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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  Versatile for family activities & hauling chores - 2004 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By Craig Neubecker - October 2 - 4:45 am

  I purchased this Sport Trac used to replace a 2013 Silverado. Unlike the Silverado, it fits well in a garage, while still being good for hauling a family of four or materials for home improvement. The cab is larger than the 4 door S-10s of the era, so the have more room inside and are more comfortable for rear seat passengers. The bed is shorter however, so it is not as good for hauling construction materials, so that is the compromise. It handles well and is very maneuverable in parking lots and other tight spaces but the gas mileage is a little worse than advertised. My kids love it, and are already fighting over who gets it when they are old enough to drive in a few years. Overall a great vehicle.

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  Versatile Truck, but could handle better - 2003 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By Erik - October 1 - 7:06 pm

  Ive had my Sport Trac for over two years now, and its been a very versatile truck for our family. We were originally planning on purchasing a Ranger, but the Sport Trac won us over with the larger cab - even with the shorter bed. We drive it about 15,000 miles a year as our only vehicle, and have had no problems with it - our 30,000 mile check came back in shipshape condition. Unfortunately, an idiot turned in front of us and caused a wreck in our truck - however she ended up causing more damage to her car. The ST basically has nothing more than fender and grill damage, and the only injury was a hand fracture - and the airbags did not deploy.

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  Just the right size truck - 2008 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By Sam - September 28 - 9:13 pm

  I will always need some type of truck for hauling and have liked the Sport Trac since the first ones came out. The addition of the V8 and IRS on the latest model was the clincher. Truck has a very comfortable interior. Outstanding ride and handling. I love the excellent overall quality, it is very quiet with no rattles or squeaks. For someone that does not a 6 or 8 bed length, this truck fits the bill. Tows a 5000 boat very nice and with the traction control, goes up the slipperest ramp with ease. With the sales incentives and rebates, the price simply cant be beat for a fun full featured, loaded 4 door truck.

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  Ford Got it Right This Time - 2007 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By schurc - September 14 - 8:43 am

  Just traded back to the Sport Trac, and am so glad I did. The 07s ride is 1000 times better than the 02, and better than the Tacoma also. I love this truck/SUV, and am so glad to be a Ford owner once again. Many more options than the Toyota for the same price.

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  Ah, my sport trac, how I love it. - 2001 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By alidawoo21 - September 5 - 2:00 am

  I love my Explorer Sport Trac. It is fun and easy to drive. The problem with most four door trucks with full sized back seats is that they are so darned long, they are hard to drive. I love my Explorer because it drives like an SUV, but I can haul stuff like a truck. I only have two complaints: 1.mine didnt come with a cover for the bed, so if it rains I have to put the stroller in the back seat, and 2.the gas mileage isnt that great.

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  Its.....all right. - 2001 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By bobs66 - August 28 - 11:10 pm

  This is a great truck/SUVcombo for the single person. When you add in two kids and two car seats, you run out of room very quickly.

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  Versatile, fun to drive vehicle ! - 2002 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By MKirk - August 28 - 10:00 am

  The SportTrac is a pleasure to drive and feels comfortable on the freeway, on city streets or off-road. It is versatile enough to perform like an SUV, a small pickup or a car with a huge trunk space (with the optional tonneau cover). It has a smooth ride and a roomy interior that can comfortably accomodate a tall driver. It has enough engine power to accelerate briskly on the freeway and to tow a small boat or trailer. It is easy to climb into and has a functional interior design. The exterior look is distinct and eye-catching.

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  SUV/TRUCK - All in one tight package - 2005 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By 914signs.com - August 24 - 10:26 pm

  The Ford Explorer SPORT TRAC is a great all around vehicle for the person that needs a pickup truck and a SUV. Versatilely is what you are going to get when you purchase this vehicle. Yes I know that there is a short bed that doesnt allow you to put a full 4" x 8 sheet of material in the bed. But there are ways to overcome such shortsightedness. Did you ever think of getting a small trailer to hook up to this baby? Youll be able to carry what ever a full size pickup carries without having to drive a full size pickup bed around town when its not needed. Can you use that full size pickup for work, play and as a family vehicle? I doubt it. The Sport Trac can be used for all the above

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  Good Review - 2001 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By stationaryengineer - August 23 - 10:00 am

  The only complaint I have is the idler pulley keeps squeaking, even after replacement. Other than that Iam very happy with the vehicle.

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  2001 Ford Explorer Sport Trac - 2004 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By Donna R. Mcintire - August 19 - 10:00 am

  I had been looking for a couple of years before I saw the sport trac model. It is just what I was looking for. Passenger room, 4-dr, moon roof, back window control and body to transport.