Is the Ford Explorer Sport Trac Still a Reliable Used Truck Worth Buying Today?

I remember the first time I saw a Ford Explorer Sport Trac on the road back in 2001 - it looked like someone had taken a perfectly good SUV and decided to give it an identity crisis. That distinctive crew cab with a pickup bed combination made me do a double-take, and honestly, I wasn't sure whether I loved it or hated it. Fast forward to today, and I find myself constantly recommending these unique vehicles to friends looking for affordable used trucks that can handle both family duties and weekend projects. Having owned one myself for three years and test-driven dozens for my used car reviews, I've developed what some might call an unhealthy obsession with these misunderstood vehicles.

Let me paint you a picture of what makes the Sport Trac so special. Imagine you're heading to Home Depot for some lumber on Saturday morning, then driving your kids to soccer practice in the afternoon, followed by a date night with your partner in the evening. Most trucks would compromise comfort in at least one of these scenarios, but the Sport Trac's SUV heritage means you get that smooth ride quality and comfortable interior while still having that useful 4-foot bed out back. I've fit everything from washing machines to camping gear in mine, though I'll admit the bed is shorter than what you'd find on traditional pickups - it measures exactly 50.3 inches with the tailgate up, which is about a foot shorter than most full-size truck beds.

Now, let's talk reliability - the million-dollar question when considering any used vehicle. From my experience with the 2001-2005 first generation models, the 4.0L V6 engines are practically bulletproof if you maintain them properly. I've seen these regularly push past 200,000 miles with just basic maintenance. The 4.6L V8 available in later models is equally robust, though I've noticed they tend to develop exhaust manifold leaks around 120,000 miles - a $800-$1,200 repair that's worth budgeting for if you're looking at higher-mileage examples. The transmission, however, is where you need to be careful. The 5R55S automatic in models from 2002-2005 has what I'd call a 60% chance of needing rebuilds or replacements by 150,000 miles. I learned this the hard way when mine started slipping at 142,000 miles, costing me nearly $3,200 to replace.

Here's where we get to what I call the "doubleheader" of Sport Trac ownership - you're essentially getting two vehicles in one package, and this creates both advantages and challenges. The first takeaway from this doubleheader approach is versatility. Unlike traditional trucks that prioritize cargo space above all else, the Sport Trac splits the difference beautifully. I've used mine to haul bags of concrete during the day and then taken clients to dinner in the same vehicle without embarrassment. The second takeaway involves compromise - that shorter bed means you can't fit standard-sized building materials flat, and the independent suspension, while comfortable, can't handle the same payload as body-on-frame competitors. The maximum payload ranges from 1,240 to 1,560 pounds depending on the model year, which is decent but not class-leading.

The third takeaway from this unique doubleheader vehicle concerns running costs and parts availability. Because the Sport Trac shares about 80% of its components with the Explorer, finding replacement parts is generally easier and cheaper than for more specialized trucks. I recently replaced the front suspension components on my 2004 model for under $600 using aftermarket parts - try doing that with a German luxury SUV. However, fuel economy is where the compromise really shows. My V8 model averages about 15 MPG combined, and even the V6 versions rarely break 18 MPG in real-world driving. At current gas prices, that means you're spending approximately $2,200 annually on fuel if you drive 12,000 miles.

What really surprises people when I recommend the Sport Trac is how affordable they've remained. While prices are starting to creep up for clean examples, you can still find well-maintained 2007-2010 models with reasonable mileage for $8,000-$12,000. Compare that to Toyota Tacomas from the same era that often command $15,000-$20,000 with similar mileage, and the value proposition becomes clear. I recently helped a friend purchase a 2008 Sport Trac with 89,000 miles for $9,500 - a comparable Tacoma would have cost nearly twice as much.

There are certain model years I recommend avoiding unless you're prepared for headaches. The 2002 models had numerous transmission complaints, and the 2007 models (the first year of the second generation) had some teething problems with the new 6-speed automatic transmission. My personal sweet spot is the 2008-2010 models with the 4.6L V8 - they've worked out most of the kinks while still being modern enough to feel contemporary. The interior materials in these later models are significantly better too, with less of the cheap plastic that plagues earlier examples.

I will say this though - the Sport Trac isn't for everyone. If you're regularly towing heavy loads or need maximum bed space, you're better off with a full-size truck. But for urban and suburban dwellers who need occasional utility without sacrificing daily comfort, there are few vehicles that strike this balance as effectively. The fact that Ford only produced them from 2001-2010 and then again briefly in 2021 (as a completely different vehicle) makes them something of a collector's item in the making. I've noticed prices for pristine examples starting to climb in the last two years, suggesting these unique trucks are developing a cult following.

So, is the Ford Explorer Sport Trac still a reliable used truck worth buying today? From my perspective, absolutely - provided you go in with realistic expectations. Do your homework on the specific model year, get a thorough pre-purchase inspection focusing on the transmission, and be prepared for fuel costs that might make you wince. But if you find a well-maintained example, you'll be getting one of the most versatile and underappreciated vehicles ever to combine SUV comfort with pickup utility. I'm on my second Sport Trac now, and despite trying numerous newer trucks, I keep coming back to this clever compromise vehicle that somehow manages to do most things well rather than excelling at just one.