Ford Explorer Sport Trac Research & Reviews

Overview & Reviews

Average Score

4.39/5 Average
560 Total Reviews
Model Overview:

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 531 through 540 of 560.00
  • Ford Explorer Sport-Trac Ride n Drive - 2007 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
    By -

    This vehicle has all of the refinements and upgrades of the 2006 Explorer and then some. The V-6 is smooth with the torque-rise perfectly fitted to the 5-speed automatic transmission. The seats are very supportive and provide ample room in the front-row for a large frame/bodied person like me. All controls are clearly identifiable and are not distracting to my concentration while driving. Fuel economy is excellent, notwithstanding the fact this is a SUV with 4X4 capability. With the intelligent 4 wheel drive system, I had no problems, whatsoever, on slippery surfaces. With the optional safety system(s) which include the side impact and airbag canopy, I feel secure. Great vehicle!

  • Best decision Ive ever made! - 2003 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
    By -

    I love this vehicle. I researched the ST for quite some time along with other vehicles, I did realize that for what I wanted to pay, the ST was the only way to go! I never thought Id drive such a loaded vehicle, let alone one that looks this sharp. I am also EXTREMELY happy that I got the cargo cage in the back, I couldnt imagine life without it! Other options I got were: 4.10 Axle with limited sleep, sunroof, premium (2-tone) leather seats and tinted front windows. There is also a great Sport Trac community online at mysporttrac.com Lots of friendly and helpful fellow sport trac owners!

  • Robert Meeks - 2007 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
    By -

    This is a great truck, and the value is there. It handles very well at road speeds, and is predictable in mountain driving. I did add a fiberglass tonneau cover, which improves riding quality and fuel economy somewhat. It turns heads where ever I drive it. This is a great truck. It handles well.

  • No trust in this one - 2001 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
    By -

    Love the design, but wish Ford would have put more thought into the vehicle. Replaced three thermostats, two waterpumps, sensors, breaks and rotars all under 45000 miles. No faith in this vehicle any longer when traveling long distances. New breaks, but it squeals like crazy when attempting to stop.

  • Fits that "niche" I am in - 2002 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
    By -

    The Sport Trac fits my needs perfectly. With the cargo cage extender, it has plenty of bed space when I need it. The fold-down rear seats give me even more room to work with. But its also a comfortable ride to work, which is my main use of the vehicle. The handling is okay, and Im pleasantly surprised by the gas mileage, which is almost as good as the Ford Ranger I traded in for the Sport Trac, and the Sport Tracs smooth but powerful acceleration when I need it is tremendous.

  • 2004 Ford Sport Trac - 2004 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
    By -

    Fuel milage is acceptable. But not as good as I had hoped for. Satisfied with appearance. Im still trying to get use to the smaller interior. I traded a full size P/U due to gas mileage concerns. Also getting use to the tight steering of the smaller vehicle versus a full size P/U. All and all Id have to say Im satisfied with everything except gas milage

  • We are impressed more each time we drive - 2008 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
    By -

    Got a fantastic deal on the adrenalin model at Christmas. Had Acuras since 1989, but they were not motivated to sell me a vehicle. Brand loyalty meant nothing to them. We enjoy sitting higher when driving. This truck provides a tremendous sense of security in winter driving situations. The 6-speed tranny is smooth and the V8 is very flexible. The independent rear suspension gives a much more impressive ride over rough roads compared to the Chevy Silverado I rented last year for a weekend. Fuel economy so far is acceptable at 15-20 mpg in winter driving. Im expecting a seasonal improvement to 20-26 mpg when the weather warms up, like my Acura TL does. We enjoy driving this truck immensely. Recommend just adding sunny days and a favourite recreational activity. This truck has style, power and tremendous versatility. Big grins. Its a keeper.

  • Want to downsize to one vehicle? - 2003 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
    By -

    The ST is about two-thirds car and one- third truck, which, along with its great looks, is why I bought it. We could sell a car and a truck and cut down on time-consuming checkups and maintenance/repair costs, tags, car washes, etc. It doesnt ride quite as smoothly as a luxury car, but its not as rough as a regular pickup either. It is so versatile, and you can see that the car/truck combo is really catching on by the dramatically increasing number of them on the road. If, like me, you just dont need something as big as an F150 (or similar) crew cab, I think the ST offers the most room and comfort of any smaller size crew cab out there.

  • XLT Premium in VA - 2004 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
    By -

    I like the ride, but I wish the gas mileage was better. The Upgraded Radio and CD deck is great. I really like the options (al Ford would put on it). I think Ford should put a Climaye Control that is Automatic, like in the Sables and Tarus.

  • Issues! - 2007 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
    By -

    I wasnt even looking at Ford. Thought I would look at the Explorer and ended up driving it off the lot. I was initially very impressed with car, still am sort of. It has just had too many problems. Transmission is horrible. It keeps shifting as I decellerate to a stop. Very jerky tranny. Ford said they were aware of the problem, but didnt have a fix. They eventually "reprogrammed" the transmission, which worked for a while, but its acting very jerky again. Have had issues, gear shifter, and exterior lights too. I may have just gotten a bad one, nonetheless Im not buying another Ford.

Ford Explorer Sport Trac Reviews By Year:
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