2008 Ford Explorer Sport Trac Review
The Sport Trac, is a mid-size pickup truck based on the Explorer that was unveiled in 2001. It was one of the earlier vehicles designed to combine SUV comfort with 4X4 utility. The Explorer is a midsize SUV that debuted for 1991 and was the best-selling SUV in the United States for a number of years. The current generation was released in 2006, and the SUV version was nominated “North American Truck of the Year.”
The BuyingAdvice Team Says:
There are few SUV/truck hybrids on the market, and most of them don’t fill either role very well. However, the Ford Explorer Sport Trac is a notable exception. It manages to be a light-duty pickup that is much more safe and comfortable than the typical truck. Our only gripe is the tiny cargo bed, which may turn away many typical truck buyers. Regardless, the Sport Trac is a good idea with a lot of potential.
What’s New For 2008:
What is the Predicted Reliability:
J.D. Power gives the Explorer Sport Trac 3 stars for mechanical quality, 2.5 stars for design, and 3 stars for performance. Problems with the last generation included fluid leaks, loose timing belts, loose rear windows, troublesome fuel gauges and engine noise. It was recalled four times. Problems with the current generation include coolant leaks, hard starting, steering noise, overheating brakes and stuck shifters. It’s been recalled twice for ungreased wipers and overtightened bolts. Expect average reliability. The basic warranty lasts for three years or 36,000 miles.
Analysis Of Safety Ratings And Features:
The Sport Trac earned perfect government crash test scores. In IIHS tests, it earned “Good” for the front and “Poor” for the rear. Anti-lock brakes, full side airbags and stability control come standard.
Pros and Cons:
Pros
+ Car-like maneuverability
+ Far more safety features than the average pickup
+ Comfortable
Cons
– Very short bed
– Lacking power
– No traction control
Head-To-Head Competition:
The Nissan Titan XE has a bigger engine with 100 more hp, but costs a few hundred more and lacks side airbags. The Chevrolet Avalanche is a similar SUV/truck mix with over 100 more hp, but has fewer airbags and costs much more. If you want to go with a more traditional SUV, the Jeep Liberty Limited includes standard traction control for the same price.
What Others Are Saying:
“Overall, I really like the 2007 Explorer Sport Trac. The comfort and practicality are all well and good; more importantly the Sport Trac is one of the few pickups designed to avoid accidents with car-like aplomb. As a potential pickup buyer, that’s something I’d like. As a car driver who shares the road with pickup buyers, that’s something I like even more.” – About.com
“If I were buying a new pickup and not ‘in the trades’ needing a heavy duty pickup, this would be on my short list of vehicles. It is stylish, well designed, rugged, retains its resale value, and really does haul everything you might need in modern urban or suburban living.” – The Auto Channel
“The Ford Sport Trac doesn’t humiliate itself compared to its two main rivals, but it embarrasses anyone daft enough to buy one. Not only does the Ford Sport Trac fail to qualify as a ‘real’ pickup, not only does it threaten to commit haptic homicide on its occupants, but it’s clumsy, thirsty and ugly. Sometimes there’s a good reason why genres remain separate: a ‘hybrid’ ends up being the worst of both worlds, rather than the best.” – The Truth About Cars
Read more about the 2008 Ford Explorer Sport Trac at the Ford manufacturer web site.
