Is the Sport Trac a real truck?
The Ford Explorer Sport Trac, often simply referred to as the Sport Trac, has sparked debates among truck enthusiasts and casual drivers alike. Is it a "real truck," or does it fall into a different category? As an experienced auto service provider, I’ll break down the key features and characteristics of the Sport Trac to help you understand where it stands in the world of trucks.
What Is the Ford Explorer Sport Trac?
The Ford Explorer Sport Trac was a unique vehicle produced by Ford from 2000 to 2010. It was essentially a hybrid between an SUV and a pickup truck, based on the Ford Explorer platform. This design gave it the comfort and handling of an SUV while incorporating the utility of a truck bed. But does this make it a "real truck"? Let’s dive deeper.
Key Features of the Sport Trac
To determine whether the Sport Trac qualifies as a real truck, we need to examine its features and capabilities:
- Truck Bed: The Sport Trac came with a small, 4-foot truck bed, which was ideal for light hauling and recreational use. While smaller than traditional truck beds, it provided versatility for everyday tasks.
- Body-on-Frame Construction: Like many traditional trucks, the Sport Trac used a body-on-frame design, which is a hallmark of durability and strength in the truck world.
- Towing Capacity: Depending on the model year and configuration, the Sport Trac could tow between 5,000 and 7,000 pounds, which is comparable to many mid-size trucks.
- Four-Wheel Drive Options: The Sport Trac offered four-wheel drive, making it capable of handling off-road conditions and inclement weather.
- Interior Comfort: Borrowing from its SUV roots, the Sport Trac featured a spacious and comfortable cabin, which was more refined than many traditional trucks of its time.
Is It a "Real Truck"?
Whether the Sport Trac is considered a "real truck" depends on how you define a truck. Here are some perspectives:
- Yes, It’s a Truck: The Sport Trac has a truck bed, body-on-frame construction, and respectable towing capacity, all of which align with traditional truck characteristics.
- No, It’s Not a Traditional Truck: Critics argue that its smaller bed and SUV-like design make it more of a crossover vehicle than a true truck.
- A Hybrid Solution: Many see the Sport Trac as a versatile hybrid that combines the best of both worlds—offering truck-like utility with SUV comfort.
Conclusion
The Ford Explorer Sport Trac is indeed a truck, but it occupies a unique niche in the automotive world. It may not fit the mold of a full-size or heavy-duty truck, but its combination of features makes it a practical choice for those who need light-duty hauling and towing capabilities without sacrificing comfort. Whether you consider it a "real truck" ultimately depends on your personal definition and needs.
At Kevin’s Autos, we’ve worked on countless Sport Tracs over the years, and we can confidently say it’s a reliable and versatile vehicle. If you own a Sport Trac and need maintenance or repairs, don’t hesitate to reach out to us for expert service!
Frequently Asked Questions
How much is a 2007 Ford Sport Trac worth?
A 2007 Ford Explorer Sport Trac has depreciated $1,120 or 17% in the last 3 years and has a current resale value of $5,437 and trade-in value of $2,849.
Did Ford make a V8 Sport Trac?
The standard powertrain consists of a 4.0-liter V6 engine with 210 horsepower and 254 pound-feet of torque. There is also a 4.6-liter V8 rated for 292 hp and 300 lb-ft of torque available. Due to the power of its engine, regardless of choice, it can go from 0-60 in 6.3 seconds, which is pretty impressive for a pickup.
Is the Ford Sport Trac reliable?
Are Ford Explorer Sport Tracs Reliable? Owners have reported the Ford Explorer Sport Trac to be quite reliable. RepairPal gives it 3.5/5 stars for reliability. Despite its reliability, there are some years of the Ford Explorer Sport Trac that owners warn against owning.
Why was the Sport Trac discontinued?
Sluggish sales spelled the end of the Explorer Sport Trac
Unlike the Explorer Sport Trac and its rugged body-on-frame platform, crossovers feature car-based unibody architectures. The benefits are lighter construction, niftier handling, a smoother ride, and better fuel economy.
Is the 2003 Ford Sport Trac reliable?
Among the 501 owners who provided feedback on the 2003 Ford Explorer Sport Trac for Kelley Blue Book, consumer sentiment is overwhelmingly positive, with 95% recommending the vehicle. As a whole, consumers found the vehicle's reliability and comfort to be its strongest features and value to be its weakest.
What is the life expectancy of a Ford Explorer Sport Trac?
According to MotorBiscuit.com, the average Ford Explorer can last anywhere from 80,000 miles to 200,000 miles. SUV owners looking to surpass 200,000 miles will need to provide their vehicle with the proper care. This range could mean your vehicle lasts anywhere from 10 to 20 years.
What is a 2003 Ford Explorer Sport Trac worth?
A 2003 Ford Explorer Sport Trac has a current resale value of $4,221 and trade-in value of $2,227.
What problems did the Ford Sport Trac have?
Top Ford Explorer Sport Trac Problems
- Plastic Intake Manifold May Crack Causing Coolant Leak.
- Wheel bearing faliure.
- Problems With 5-speed Automatic Transmission are Common.
- Worn Timing Chain Cassettes May Cause Rattling Noise From Engine.
- Coolant Leak/Overheating Due to Radiator Leak.
What is the problem with the Ford Sport Trac?
Top Ford Explorer Sport Trac Problems
- Plastic Intake Manifold May Crack Causing Coolant Leak.
- Wheel bearing faliure.
- Problems With 5-speed Automatic Transmission are Common.
- Worn Timing Chain Cassettes May Cause Rattling Noise From Engine.
- Coolant Leak/Overheating Due to Radiator Leak.
Is the Ford Explorer Sport Trac a real truck?
The Ford Explorer Sport Trac (also shortened to Ford Sport Trac) is a pickup truck that was manufactured and marketed by Ford Motor Company for the North American market. The first mid-sized pickup truck produced by Ford, the Sport Trac was marketed from the 2001 to the 2010 model years (skipping the 2006 model year).
