'07 Sport Trac In Latest Truck Trend

[TrainTrac]

Got my January/February '06 Truck Trend yesterday, and it had a "first look" at the new Sport Trac. Here's what they had to say:

Ford pioneered the four-door sport/utility truck in the 2001 model year with its Explorer Sport Trac, a V6-only powered model based on the old-generation four-door Explorer. At the time, it looked like Ford had trumped Nissan, which showed its SUT concept a few years earlier. Then again, maybe not: The Sport Trac didn't exactly take the market by storm, but did sell a consistent 40,000 units per year. Now, with the Honda Ridgeline on the market, Ford is hoping it's found the right combination of new ideas. This time, the 2007 Explorer Sport Trac is based on the current-generation Explorer and includes its all-new independent rear suspension and optional 4.6-liter V8 engine. All the sheetmetal forward of the B-pillar is shared with the explorer, making the new Sport Trac more than five inches longer overall and nearly two inches wider than the vehicle it replaces. In fact, the new model's wheelbase is 16.7 inches longer than its donor platform Explorer. It has a 4.5-foot molded composite cargo box with an inner liner with tie-down anchors, plus three cargo bins. On each side of the bed, directly in front of the tailgate, molded into the sidewalls, are tow six-pack-size lockable bins, each with a drain plug--just in case you want to store ice inside. The third storage bin runs along the back of the bed, near the headboard, just large enough for some tools, tow straps, a tow-hitch, and a first-aid kit. Towing capacity for the new vehicle is 6800 pounds, with a maximum payload rating of 1400. The interior features rubber floor coverings and optional two-tone leather seats. The overall interior appearance, much like that of the new Explorer, is meant to mirror the current F-150. Safety features include AdvanceTrac with Roll Stability Control, four-wheel disc brakes with ABS abd EBD, and optional Safety Canopy side curtain airbags. The 4.0-liter V6 models will offer a five-speed automatic, while 4.6-liter V8s will have a six-speed automatic.



Are an optional V8 and better ride and handling enough to ensure the new Sport Trac doesn't get lost in the woods? Our guess is yes, because these vehicles are going to give a lot of people (likely many women) a more comfortable alternative to traditionally rugged compact and midsize pickups. Loof for the all-new Sport Trac to go on sale in spring with an average transaction procie above $30,000.



Price range...........$27,000-$34,000

Layout.....Front engine, RWD/4WD, 4-door, 5-pass

Engine.....4.0L/210-hp V6, SOHC, 2 valves/cyl

Opt engine..4.6L/292-hp V8, SOHC, 3 valves/cyl

0-60 mph, sec..........6.9 (est)

On-sale date..........Spring 2006

 

[Gypsy me]

hmmm that's about what I figured for price, now let's see how close they come

 

[Gavin Allan]

A TRUCK FOR WOMEN???



That sounds so demeaning. Why can't women enjoy solid rear axles, limited slip, higher ground clearance, manual transmissions, and roll down rear windows?

 

[FlipTrac_511]

They do! Half the drivers I see in a Trac out here in SoCal are women.

 

[Nelson Atwell]

Looks like Ford managed to turn the Red Bull ST into a steer.

 

[Arthur Akard]

 

[Arthur Akard]

"...average transaction price above $30,000." Holy Cow" Batman. One of the main selling points of the ST to me was the price. Admittedly I bought the "bottom of rung" ST (paid right at $16.5K) but $30K is way out of the league for me. Might as well buy a loaded Dodge with a Hemi for that price.

 

[Makin Trax]

anybody see anything wrong here?:blink: MAYBE in the horsepower dept????

Price range...........$27,000-$34,000

Layout.....Front engine, RWD/4WD, 4-door, 5-pass

Engine.....4.0L/210-hp V6, SOHC, 2 valves/cyl

Opt engine..4.6L/202-hp V8, SOHC, 3 valves/cyl

0-60 mph, sec..........6.9 (est)

On-sale date..........Spring 2006

 

[TrainTrac]

Sorry, fat-finger typo on my part. Corrected.

 

[Erik Larson]

Now give me a blower and AWD (Adren concept) and I'll have a reason to part with my Lightning. Or just add the Adren to the stable. I'll be test driving and giving serious consideration when a hi-pro model comes out.

 

[Tom Schindler]

The Sport Trac didn't exactly take the market by storm, but did sell a consistent 40,000 units per year.

Ford sold more then that. It was actually closer to 80,000 units per year.





Tom

 

[Greg Bosin]

I agree Tom, plus they did it using older platforms so they didn't have to re-tool and with almost no advertising. From a business pespective I would call that a success.

 

[Tom Schindler]

Almost no advertising? I have never seen a commercial on TV for the Sport Trac. I expect them to advertise the new Trac.



The First Trac was a success for Ford, a major success.



Deep down inside, I am willing to bet the new one will not be a success. They will have trouble selling them.





Tom

 

[Gavin Allan]

I agree with Tom. I think the SportTrac has seen its better days. I predict about 3 more years and then they pull the plug...

 

[Tom Schindler]

Gavin,



I think you are right.





Tom