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Ford Explorer Sport Trac (pre-2007)

106 messages,  Last post on May 20, 2013 at 4:36 PM

You are in the Ford Explorer Sport Trac Forum.

What is this discussion about? Ford Explorer Sport Trac, Truck

Messages Page 5 of 12

#33 of 106 SPORT TRAC by bennb

Aug 15, 2003 (4:47 pm)

I have a 2001 Sport Trac that I purchased right after they came out. All these are just my opinions. Mine is almost fully loaded I believe. I have 63,000 miles on my truck and still enjoy it a great deal.
 
I did have the ENTIRE engine replaced at about 35,000 miles--dealer said it had happened with a few others as well around the country (not a lot, but a few). They have corrected the problem in the engines now.
 
My friend has a 2003 and his interior is noticeably nicer than mine. I really enjoy the 2 tone leather in his, plus they got rid of the metallic look on the door handles and around the radio. My handles are scratched up and the material around the radio is wearing quite a bit.
 
Unless you're obsessed with the idea of having a V-8 (depending what you're going to do; where you live) the V-6 is fine imho. I haven't done a lot of pulling, but when I have it does a pretty good job. It has a decent amount of get up and go. If I'm doing interstate driving I generally get right at 17 mpg. I drove the highways back to my parents' (2 hours) at the speed limit (60 mph) to see what the best I could do would be and averaged right at 20mpg. Generally my mix of city/highway is just about 16.5mpg all around.
 
The interior is the exact same size as the prior generation Explorers from the back forward. I really like the red on white guages. The stereo is very good for factory (and I'm picky) even though they came out with a nicer one after my purchase. I have had CDs get stuck on occasion (mostly b/c I change them SO much), but have been able to fix that myself without much trouble. On the road I vent my moonroof and back window and it provides a nice flow of air through the cabin. The back seat isn't the roomiest, but it's fine.
 
I would HIGHLY recommend getting the tonneau cover from the factory. It's hinged in the middle so you can flip the front portion or the back portion open. Basically serves as a large trunk--although it still gets a little dusty back there. It really makes me enjoy the vehicle a lot more. The back is quite deep. I have used the tailgate extender a few times when moving things as well and it works pretty well.
 
All in all it's been the most practical vehicle I've owned. I don't really haul a whole lot of stuff, but it's nice to have the back if I do. It doesn't feel like a pickup, but moreso an SUV. It's fun to drive and doesn't feel overly big. I really do think it's the best of all worlds--for ME at least.
 
Favorite Features:
 
KEYPAD ENTRY -- I can't tell you how much I love this feature. I don't know why more auto companies don't have this (probably Ford Co patent or something). If it's cold and I'm running in somewhere I can just leave my keys in the car with it on and lock it up. I can just lock my keys in the car when I park and not have to worry about carrying them or losing them. I could go ON AND ON. Really makes me want to own a Ford product for the rest of my life.
 
REAR WINDOW -- for for novelty than anything, but it is a neat feature.
 
STEREO -- very solid and I like the 6 in the head unit. Ford generally has the nicest sounding systems.
 
Dislikes:
 
Shoddy interior materials that have NOW been changed.
 
The backseat is just a little cramped, but nothing too bad.
 
-------------------------------------------------
 
If anybody has any other questions at all, I'd be glad to answer!

#34 of 106 ONE MORE DISLIKE by bennb

Aug 15, 2003 (4:50 pm)

I wish they offered an AUTO 4 x 4 mode -- it has 2 hi, 4 high, and 4 low.

#35 of 106 Grab handles. by cookie01

Aug 18, 2003 (8:14 am)

I think the back seat is MORE than roomy enough. I'm 5'6 and have plenty of room back there. !!!
 
One thing I would really like is rear seat grab handles. I use the front ones all the time. The truck is just tall enough to need a little something to "help" get up there.
 
Has anyone installed aftermarket handles? Will Ford do it? (we don't have the side curtain air bags, so there's nothing up there we'd be blocking)

#36 of 106 Like bennb by renonevada

Aug 22, 2003 (11:20 pm)

My wife got a 2001 Explorer ST as soon as they came out. We opted to get an AST color-coordinated fiberglass over steel bed cover to match her truck. Has been extremely reliable for 3years. Only once to dealership for temp gauge needle stuck when initially starting engine in the morning. Replaced - no problemo. Have been using Mobil 1 10W30 since first oil change. Runs smooth as silk. The 5-speed auto is silky smooth, also. Making last Sport Trac payment next month. YEAH! Lots of fun - highly recommend it (especially for a woman who wants a SUV with a bed).

#37 of 106 Only criticism by renonevada

Aug 25, 2003 (2:16 am)

is that the gas mileage for a 5-speed auto should have higher ratings: the ST gets anywhere between 16.6 to 18.2 mpg. That's a combination of 70% highway/30% city driving. The rearend is a 3.73 ratio - so maybe we should have ordered a 3.55 rearend instead. No towing involved.

#38 of 106 I want to buy one... by bjbird2

Oct 05, 2003 (2:51 pm)

I'm seriously considering buying a used Sport Trac, and I'd like to know if there are many differences between the 01's and the 02's. I know they took the metallic paint off the dashboard in 02, but are there any mechanical changes from 01 to 02 in the engine, drivetrain or brakes? Any additional safety improvements?
 
I think the Sport Trac will perfectly suit our needs for hauling people, and an occasional need for a truck, and it's not as expensive as the Chevy Avalanche.
 
I know the Sport Trac is on the last generation Explorer platform, but that doesn't seem to be a problem with those who are posting on this forum, most of you seem to be happy with the Sport Trac.

#39 of 106 Bigger is better? by lennx

Oct 06, 2003 (3:41 am)

I had considered the Sport Trac but in the end chose the larger F-150 Supercrew. The bed on the Sportrac was just too small at 4'. If the F-150 is not too big, it may be a better choice.
 
Of course the one thing that I wish I had was the neat power back window that the sport trac has.

#40 of 106 by ANT14

Oct 06, 2003 (6:14 am)

I believe it is an option on the new F-150 higher lined models.

#41 of 106 by bjbird2

Oct 06, 2003 (2:52 pm)

I looked at the F150, but I really like the size and design of the SportTrac. It's perfect for carrying bikes and small loads, and the bed extender helps when you need it. I think the MPG may also be slightly better with the SportTrac.

#42 of 106 by kirstie_h HOST

Oct 07, 2003 (5:12 am)

A major magazine is hoping to interview prospective buyers who are a) anxiously awaiting the arrival of the Nissan Titan; and/or b) comparing pricing and incentive deals on GM and Ford pickups to decide which to buy. Please respond with your daytime contact information to jfallonedmunds.com by October 8. Thanks!

Messages Page 5 of 12

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