2008 Ford Explorer Sport Trac Review
The Ford Explorer Sport Trac is a four-door, five-passenger, midsize pickup. It was unique when it first appeared in 2000, but today it must compete with midsize four-door pickups from every major player.
Essentially a Ford Explorer with a pickup bed, the Sport Trac offers plenty of room inside for people and out back for cargo. It comes standard with a 4.0-liter V6 that makes 210 horsepower, and a 292-hp V8 is optional. Both engines are available with rear- or four-wheel drive.
With the V8, the Sport Trac offers power near the top of the class. The power is delivered smoothly, but isn’t as responsive in passing maneuvers as some might wish.
The Sport Trac’s high ride height means the ride quality gets a bit busy over potholed or broken pavement, but otherwise, the ride is smooth, thanks in part to an independent rear suspension that also aids handling. Directional stability is good, steering response is quick, and body lean is well controlled for a heavy vehicle.
Inside, the Sport Trac has easy-to-read instruments and nice materials. Unfortunately, the door pulls are strangely positioned, making them hard to operate for some. Room, on the other hand, is plentiful front and rear. The bed offers decent room and some unique storage bins, but those who haul a lot of cargo regularly will want a more traditional pickup.
The 2008 Ford Explorer Sport Trac comes in two trim levels, both with rear- or four wheel drive, XLT ($24,715 2WD, $27,210 4WD) and Limited ($26,405 2WD, $28,900 4WD). The 4.0-liter V6 with five-speed automatic transmission comes standard on both trim levels. The 4.6-liter V8 is an option for both trim levels ($1295) and comes with a six-speed automatic. The four-wheel drive is a full-time system that can be driven on dry pavement, and includes low-range gearing.
Safety features that come standard on all models comprise front airbags, front seat-mounted side airbags to protect the upper body in side impacts, head-protecting side-curtain airbags with rollover sensor; child safety seat anchors (LATCH), Advance Trac stability control with rollover mitigation, four-wheel antilock brakes and a tire-pressure monitor. Rear obstacle detection ($295) is optional.
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Tags: 2008, Explorer Sport Trac, Ford
