Ford Sport Trac

Ford Explorer Sport Trac in Nigeria

The Ford Explorer Sport Trac is a midsize pickup with four doors and seating for five people. When it initially debuted in 2000, it was a one-of-a-kind vehicle, but it now has to compete with midsize four-door trucks from every major manufacturer.

The Sport Trac, which is essentially a Ford Explorer with a pickup bed, has plenty of space inside for passengers and goods outback. It comes standard with a 4.0-liter V6 engine that produces 210 horsepower, with a 292-hp V8 engine available as an option. The V8 engine in the Sport Trac puts it near the top of the class in terms of power. The power is smooth, although not as responsive as some might like in passing moves.

Because of the Sport Trac's high ride height, the ride can be a little bumpy over potholed or broken pavement, but it's otherwise smooth, owing in part to an independent rear suspension that also helps with handling. For a big vehicle, directional stability is good, steering reaction is swift, and body lean is effectively controlled.

Lineup

The 2008 Ford Sport Trac is available in two model levels: XLT and Limited, both with rear- or four-wheel drive. Both trim levels come equipped with a 4.0-liter V6 engine and a five-speed automatic transmission. The 4.6-liter V8 engine is available in both model levels and is paired with a six-speed automated transmission. The four-wheel-drive system is a full-time system with low-range gearing that can be driven on dry pavement.

Specifications of this model

Interior

The inside of the 2008 Ford Explorer Sport Trac resembles that of the Explorer. It's not that it's lacking in essentials or that it comes with a short range of options, but it's more borrowed than fresh. Almost the entire interior of the Sport Trac is shared with the Explorer, from the trim to the seat frames.

The tools are simple to scan. The fuel and coolant gauges are tucked away in the tachometer and speedometer's lower, outside quadrants; they might be larger and closer to the driver's line of sight. The center stack is densely packed with features, but it's well-organized, with easy-to-understand controls and displays. However, instead of the Sport Trac's slow scanning rocker switch, we'd prefer a tuning knob for the radio.

Driving impression

V6 and V8 engines are available in the Sport Trac. In terms of horsepower, its 292-hp V8 is near the top of the class; only the Dodge Dakota's 302-hp 4.7-liter V8 beats it. A 4.0-liter V6 engine with 210 horsepower is standard on the Sport Trac. The Sport Trac's maximum towing capability is 7160 pounds with the V8 and 5260 pounds with the V6.

The V8's fuel economy figures are just marginally worse than the V6's: 13/20 mpg city/highway. The EPA rates the 2008 Sport Trac with the V6 at 14/20 mpg city/highway. The EPA ratings with four-wheel drive are 13/19 mpg for the V6, and 13/19 mpg for the V8.

The ride quality is smooth and nicely damped, which is something that the live axle-equipped competition lacks. The Sport Trac features independent rear suspension, which is common in sports cars and provides a smooth ride and excellent handling. You're reminded you're in a truck when you drive over potholes or damaged pavement, but it's good by pickup standards.

Do you want to get yours?

The 2008 Ford Explorer Sport Trac is a pleasurable vehicle to drive, with a comfortable ride and plenty of power thanks to the optional V8 engine. On the inside, it has plenty of space for passengers and a good quantity of cargo space in the bed. You can acquire yours at the best price on Cars45.