Do they still make Ford Explorer Sport Trac?
The Ford Explorer Sport Trac was a unique vehicle that combined the capabilities of an SUV with the utility of a pickup truck. While it was once a popular model, production of the Sport Trac was discontinued several years ago. In this article, we'll explore the history and features of the Ford Explorer Sport Trac, and explain why it is no longer available.
The Rise and Fall of the Ford Explorer Sport Trac
The Ford Explorer Sport Trac was first introduced in 2000 as a 2001 model year vehicle. It was based on the popular Ford Explorer SUV, but featured a small pickup-style bed in the rear instead of a traditional SUV cargo area. This gave the Sport Trac the versatility to haul larger items while still providing the comfort and passenger space of an SUV.
The Sport Trac was well-received by consumers and remained in production for over a decade. However, sales began to decline in the late 2000s as the economic recession and rising fuel prices led to decreased demand for larger, less fuel-efficient vehicles. Ford ultimately decided to discontinue the Sport Trac after the 2010 model year.
Key Features of the Ford Explorer Sport Trac
The Ford Explorer Sport Trac was designed to offer the best of both worlds – the passenger capacity and ride comfort of an SUV, combined with the cargo-hauling utility of a pickup truck. Some of its key features included:
- Pickup Bed: The Sport Trac featured a 4.5-foot cargo bed in the rear, allowing it to transport larger items that wouldn't fit in a traditional SUV.
- Seating for Five: Like the Ford Explorer, the Sport Trac could seat up to five passengers comfortably.
- Available Four-Wheel Drive: Four-wheel drive was an optional feature, giving the Sport Trac enhanced off-road capability.
- Powerful Engine Options: Buyers could choose between V6 and V8 engine options, providing ample power and towing capacity.
While the Sport Trac offered a unique blend of utility and comfort, its discontinuation was ultimately due to declining sales and a shift in consumer preferences towards more fuel-efficient vehicles.
The Legacy of the Ford Explorer Sport Trac
Although the Ford Explorer Sport Trac is no longer in production, it remains a fondly remembered vehicle for many consumers. Its combination of SUV comfort and pickup truck functionality made it a popular choice for those who needed the versatility of both. While Ford has not introduced a direct successor to the Sport Trac, the company continues to offer a range of SUV and truck models that cater to the diverse needs of today's drivers.
