Why did Ford discontinue the Sport Trac?
Ford discontinued the Sport Trac, a mid-size pickup truck that combined the utility of a truck bed with the passenger space of an SUV, due to declining sales and a shift in consumer preferences towards more traditional truck and SUV models.
The Rise and Fall of the Ford Sport Trac
The Ford Sport Trac was introduced in 2001 as a unique blend of a pickup truck and an SUV. It offered the cargo-carrying capacity of a truck bed combined with the seating and comfort of a four-door SUV. The Sport Trac was designed to appeal to consumers who wanted the versatility of a truck with the passenger-carrying capabilities of an SUV.
Initially, the Sport Trac was well-received, with sales peaking in the mid-2000s. However, as consumer preferences shifted towards more traditional truck and SUV models, the Sport Trac's sales began to decline. 9 The Sport Trac's unique design and positioning made it a niche product, and it struggled to compete with the growing popularity of full-size pickups and larger SUVs.
Reasons for Discontinuation
Ford ultimately decided to discontinue the Sport Trac for several reasons:
- Declining Sales: As consumer preferences shifted, the Sport Trac's sales declined significantly, making it less profitable for Ford to continue producing the model.
- Changing Market Trends: The rise of full-size pickups and larger SUVs led to a decline in demand for the Sport Trac's unique blend of features.
- Overlap with Other Models: The Sport Trac's positioning as a mid-size pickup with SUV-like features meant it competed with both Ford's own truck and SUV models, potentially cannibalizing sales of those more established products.
In the end, Ford determined that the Sport Trac's declining sales and the changing market trends made it no longer a viable product in their lineup. The company decided to focus its resources on its core truck and SUV models, which were better aligned with consumer preferences.
What Ford Explorers to stay away from?
No generation in the history of the Ford Explorer was plagued with more problems than the third generation, specifically the 2002-2006 models. These models notoriously experienced significant transmission troubles, with owners often shelling out over $2,000 for repair or total transmission replacements.
Is a Sport Trac and explorer the same?
About Explorer Sport Trac
The Ford Explorer Sport Trac was constructed on a lengthened version of the reputable four-door sport utility vehicle's platform. About 15 inches longer than the traditional Ford Explorer, the 2001 Explorer Sport Trac featured an enclosed five-passenger cabin combined with an open truck bed.
How much is a 2010 Sport Trac worth?
The value of a used 2010 Ford Explorer Sport Trac ranges from $2,185 to $9,529, based on vehicle condition, mileage, and options. Get a free appraisal here.
When did Ford stop making the Sport Trac?
October 2010
As Ford developed the fifth-generation Ford Explorer as a unibody crossover for the 2011 model year, the Sport Trac was phased out of the model line, with production ending in October 2010.
What is the best year of the Ford Explorer Sport?
Best Ford Explorer Model Years
In particular, we'd single out the 2009 and 2010 editions as among the more reliable earlier model years. Generally, the fifth generation (2011-2019) is not only more welcoming than previous editions but usually more reliable, too.
Are sport tracs reliable?
The Ford Explorer Sport Trac Reliability Rating is 3.5 out of 5. It ranks 21st out of 32 for all car brands.
When should the timing belt on a Ford Sport Trac be replaced?
They can go as long as 100,000 miles although it's always a good idea to change it before then. Belt failure can cause extensive damage to the valves, pistons and other internal parts of the engine.
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 year to avoid Ford Explorer Sport Trac?
Despite its reliability, there are some years of the Ford Explorer Sport Trac that owners warn against owning. These owners state that 2001-2007 models have experienced frequent engine troubles, electrical malfunction, and transmission issues.
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.
