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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  Still running & I do not plan to sell - 2001 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By wallace4482 - August 19 - 10:00 am

  Bought new in 01, works great, got want i wanted. No major issues. It is half pick-up and half SUV. Still looks good and runs well. The only weak point is the brakes, replaced at 50,000 miles but still does not seem perfect.

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  goodbye bowtie - 2008 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By okie45 - August 12 - 10:26 am

  Bought the last 2008 adrenalin the dealer had and so far im very impressed. Got every option and colorado red paint with 20 wheels. With only 1000 miles so far I really like the ride and handling of this truck. Its a little underpowered even with the v8 ( maybe thats because my other car is a z28 with an LT1) It looks alot faster than it is. A great looking truck that has everyone asking "what model is that ??,,"did it come new like that?". Smooth as silk ride and drive with decent milege from a 4500lb truck (16.9 mpg so far) definately a head turner. At 46 ive had a lot of cars and this one is up top of the list.

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  i love my ford truck - 2004 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By fordgirl02 - July 30 - 10:00 am

  i never thought for a minute i would ever own a ford until i saw this truck driving down the road..turned my head an looked to c what kind it was an went to local ford dealership an bought one

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  Good things come in small packages - 2002 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By C. J. Frederick - July 22 - 2:00 am

  I liked the sporty look compared to the F-150, which was another choice before purchase. I primarily use it as a car/suv, but I like the small bed with hard cover as an oversize trunk. I can take the top off for those Home Depot runs.

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  Best of Both Worlds - 2002 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By Drake the Snake - July 22 - 2:00 am

  What can I say. This has to be one of the best rides Ford has put out in a long time.It rides like a plush car, NO body roll or lean, has power and able to haul a load around. Not as big as a full size, but we didnt want a big truck, and this truck fit the bill to a tee. Great support where you need it, especially for your back, great leg room, even for tall folks. Hope to have this truck for a long time!!

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  My Sport Trac - 2001 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By Candy - July 20 - 3:56 pm

  I am the original owner of my Sport Trac. I have really enjoyed the versatility of the truck. I did have trouble with the belt sounding like crickets. After getting the tensioner pulley replaced the belt doesnt make the noises anymore.

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  Ford Explorer Sport Trac - 2003 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By boater - July 16 - 10:00 am

  Excellent and practical-many creative features allowing comfort and practical usage --for the person who wants the best of both worlds-SUV and pickup-all in one.

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  Great vehicle - 2003 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By ShaunD - July 16 - 10:00 am

  I purchased the Sport Trak Premium on May 30th and have been impressed with the features to date. This truck was the right truck for me since I needed the truck bed for hauling items that would not have fit in the interior of a regular SUV but I didnt need the 5 1/2- 8 bed on Fords truck line. The instrument panel is an attractive feature that only serves to highlight the fact that this is a functional vehicle. Not flashy, but functional. Normal acceleration seems a little slow when leaving the stoplight but the acceleration is very smooth and quiet from what I have noticed.

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  Ford is moving forward - 2008 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By michael G - July 12 - 9:16 pm

  I had read a lot of reviews before I made a purchase. Allow me to say Ford had done a great job. I put black leather in this vehicle as well. Sync and convenience pack came with it along with the tow. First, I drove the kids to see family 3 hours away and it drove smooth. The passing issue with power-hey guys turn the OD switch off , that will give you more power, not that I had a problem. No carpet. Excellent, easier maintenance. Plastic inside. Great. Now I dont have to use "Armor All"-easy to clean with warm water. A sync syst-with Sirius. Lets roll! A class 3 tow package-take the jet skis to the lake up to 5000lbs w/ elec. Come on! Gas, Ford could do better.

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  Great Truck - 2004 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By buck - July 7 - 2:36 am

  This is the second Sport Trac that I have owned; they both have been great trucks.