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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  So far so good - 2004 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By hammonds1 - November 30 - 10:00 am

  Had mine for a month so far so good.

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  Luv my Sport Trac! - 2001 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By DennisA - November 4 - 8:50 pm

  I really do love this truck. It has the comfort of a big Explorer interior plus has the pickup bed to haul around my tools, etc. I am able to transport amazing piles of stuff, including sheets of plywood/sheetrock, dump runs, etc. plus I can put all of my computer gear in the back seat for secure storage/transportation. The gas mileage is OK, the ride is somewhat bouncy but overall this is a great utility vehicle for transporting the family comfortably or hauling stuff around.

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  Love my Sport Trac - 2004 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By susie lynn - October 29 - 2:00 am

  Love my sport trac. It is easy and fun to drive. Its versatile, easy to keep clean and as a sales associate at a Ford dealership I think it is one of the best SUVs we have.

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  2002 sport trac...awesome!!! - 2003 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By SUZUKIJOHN - October 28 - 10:00 am

  We love this truck...my wife almost bought one for herself...easy to drive, drives like a car...smooooth...

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  Worth the wait - 2007 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By Jim B - October 21 - 8:10 pm

  I had a 2001 Sport Trac and I really loved it; however, my new 2007 is even greater than my old one. I like how the new ones are on the Explorer frame now instead of the Rangers. The exterior design is a lot better as well as the ride. I am glad Ford made the wheel base longer and added a V8 as an optional engine.

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  GREAT CONCEPT - 2001 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By RFK - October 13 - 7:43 am

  LOVE THE CONCEPT OF SUV WITH FOUR DOORS, FULL BACK SEAT AND PICKUP BED. HAVE HAD NO PROBLEMS WITH THE VEHICLE. GET A LOT OF LOOKS FROM OTHER DRIVERS.

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  Great Truck - 2007 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By Fireman31 - October 12 - 1:20 am

  I wanted a truck, but didnt want a full size. Did a lot of research and found this truck to be the best choice out of them all. I get better fuel numbers than i ever thought. Just did a 3000 mile trip and averaged 24 on the highway, and thats with cruise set at 75. Went camping on this trip and the truck was great. Stuffed it to the max. I was able to fit something everywhere. I love all the storage. Toyota needs to get over itself. You cant go wrong with this truck. All Ive had to do is change the oil. Granted Ive only had it for 5000 miles, but Im thoroughly impressed with everything this truck brings to the table. Ford is coming back for a reckoning.

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  Best Car ever owned to date - 2007 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By C Phelps - September 22 - 10:53 pm

  I think this is an excellent smaller type truck for a woman or young girl. It has tons of storage space is very pretty. Mine has four doors and side air bags with a 40/60 rear seat and lots of extras. I just love it...and I am an older woman. It is much sturdier built than the smaller trucks the size of the Ranger but not a full size truck. I have not had it long enough to rate the gas mileage but it seems good so far.

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  Ford has a winner in the Sport Trac - 2005 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By Mangy - September 15 - 6:36 am

  I think the Sport Trac is the best SUT on the market today. It is a perfect combination of room, towing capability, style and versatility. Four adults can very comfortably take a long trip in this truck (has seating for 5). It is a great truck for the average homeowner who has occasional hauling needs but doesnt need or want a full size truck.

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  Perfect so far - 2008 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By PaCOP - August 31 - 8:10 am

  I have this vehcle about a month and thus far it is great. The Sport Trac seems the perfect fit as I wanted something between a full size pick up and a compact. The beds a little small but still capable of hauling 4x8 sheets when fitted with a couple 2x4 in the notches in the bed. The interior is roomy and comfortable. Not extravagant but I am still satisfied. MPG could be improved, so far getting 16mpg but would prefer if Ford could up that to 20. The V6 has been adequate and the 5 speed auto is smooth. satelite radio is nice. The molded bed w/ compartments and tiedowns is well designed. Overall look is very appealing.