351 messages,
Last post on Feb 17, 2012 at 10:52 PM
You are in the
Ford Explorer Sport Trac Forum.
What is this discussion about?
Ford Explorer Sport Trac, Truck
#73 of 351 Re: 2007 Sport Trac [blksn8k]
by captjchin
Mar 11, 2006 (7:03 am)
I had very little time to SEE in detail as it was after work and after dark. I agree about the big gap; I'll go back and check it out in daylight.
It's at least as quiet as Explorer, it doesn't have the LOOONG hollow interior to echo the sound. Having a shorter roof, less of drum effect.
Check out http://www.ford-trucks.com/specs/2007/2007_sporttrac.htm
Ford went to a lot of trouble to take care of details to make a GREAT truck better.
#74 of 351 Re: 2007 Sport Trac [captjchin]
by blksn8k
Mar 11, 2006 (7:52 am)
Lol. That's pretty funny that you posted a link to that site. I got banned from there a few years ago for not having full pictures of my 67 Ranchero which was a work in progress. Bunch of Nazis, IMO.
Anyway, I really like the engineering of the new Trac, just not sold on the styling. I guess I'm just never going to be a soccer mom. Lol.
#75 of 351 Re: 2007 Sport Trac [captjchin]
by blksn8k
Mar 11, 2006 (10:15 am)
Well, I did an inventory search on all the local dealers and just about all the larger dealers show at least one 07 Sport Trac on their lot. Unfortunately, they are ALL V-6's. Not sure what's up with that. Either Ford is not producing the V-8's yet or the dealers are afraid to stock them due to fuel mileage concerns. I'm betting its the former. Has anyone else seen any V-8's?
#76 of 351 V8, roof rack, off-road vs streets
by fsmmcsi
Mar 11, 2006 (10:43 am)
blksn8k - see my post above - there are V8 Sport Tracs listed in dealer inventory. I think they started with the V6 models, and are now making the V8s. As for V6 vs V8, the Explorer Limited RWD has the same 15 city and 21 highway rating for both.
By the way, the larger new Tahoe, with cylinder shut off, has the same or better ratings, so Ford does need to update their V8 by adding cylinder shut off (4 cylinders turn off under light load conditions, and it is a 90 degree V8, so it still runs smoothly as a 90 degree V4).
Still, fuel mileage should not be the primary factor in choosing a vehicle, as substantial differences in mileage ratings, even for people who drive as much as I do, result in small differences in annual fuel costs. See the numbers in my post above comparing a vehicle which is rated at 20 city and 30 highway vs an Explorer rated at 15 city and 21 highway. For people who drive a more typical 12,000 miles per year (40% city and 60% highway), with regular at $2.50, it works out to just $38 per month more for the Explorer.
blksn8k - I completely agree that the roof rack should be optional. The only use I would have for it is the same use I had for the rack on my 2002 Mountaineer - holding onto it while stepping up to wash, dry, and wax the roof.
The Ford web site shows mud all over a Sport Trac and photos of them in various outdoor settings. While some of them will be used that way, Ford is really missing the boat if they do not just as strongly promote the smooth ride, quiet, and luxury aspects of it. I am certainly not the only person who has a need to carry some cargo, but who wants a fancy, smooth, and quiet "car" with a big "trunk." They can keep the off road photos and text, but need to add plenty of city and suburban photos and corrsponding text with people dressed in casual and business attire.
I am also considering the updated 2008 Montego, but the Sport Trac interior is more luxurious, and the revised Montego, Five Hundred, and Freestyle will not be out until one year (or more) from now, while the Sport Trac is out now.
#77 of 351 Re: V8, roof rack, off-road vs streets [fsmmcsi]
by blksn8k
Mar 11, 2006 (11:59 am)
Thanks for the info, fsmmcsi. I currently have a 2002 Ranger FX4 5-speed manual. It is a pretty capable off-road truck. 90% of my driving is to work or on the interstate but I do use my truck to get me into some of the places where I hunt. But I cannot carry more than one other person comfortably. I don't really have the need for a full size crew-cab and one of those doesn't fit very well in my attached garage. The Sport Trac seems to be just what the doctor ordered. The V-6 would be fine but I can't see a huge penalty in fuel mileage with the V-8 compared to the V-6. Plus the V-8 should have a significant towing advantage.
#78 of 351 ok, give some stats for..
by once_for_all
Mar 11, 2006 (6:22 pm)
the EPA mileage ratings for the two different engines, and the 2 and 4wd models.
Also, I want to know about the ride and handling with the new IRS.
John
#80 of 351 Re: ok, give some stats for.. [blksn8k]
by once_for_all
Mar 12, 2006 (7:12 pm)
and I see the other models (2wd with base engine) are 16 city and 21 highway. About the same as the other trucks in this class.
John
#81 of 351 Re: no press? no hoopla? [once_for_all]
by blksn8k
Mar 13, 2006 (6:15 pm)
Has anyone seen a road test in any magazine? This is really strange for a newly redesigned vehicle. Why would Ford not want people to know about this? Talk about oddball marketing. In my area they are already offering low rate financing or $1000 cash back. Are they nuts? This thing just hit the dealers' lots for crying out loud!
#82 of 351 Re: no press? no hoopla? [blksn8k]
by congeni
Mar 13, 2006 (9:12 pm)
I AM WAITING FOR A BIGGER REBATE THATS THE BEST TIME TO BUY