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Ford Explorer Sport Trac (2007+)

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

Messages Page 9 of 36

#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)

Replying to: fsmmcsi (Mar 11, 2006 10:43 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

#79 of 351 Re: ok, give some stats for.. [once_for_all] by blksn8k

Mar 12, 2006 (3:29 pm)

Replying to: once_for_all (Mar 11, 2006 6:22 pm)
John, the window sticker for this Limited 4.6L 4x4 shows 14 city/20 highway. I am guessing that would be the lowest of all the models.
 
http://www.legacyfordsales.com/pages/present/flm/notlocalized/searchinventory/ve- hicledetailsnew.asp?orgid=8275&vin=1FMEU53837UA00517

#80 of 351 Re: ok, give some stats for.. [blksn8k] by once_for_all

Mar 12, 2006 (7:12 pm)

Replying to: blksn8k (Mar 12, 2006 3:29 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)

Replying to: once_for_all (Dec 22, 2005 10:21 am)
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)

Replying to: blksn8k (Mar 13, 2006 6:15 pm)
I AM WAITING FOR A BIGGER REBATE THATS THE BEST TIME TO BUY

#83 of 351 Re: no press? no hoopla? [blksn8k] by once_for_all

Mar 13, 2006 (9:20 pm)

Replying to: blksn8k (Mar 13, 2006 6:15 pm)
it is VERY odd.
 
Maybe Ford is too low on finances to even advertise.
 
It's beyond understanding.
 
John

#84 of 351 Re: no press? no hoopla? [congeni] by captjchin

Mar 13, 2006 (9:25 pm)

Replying to: congeni (Mar 13, 2006 9:12 pm)
Doubt you'll see a bigger rebate. It's an 07 which would have a great residual on lease and extra months of use as a current model. In my book, the sooner the better.
 
The prices are lower with more standards than the past models, so that they can get away from those rediculous rebates.
 
I'm returning an 05 Escape that I've had for 2 full years and it's only a year old model. Same will be true for the Sport Trac.

#85 of 351 Re: no press? no hoopla? [once_for_all] by captjchin

Mar 13, 2006 (9:38 pm)

Replying to: once_for_all (Mar 13, 2006 9:20 pm)
I'd bet that they have all available production sold without any advertising. They only build it in Ky and probably limited in capability.
 
I'd bet it will be the Truck of the year for 07.
 
It has better payload and towing than Honda which won this year. It has everything beat.

Messages Page 9 of 36

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