2007 Ford Explorer Sport Trac Review

The Ford Explorer Sport Trac was ahead of time when it was released in 2001. Perhaps a bit too ahead of its time, it was discontinued for 2006 due to slow sales. But now, in the emerging crossover market, the Ford Explorer Sport Trac is being re-released to become the tough new face of crossovers: A crossover pickup. As the name implies, it is based on the well-established Ford Explorer, but with the addition of a pickup bed. It combines the driving manners of a car and cargo capacity of an SUV, then adds a pickup bed to the mix.

The BuyingAdvice Team Says:

We have a sneaking suspicion that the biggest problem facing the Ford Explorer Sport Trac is that Ford doesn’t know how to market it. An impressive combination of a truck and an SUV, the Sport Trac has never quite got the attention given some of its more expensive rivals. Smaller than the somewhat awkward and overpriced Chevrolet Avalanche, the Sport Trac offers an attractive design, matched with solid function at a price that won’t break the bank. Certainly not a vehicle for everyone, but if you need a vehicle that can haul lumber and a small family, the Sport Trac fits the bill.

What’s New For 2007:

Although this is technically the second generation of the Sport Trac, it is considered all-new, from its body-on-frame construction up through optional heated windshields. The newest incarnation of the Sport Trac bests its predecessor in a number of ways. The exterior styling is much more refined, the new wheelbase is five inches longer and two inches wider, and there are a number of new features added to the interior for driver comfort and convenience. The Sport Trac is available in rear or all-wheel-drive, with your choice of a V6 or a more powerful V8 engine. Only a crew cab is available, but it boasts a very spacious rear seating area with fold-down bench seats to create an impressive amount of in-cabin cargo capacity.

What is the Predicted Reliability:

The Sport Trac is brand new for 2007, and so reliability data is scarce. The first couple years of the Sport Trac, it was plagued with engine, transmission, and brake problems. The 2000-01 Sport Trac was recalled due to a problem that could cause the hood to fly open. Expect below average reliability. Ford’s basic warranty lasts for three years or 36,000 miles.

Analysis Of Safety Ratings And Features:

Safety in the Sport Trac is excellent even without the optional Safety Canopy curtain airbags. In government crash tests performed by the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration, the Ford Explorer Sport Trac received a five out of five star crash test rating in front and side impact tests, and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety gave the Sport Trac its best “Good” rating for frontal impacts. Standard safety equipment on the Explorer Sport Trac includes a tire pressure monitoring system, anti-lock disc brakes, front airbags, and stability control. Side-curtain airbags are available as an option. The 2007 Ford Explorer Sport Trac has no recalls at the writing of this review.

Pros and Cons:

Pros
+ Roomy cabin
+ Comfortable and well-appointed interior
+ Excellent safety ratings

Cons
– Unknown long-term reliability
– Curtain airbags optional
– Smaller bed than a traditional pickup

Head-To-Head Competition:

There are a number of SUVs which might better fit your needs. The Mitsubishi Outlander is about $600 less than the Sport Trac, has a CD changer, 6-speed automatic, and gets about six more miles to the gallon. The Suzuki Grand Vitara costs about $900 less, has a CD changer, leather seats, and gets four more miles to the gallon in the city. However, the Sport Trac has a larger, slightly more powerful engine. When it comes to truck/SUV crossovers, the Sport Trac’s only real competition is the Chevrolet Avalanche, which has a more powerful engine than the Sport Trac, but costs about $8,000 more. They both have many of the same standard features, making the Sport Trac an overall better buy than the Avalanche.

What Others Are Saying:

“During slalom testing, the Advance Trac controls were quick to intrude: They redistributed braking and cut engine power. In a straight line, however, the new heavier Sport Trac beat the old V-6 version by a full second to 60 mph…Another major plus: Engineers retuned the rear end…to make the Sport Trac feel just as stable as the current Explorer.” – Truck Trend

“Just the thought of throwing ten dirty bags of compost into the back of an SUV makes me cringe. Getting the carpet clean means an afternoon at the car wash. Ford’s Explorer Sport Trac solves such a dilemma.” – The Family Car

“The Ford Explorer Sport Trac is a true original. A sport-utility truck with versatility, the Blue Oval tailored this rugged yet refined rig from their finest stock, the popular Explorer SUV.” – AutoMedia.com

Read more about the 2007 Ford Explorer Sport Trac at the Ford manufacturer web site.