Your membership has expired

The payment for your account couldn't be processed or you've canceled your account with us.

Re-activate

Ford Explorer Sport Trac

EPA MPG: NA
Average Retail Price
$4,425 - $4,725

RECALL ALERT:
There are 4 recalls on this vehicle. Learn More.

Road Test

The Sport Trac is essentially a cross between Ford's Ranger pickup and its pre-2002 Explorer SUV. It provides a roomy, versatile cabin and well-rounded performance, but ride is stiff and choppy and the engine is unrefined. A tip-up of the two-wheel-drive version in the gov't rollover test is a concern. The four-wheel-drive version performed better.

For complete Road Test Report and to see Highs and Lows, become a member

2002 Pickup trucks Reliability

This Car
NA
vs. Similar Cars

Crash Tests

IIHS Front Moderate Overlap
NA
IIHS Front Small Overlap, Driver
NA
IIHS Side Crash
NA
NHTSA Overall Crash
NA
NHTSA Overall Frontal-Crash
NA
NHTSA Overall Side-Crash
NA

Crash Tests

IIHS Front Moderate Overlap
NA
IIHS Front Small Overlap, Driver
NA
IIHS Side Crash
NA
NHTSA Overall Crash
NA
NHTSA Overall Frontal-Crash
NA
NHTSA Overall Side-Crash
NA

Ford vs. Other New Car Brands

Ford vs. Other New Car Brands

Crash Tests

IIHS Front Moderate Overlap
NA
IIHS Front Small Overlap, Driver
NA
IIHS Side Crash
NA
NHTSA Overall Crash
NA
NHTSA Overall Frontal-Crash
NA
NHTSA Overall Side-Crash
NA

2002 Midsized pickup trucks Ratings

$4,425 - $4,725
economy-icon
EPA MPG NA
Road test
Reliability
Owner Satisfaction
$3,100 - $4,600
economy-icon
EPA MPG NA
Road test
Reliability
Owner Satisfaction
$3,100 - $5,350
economy-icon
EPA MPG NA
Road test
Reliability
Owner Satisfaction
$ NA
economy-icon
EPA MPG NA
Road test
Reliability
Owner Satisfaction
$3,750 - $6,425
economy-icon
EPA MPG NA
Road test
Reliability
Owner Satisfaction
Features & Specs
Body Style
    crew cab
Seating
2 front, 3 rear
Drive Wheels
4WD, Rear
Engines Available
  • 4-liter V6 (210 hp)
Transmissions Available
  • 5-speed manual
  • 5-speed automatic
Warranty
Coverage varies among versions of this vehicle

In most cases, automotive warranties are based on the vehicle identification number (VIN), and the warranty will be valid regardless of ownership. The dealership can tell you exactly how much warranty is left.

Read more about extended warranties
Model History
2007-
Current Generation
The 2007 redesign brought standard ESC and independent rear suspension, but only modest improvements to ride and handling. With the refinements, we found handling to be competent, but ride stiff and choppy. Also, braking performance had room for improvement, with a poor showing in our fade tests. Part of the problem is this version of the Sport Trac is based upon an earlier version of the Explorer, which lacked many of the refinements of the day. As result, we also found modest interior space, along with unimpressive fit and finish. However, outward visibility to the front is quite good and the seats are supportive -- if somewhat lumpy. The bed is good for a six-foot load with the tailgate open and the bed extender in place. It also contains hidden storage.
2001-2006
2001 Redesign Year
Based on the Explorer, the Sport Trac is a four-door pickup with a five-passenger cabin and a small cargo bed. Handling is secure and relatively responsive, but the ride is stiff, choppy, and uncomfortable. An adequate selection of storage nooks is provided, along with a removable zippered bag between the front seats. The four-foot cargo bed, with a volume of about 30 cubic feet, is made of sturdy, rustproof plastic. Because it is relatively short, its usefulness is somewhat limited, but an optional bed extender stretches the usable load floor to the end of the tailgate. Properly equipped, Explorer Sport Trac is good to tow 5,100 pounds. However, a tip-up of the two-wheel-drive version in the government rollover test is a concern. Therefore, we recommend only the four-wheel-drive version.