better than V6.

  • Bitter Sweet Experience - 2004 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
    By -

    Enjoyed this vehicle greatly for the first 63,000 miles. Then started having trouble with keeping it balanced. Had tires balanced numerous times, also aligned, purchased new set of OEM tires (old set still had many miles left on them at 65,000 miles), purchased one new rim that might have been bent in a pot hole in Danville, IL. Still the ride is not as good as before the tire rotation that started what I feel is a vibration problem. Dont know what causes this slight vibration, whether its the vehicle or just transmitting road imperfections. Considering trading for a 2007.

  • great suv/truck, but small problems - 2001 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
    By -

    i have had my sporttrac for over 2 years (the first one sold at the dealership) i have had numerous small repairs that have had to be fixed, but do recommend the vehicle for purchase. unfortunately, my biggest problem is the brakes. i am on my 4th set of brakes at 71000 highway miles. im hoping that this time it is fixed.

  • New Tires - 2004 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
    By -

    I like this truck and would rate it much higher if I didnt have the suspension problems. I have 35,000 miles on my truck and the front tires (second set) are feathering on the inside half. I have been told several different reasons for the problem ... struts, shocks, alignment. This truck has had problems eating up tires since around 13,000 miles. I have never heard of a vehicle going through shocks or struts that quickly. Also idles rough and "floats" during highway driving due to the suspension problems.

  • Love My Stort TRac - 2001 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
    By -

    Since I have purchased my 2001 Sport Trac I have not been dissapointed at all. I love the way it rides and handles on the interstate and in town. It is even comfortable on long trips.

  • A step up from my Ranger - 2007 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
    By -

    I bought a new Ford Ranger in 2003 and loved it. 4.0 auto 4X4 averaging 19 MPG. My daughter had bought a used Sport Trac the year after. I drove it a few times and thought it was a great vehicle. When it came time to replace the Ranger I looked into the new 2007 Sport Trac and was impressed with the improvements. It has all the bells and whistles I wanted and I found I didnt use the full size box on the Ranger very often so the Sport Trac was a better fit for me now. The Sport Trac handles great, its quiet, the V6 gives me all the power I need, a really well balanced vehicle. Very happy with the purchase.

  • great truck for women - 2005 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
    By -

    I went from a Ford Ranger to a Explorer Sport Trac. and I love it. In the past I have also owned a Bronco, Bronco II, and a F150. The Sport Trac is easy to drive and park. I breed and show dogs so it is very nice to have a truck to fit all my supplies and my two 80 pound dogs when I go away for a weekend show. The truck handles very well. And is great in the snow. I will be buying another Sport Trac next year. They are great.

Ford Explorer Sport Trac Reviews By Year:
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