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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The worst vehicle I ever owned - 2005 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
By Jim in Fla - January 24 - 1:40 amMy 2005 XLT has had a vibration in it that you feel in your rear since the day that I picked it up. Dealer tells me that its not their problem, to deal with Ford. Ford tells me to take it back to the dealer. Truck has been in the shop 7 times in 8 months and is just as bad as at the time of delivery. 10 new tires, drive shaft indexed, front end alignment, spin balance multiple times. I am applying for the Lemon Law as Ford told me that they were unwilling to even send a Field Engineer to look at the vehicle and they suggested that I take it to a different dealer. When Ford files for chapter 11, I will have a party. Its no wonder they are in such bad shape. They could care less about quality
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Great Truck! - 2007 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
By Frank - January 22 - 5:16 amGreat redesign. fun and comfortable to drive. Especially compared to my Dodge Ram.YUK! Moonroof and tonneau cover make it even more enjoyable. Door handles take some time to get used to. Picked up one week ago havent stopped driving yet.
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LUV THIS TRUCK - 2004 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
By hockeynut52 - January 17 - 10:00 amI have owned Ford Trucks in the past, but nothing compares to this truck. Smoothe ride, smoothe engine, smoothe looking. All the attributes of a full size SUV and the convenience of a pick up truck can be found in this truck. The fuel economy could be alittle better, but with a tonneau cover and K&N filter this can be improved a bit. It is worth the trade off on the fuel economy because the truck looks and rides great.
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Sport Trac - 2002 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
By TimL - January 14 - 12:23 pmThe ride comfort of the 2002 Explorer Sport Trac is exceptional. It has adequate power at all speeds thanks in part to its 5 speed automatic transmission. The 4.0L has good pwer, but fuel economy is poor.
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Safe to drive ... - 2005 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
By fraff2 - January 12 - 1:30 amI have owned this vehicle for 5 years, but it was just totaled. I believe the side airbags prevented injury to driver as truck was rolled on its side. Truck was totaled and wheel even came off ! Driver walked away with minor scratches. Sorry to see truck go to salvage, I really liked it ! Drives like a truck that it is. I believe newer 2007+ models drive better (revamped, newer platform ?).
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Explorer Sport Trac - 2003 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
By BiGBaDBoB92979 - January 11 - 2:00 amThis vehicle has the best ride and the best look. That I have ever had.The Sport Trac handels great in the rain and snow.I bought it for the four doors. The Sport Trac handels the small loads that I carry no problem at all.
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2001 5 speed - 2001 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
By Phil T - January 4 - 10:56 pmOverall a very dependable truck. Agree with postings on brakes going in short order. Also had a clutch slave cylinder go bad (under extended warranty). Other than that, no problems. Has never left me stranded. Exterior design still looks good after 4 years. Balance between crew cab and pickup capacity is perfect. Interior design on base model is very plain (yet functional), but what can you expect in a base model. Pickup bed is great for the hardware store/dump runs, but lacking when you go to get any 4x8s. Yes, this is a compromise, but an acceptable one when compared to cost of a crew cab full size pickup.
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Good for me - 2003 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
By steelemag - January 3 - 10:00 amIve had my Sport Trac since May of this year and have about 3500 miles to date including an 18 hour drive. This is my first brand new vehicle and I have to say I have been extremely pleased. For someone who necessitates versatility, this is the vehicle for you. The amenities on this truck are great i.e. power rear slide, power sunroof, 6cd in dash stereo, rear seat climate control, leather interior, etc..Im not an all frills kind of gal, but its nice to have hauling ability plus luxery. As the old cliche goes, So far, So good.
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A Great In-Town Truck - 2005 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
By Scott - December 31 - 2:30 amI did all the research and test drove everything. Im on the road a lot with my truck for work. I wanted something that was comfortable enough to work in all day, but still have a truck that could carry garbage, branches and all the stuff associated with owning a home. This truck has been everything that I imagined. If you think that this is a full sized truck, youre wrong. If you want a full sized truck, go by one. But, if you want a great compact truck that is luxurious, eye catching and handles small truck jobs this is your unit.
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Blackies been a good boy - 2001 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
By lcattivera - December 18 - 1:26 pmi have always been a GM man, but after repeated fuel pumps and little gremlins in my last three Chevys, I stepped into my first Ford truck. I loved the design and looks from the start. Nice smooth ride compared to S-10 Blazers. Love the smooth shift while accelerating. Has good power when you are stupid enough to floor it and watch the fuel gauge drop. Overall, Blackie has been good dependable truck. Good styling, handy 4 doors, great stereo/6 cd changer, and love to open that rear window. I have 87,000 miles on him. I keep him garaged and drive him daily. I have had problems with repeated engine light, brakes, uneven tire wear, rattles.
