Thoughts on the "Sport Trac" Explorers?

[slo5oh]

I don't see many of these around, but what are everyone's thoughts on the Sport Trac Explorers?

 

[ncranchero]

Welcome!!

Don't see many????????? Maybe they escaped Cali ! !

Seriously, I love mine, a 2002 4x4. They fit a purpose, your purpose maybe...maybe not. What model are you looking at and what are your needs for it.

Gen 1's (2001-2005) are probably better off-road, Gen 2's (2007-2010) are a bit more comfy yet capable ..... and available with a V8 (highly recommended for a Gen 2)

 

[RangerX]

We think so much of 'em, we have forums for them!
http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=135

 

[IZwack]

I think they are fine, except when a certain bald man drives them, then they just look flat out ridiculous. I mean seriously, doesnt a vehicle need 4 wheels to operate? This is just absurd! A total slap in the face against everything my religion stands for. If a woman can't marry another woman, then naturally a vehicle can not be "whole" with just 3 wheels.

 

[Sams01XplrSprt]

welcome

 

[BrooklynBay]

Welcome to this forum! Which generation are you considering?

 

[slo5oh]

Sorry for the delays, Christmas/New Years kept me away from my normal computer/internet fun.

Here's what I'd LIKE:
Truck ability to move larger stuff (engine from pick-n-pull, sheet rock, particle board, 2x4's, other lengths dimensions of wood for repairs of stuff)
Fit 5 people without much discomfort
Able to pack stuff (Christmas gifts + some luggage) and move 4 to 5 people along with 1 medium dog and 2 large rats.
Gas mileage not so much, I work less than 10 miles from home so day to day driving won't be an issue.
4x4 so I can take it to the snow a couple times year

Here's what I've been considering:
99 to 01 Explorer 5.0 4x4
early 90's F150 302 or 351 (for a cheap truck and F packing the family in MY truck 4x4 would be nice still though)
late 90's F150 super crew (or crew cab, or super cab, whatever the big 4 door one is called)
Late 90's to early 2k Expedition.
Early to mid 90's Bronco w/351

That's why I was asking about the "Sport Trac" since they seem so much like an F150 in the super crew model.

Part of my reasons for leaning towards 302 or 351 powered trucks is my comfort level with the Windsor engine. I had nearly every part in and out of 5.0 mustangs when I was young.

 

[lynchy wa]

If your not going to be doing alot of narrow trail work, I'd go the latest model effy crew cab with the windsor motor your familiar with. For comfort tho' I doubt you'll beat the sport trac.

 

[slo5oh]

So what's the difference between an F150 crew cab and the sport trac?

 

[2TimingTom]

Basically everything.

 

[psycareyo]

Size. The f150 will have a larger bed, larger engine, more cab space up front....

The sport trac will be easier to park, marginally better on fuel, much smaller vehicle overall. Apples to apples, a sport trac will cost less for the cab space you're looking for.

If you need the larger box....get an f150. If not, you should seriously consider the sport trac.

 

[2TimingTom]

Here's what I'd LIKE:
1.- Truck ability to move larger stuff (engine from pick-n-pull, sheet rock, particle board, 2x4's, other lengths dimensions of wood for repairs of stuff)
2.- Fit 5 people without much discomfort
3.- Able to pack stuff (Christmas gifts + some luggage) and move 4 to 5 people along with 1 medium dog and 2 large rats.
4.- Gas mileage not so much, I work less than 10 miles from home so day to day driving won't be an issue.
5.- 4x4 so I can take it to the snow a couple times year

1.- the width between the wheel well arches is going to be a limiting factor on anything Explorer based to carry any kind of 4x8 sheet rock. Plus the length of the bed is too short as well. With a regular Explorer, you might be able to get away with putting down the back seats, putting in a 1/2" piece of plywood on top of the wheel arches and loading the sheet rock on top of that- but even then it might buckle in the middle.

2.- check

3.- You'll probably want a camper shell on the bed. I don't think you'd fit 5 people AND a dog and a rat in the passenger compartment of a sport trac.

4.- gas mileage is pretty much the same between the regular Explorer vs its Sport Trac counterpart.

5.- check.

While in college, I worked at a Ford dealership as a lot tech (I parked cars after people were done test driving them) and I really liked the 2001 Sport Trac. I thought that was going to be the car I bought after I graduated college.

 

[1Aauto]

welcome to the site

 

[thunderhorse]

hummm room for 5, not in my ST, 01. Well maybe if 3 were those little people.
But having both 01 ST and 05 F150 SCC, when just two are traveling, ST better mileage (a little), when more than that or need to haul long/big stuff F150 SCC.
But the ST will Work.

 

[slo5oh]

Thanks, I think you guys may have nudged me into a super crew F150.