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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  Really nice truck - 2007 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By Mike - July 3 - 12:13 pm

  Replaced my S10 crew cab with the Sport Trac. Ford did a really nice job with this truck. It handles much better than my S10 and is very comfortable. I really like this truck and would highly recommend it. It feels very solid and safe.

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  Shame to see Sport Trac shelved - 2007 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By J Knbr - June 9 - 2:00 am

  Compared Honda, Toyota, Nissan, Dodge. None came close in creature comforts. Sport Trac is great size for family hauler, sales people, weekend warrior chores, and fun driving. V8 is the way to go with this vehicle - plenty of power with my avg mileage (combined) very acceptable 19-20 mpg. Ford should find a way to keep ST alive...a little strategic advertising could go a long way.

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  Not bad for a 16 year old - 2004 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By JDD 16 - June 1 - 10:00 am

  I got this Car for my 16th birthday a year ago. I have had to do nothing but change the oil and Wiperblades. This car is great. I am a piano player who carrys around people and Keyboards, But also have 2 seadoos. It carrys everything with no problem. I would recommend it to anyone who needs a truck but likes the interior of an SUV. I also had to pull my friends Jeep out of the mud! NO BOUNDERIES.

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  My Tiny Truck (TT) - 2007 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By Gregory C! - May 31 - 5:43 pm

  This is my second Sport Trac. I owned an 04 model and loved it. I decided to upgrade to the 07 model because, I loved the overall look and larger size and when I saw the chrome package, along with all the extra interior amenities this one offered over my 04, I was hooked. The gas mileage is not quite as good as my old TT, but the power from the V8 more than makes up for it. I have had a lot of positive comments on this truck. She is a keeper!!!

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  Accident waiting to happen - 2002 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By stewywerf - May 26 - 10:00 am

  I have had multiple problems with my Sport Trac. The fuel pump went out on me at 3,000 miles and it almost caused a large accident. Since the dealership replaced the fuel pump it has stalled on my 5 other times but the dealership wont take the time to diagnose the problem. I asked them if a technician could drive the vehicle for a week so they could properly diagnose it. They also had to replace my steering pump, replace an interior light, adjust my hood so it would latch properly and add a missing label.

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  A Great All Round Vehicle - 2004 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By G. King - April 27 - 4:21 am

  There is nothing about this vehicle that I dont like. It looks great on the inside and on the outside, has a comfortable ride and performs great.

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  my review - 2004 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By spartanss8 - April 19 - 10:00 am

  vehicle reliability is good, ride is bumpy but the vehicle is a truck. easy to clean interior.

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  Ford Explorer Sport Trac - 2001 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By ohmz42 - April 17 - 10:00 am

  My Sport Trac is very comfortable and fun to drive. Fuel Mileage is decent at 19 mpg average. Although it has ample pep, considering todays technology, Ford could improve performance and fuel economy just a wee bit better. Before I purchased this vehicle I was undecided between an SUV or pickup, but the Sport Trac has proven to be a nice mix of each. Would recommend! You get plenty of looks too.

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  07 Sport Trac - 2007 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By randyc - April 11 - 3:33 pm

  Drove the Sport Trac on a 3000 mile round trip, it rode very smooth and was very comfortable. MPG avg. was around 20-21 hwy. Got the 4.6V8; has plenty of power and is a very quiet engine. It would be very hard to go back to a car after this ride.

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  The best vehicle that I have owned! - 2004 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By Roger Wilson - April 4 - 11:16 pm

  I bought this truck in 2008 at 39k miles. It had a knocking in the front end when I turned corners. I was told it was tie rods and charged 1000 bucks to fix. No problems driving until the familiar clunk happened again last year that was worse with cold weather but eased up in warm. I got under the truck and noticed that the sway bar link rubber gasket had been totally eaten up by the mount. 15 bucks for a new one..then did the other side for fun since it was easy and cheap. I bet that was what it was when I payed 1000 bucks 7 years ago. I am now at 112k and replaced all the shocks, brake pads and the two front rotors though the front right was the only one that needed it. I put new tires on it and it now rides like it did when I bought it in 08. the rear differential seal had a gradual leak that I replaced myself as well this past weekend. It is the XLT with all leather seats and rubber floors. it is so easy to clean and no seat stains! The electric rear window is nice and I love the bed extender. The family can ride in it comfortably when I need them to as well. I thought about trading in for a 2010 but there is nothing wrong with the truck after all the maintenance work has been done. Im going to keep it for a while longer.