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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  Go Get One Now !! - 2004 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By nccm - June 19 - 10:00 am

  This is the greatest vehicle you will ever buy. It has everything anyone would want and much more. Great for young kids, cant get the carpet dirty, theres none, just carpet matts.

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  Love My Ford Explorer Sport Trac - 2005 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By Judy M. - June 16 - 5:10 pm

  My experience has been great. Love the style and the way it handles. I am pleased with the fuel mileage, and the ride is comfortable. Thanks Ford for making this one outstanding. Superb indeed!! :o)

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  Awesome - 2002 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By James - June 13 - 8:16 am

  Yeah, its a Ford...and I rate it a 10 anyway. Honestly, I am being objective. Our Sport Trac has leather interior and a sunroof...which makes for super comfort. The gas mileage is reasonable, and as a result of 10 full tanks weve received 20 mpg on freeway. The engine runs great, and is clean and quiet. This vehicle is great for both rural and urban settings as it is easy to maneuver in city traffic as well as snow. This is the only Ford we have or will buy.

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  Better Than Original - 2007 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By Yette - May 30 - 3:13 pm

  I previously owned a 2004 Sport Trac, the 2007 version is a much better vehicle, quieter, quicker, better handling and more roomy. When I drive down the highway, the Limited edition is as tall if not taller than many F150s and Chevy trucks. The handling is car-like. The Sport Trac does well in snow and rain where the 2004 felt like it could get away at any time.

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  2002 SPORT TRAC REVIEW - 2004 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By JJRAINV - May 25 - 2:00 am

  VERY FUN AND COMFORTABLE TO DRIVE. I LOVE THE LEATHER, THE FOUR DOORS AND THE SIZE OF THE BED WITH HARD TONNOUE COVER. IT IS A VERY SHARP LOOKING ADAPTABLE TRUCK.

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  So far so good - 2008 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By xero2099 - May 22 - 4:56 am

  Have had my Trac since August, have loved it so far. Had a Focus before this so there was a little bit of an adjustment period but its all been good. Love the rubberized floor. Its a breeze to clean. Could have done a lot better with the MPG though

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  Worst gas hog I have ever owned - 2001 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By Reed Thwaites - May 20 - 3:53 am

  This truck was a wedding gift from my father so I probably shouldnt complain about it, but people want to hear it so hear it goes. It is a very heavy truck it takes a lot of effort to drive, the steering is tough the shocks are tough and the breaks are touchy. The fuel economy is not 16-17 its more like 10-12. I cant wait to pay off my other car so I can trade this hunk of junk in.

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  Lil Red loves his Sport Trac - 2007 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By Lil Red - May 19 - 2:50 pm

  I special ordered my Sport Trac with 95% of the options to include the Chrome Package, reverse sensors, Class III/IV tow package, V8, leather interior etc. The ST fits comfortably in the garage so you dont have to leave it parked out on the driveway. I will be using my truck to pull motorcycles trailers and for any other utility need that we might have. My only complaint is that it would be nice to get slightly better gas mileage but you cant win em all.

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  SporTrac - 2008 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By Jared - May 15 - 10:36 am

  Bought the vehicle out of necessity. We just had a new baby and needed bigger trunk space. Unfortunately, I traded quality for price and ended up paying for it in the end. Good power in the lower gears, so, youll get going pretty quickly, but then the power drops off quickly once you get into the upper gears. I always had an extremely hard time passing anyone above 50MPH without hammering down the gas pedal. A lot of plastic interior, comfortable seats for short drives, but horrible on your lower back on drives of 3 hours or more. SYNC feature is horrible! Even speaking slowly and clearly, Id have to repeat myself 2-3 times for the system to recognize what I was trying to say.

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  Almost Perfect! - 2004 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By The Paul - May 14 - 10:00 am

  I recently bought the XLT premuium 2004 with leather, sunroof, 6-disc changer, etc. It is a absolutely great truck. The performance is good, ride is good ( a little rough on bad terrain, but it is a truck). Sound is good, seats are very comfortable and the price was good. I am happy to see ford build a product that Americans can buy and be happy about. Buy American!