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:
Showing 511 through 520 of 560.00-
190,000 miles later - 2001 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
By drew - February 19 - 12:10 amtTansmission took me to 168,000 miles. Vehicle brought home garage doors lumber, tvs, bicycles, well you get the picture. Son now has it at school. Not a rattle or a hitch except the lousy gas mileage. Love this thing want 400,000 out of it. Very little maintenance
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Great family truck - 2004 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
By jholzer - February 10 - 10:00 amThis truck is great for a family. The cab is roomy and stylish. Having the regular explorer body with the pick up truck back is such a convenience. I love to drive my truck and would buy another in a second. Reliable, stylish and comfy.
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Fits in the run or in the city - 2004 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
By Nelson - February 7 - 2:43 amI love this truck! The handling blows away my Expedition, plenty of power from the 4.0L and and excellent ride. Just scrap the darn Goodyears! I replaced them with Bridgestone Duelers and the wet and snow traction is now amazing. The Pioneer stereo set-up just cranks and my white truck with the chrome of the Adrenalin Package gets positive comments from my customers daily. This truck is great for guys like me who need someplace to throw wet and muddy soccer gear without the overkill of a full size truck. And with a wife and two kids we fit perfectly for long trips. I cant wait to buy my new one next year!
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Ford Convert - 2008 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
By WMcClure - January 23 - 1:40 amIve never been a Ford fan, always preferred GM or Toyota products. Test drove this and was impressed with how solid it felt and the quietness of the cabin.
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A great mid-sized truck! - 2004 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
By mrobin - January 17 - 10:00 amA good truck for those not needing lots of bed space. The interior offers lots of room and a comfortable ride. Heat and A/C controls in back seat a plus, as is the roll down rear window. I have been very pleased, and as a mechanic, I have not seen many problems with them.
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Cost of ownership - 2002 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
By lookingtotradein - January 17 - 10:00 amSeveral items were covered under warentee, but had to replace the front brake pads and rotors TWICE by 65,000 miles - I do not drive it hard - all highway miles. Radiator hose was sliced by a bracket in the engine. Oil cap mounting shattered at the first oil change. The hinges on the storage behind one of the rear seats snapped - again no excessive use. Love the concept but dissapointed at the experience.
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An more functional SUV - 2001 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
By guein - January 3 - 2:00 amNo major problems yet, only minor sensor related failures; ride improved considerably with a couple of aftermarket improvements; fuel economy can be improved with a better air intake and exhaust system
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great - 2004 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
By cdc - December 23 - 10:00 amnew owner - perfect for family trips.
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No Faith in Ford Quality - Sport Trac - 2001 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
By Tomen8r - December 11 - 2:00 amI loved the Sport Trac when I first purchased in April, 02. But one transmission, 2 other tows from my driveway, busted electronics, broken power window motor, snapped door handle, as well as many rattles and jingles, well, the thrill is gone. I purchased this new vehicle for dependibility, but it is the least dependable vehicle I have, and its the NEWEST vehicle I have! In process of shopping around for a replacement. Some areas are just thrown together, with foam here and plastic there, some which doesnt fit. That and the mechanical problems lost all faith in Ford for me and the fam.
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Best of both worlds - 2008 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
By Chuck - December 6 - 8:10 pmI traded in my 97 Ford F-150, which was the best vehicle I had ever owned. Needed more family room though. Drive alot off road so needed a 4WD. The dealer installed skid plates from Ford and 265/70R17 BF Goodrich Longtrail tires. Lifts the vehicle over an inch vs. stock tires. Truck drives like a luxury ride on the road and has handled real off road trails here in Arizona desert thus far with no problems. It is not the tallest frame for a 4WD, but take it careful and the truck will climb anywhere. Mileage is okay at 18.5 mpg on highway, and 16.5 city.
