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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This truck can do it all! - 2007 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
By Mike M - April 7 - 3:00 amIve owned mine for just over 2 years and am the second owner. Truck has been nothing short of perfect. We take it everywhere. Vacation Road Trips, to the Beach, to the Mountains, around town, everywhere!! Ive not yet found the task/chore that it couldnt handle and I do a ton of yard work and home improvement. The bed is approximately 2-3 inches deeper than a traditional pickup bed which makes it a breeze to pack gear into. I take good care of my truck and it takes care of me and my family.
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My 2nd Sport Trac - 2005 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
By Sandra - March 29 - 11:30 amI bought my first Sport Trac in 2001, and loved it. Sadly a drunk driver totaled her and I had to buy a new car. So naturally I bought another Sport Trac. This time I got the 2005 Sport Trac Adrenaline. Its great. Looks sharp, plenty of get up and go, and lots of room. I really like the automatic window in the back. And this time got the hard cover for the bed, as well as the "bush guard bars" for the front. My first Sport Trac was silver ... this one is black. I think that she would approve.
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Great vehicle - 2007 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
By ryan - March 21 - 4:56 amEasily fits five adults, very pratical, seamless automatic four wheel drive, awsome towing power for a small truck, independent suspension gives a car like ride, rear sliding window is great for hauling a few 12 foot pieces of lumber, storage areas in the bed are perfect for tools, ropes, bungee cords etc. The Sport Trac gets decent mileage considering it is a four wheel drive with a V-8. An average tank gives 19 miles per gallon with a mix of highway and around town. I traded my 2002 Sport Trac for this one. It had 120,000 miles and all I did was tires at 70k and all 4 brakes at 90k plus oil changes.
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Fun Car / Truck - 2003 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
By Cip - March 10 - 2:00 amI just bought it i am in love with this car dont tell my wife it is very practicle in every way i have the 2003 Premium One Loaded it is great!
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Versatile vehicle - 2002 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
By yepthatsit - March 7 - 12:40 pmI like the fact that it rides higher than a car, it carries gardening and other materials and it is comfortable on even long trips. It has plenty of leg room for taller folks in the front or the back. It has a great cool style.
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A Girls Truck - 2005 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
By teresa - February 11 - 11:00 amThe truck is great for anything a woman may need a truck for. And still have room for kids, dogs and other things we might need to haul around on a day to day basis.
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WAS GREAT UNTIL 50,000 MILES - 2001 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
By LISAWALT - January 30 - 10:00 amTHE ONLY PROBLEM BEFORE 50,000 WAS THE INTERIOR JUST PEELS AWAY BY THE RADIO AND CUP HOLDER. THEN CAME THE $800 BALL JOINTS AND $250 VACUUM HOSES AND THE $800 A/C COMPRESSOR NOT TO MENTION HAD TO HAVE TIRES AND BRAKES EARLY. 2WD SUCKS IN THE SNOW. HAD TO WEIGH THE BACK END WITH SALT BAGS WHICH WAS GREAT ON THE ALRIGHTY BAD GAS MILEAGE.
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Sweet! - 2001 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
By A1cntrler - January 26 - 2:00 amBought mine as a dealer demo vehicle. I have had no major prblems with this vehicle. It did have a rough idle, but took it to the dealer and the reprogramed to PCM and fixed it. Runs smooth like a top now! Also I love all the help I can get from websites like mysporttrac dot com. IF you are looking for aftermarket parts or just help fixing a rattle on it, chances are someone on there has already been through what you are going through and will gladly steer you in the right direction. LOVE IT!!!!
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Fit all my needs - 2007 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
By TGUNO - January 25 - 1:30 pmSport Trac has plenty of room inside, and a very smooth drive which is good for long drive. Very pactical and versatile. The rubber molded floor is great and much easier to clean than the carpet considering I work in a dusty and muddy enviornment.
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Perfect for me - 2001 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
By Bobbye - January 1 - 3:03 pmNo problems. One recall on the cruise control. Still havent taken it in for replacement...hate the dealers. This truck has been the perfect solution for me. I cant say enough good things about it. I love it!
