TrainTrac
Well-Known Member
Edmunds now has the '07 ST in the New Vechicles Section. Here's their review:
Vehicle Overview
Summary
What Edmunds.com Says
Thanks to major improvements, the Ford Explorer Sport Trac is no longer a half-baked curiosity. For some consumers, this four-door pickup is now a worthwhile and more useful alternative to a traditional SUV.
Pros
Roomy cabin, strong optional V8, hidden storage compartments, nice ride and handling balance.
Cons
V8 can be thirsty, styling not for everyone, small cargo bed compared to traditional pickup trucks.
What's New for 2007
Returning after a one-year hiatus, the Ford Explorer Sport Trac has been fully redesigned for the 2007 model year. Major improvements for this SUV-pickup combination include a newly available V8 that provides 40 percent more power than the previous V6, greater cargo and towing capacity, enhanced ride and handling characteristics and a roomier, more comfortable cabin.
Overview
Introduction:
In an effort to capitalize further on the SUV craze that had been going on for nearly a decade, Ford brought out the Explorer Sport Trac for 2001. Essentially an Explorer SUV with a small pickup bed grafted onto the back, the vehicle's mission was to combine the passenger comfort and space of a four-door SUV with the cargo flexibility of a pickup. Though an interesting concept, we were never particularly smitten with the first Sport Trac, as we found it to be poor in terms of handling and utility. Although the Ford Explorer was redesigned for 2002, the Sport Trac continued on pretty much unchanged through 2005.
For 2007, the Ford Explorer Sport Trac returns, this time based on the current-generation Explorer platform, which received additional updates for the 2006 model year. Much of the Sport Trac's chassis hardware is derived from the Explorer, though the Sport Trac has a 13-inch-longer wheelbase. Ford claims that the 2007 Sport Trac is more than 400-percent stiffer than the 2005 version. The stiffer body, along with adoption of the Explorer's independent rear suspension, gives the vehicle dramatically improved handling and ride characteristics.
The new Sport Trac also boasts the availability of the Explorer's 292-horspower V8 and six-speed automatic transmission. Functional enhancements include a larger bed (now featuring three hidden storage compartments), increased towing capacity and more standard safety features, including stability control and side airbags.
Thanks to these upgrades, the Ford Explorer Sport Trac is no longer a half-baked curiosity. True, one can still get more hauling ability from a more traditional pickup, but the Sport Trac should satisfy consumers who desire a mix of carlike handling, SUV-like rear-seat comfort and the ability to do some light-to-medium-duty towing and hauling. Alternatively, one might look at the Honda Ridgeline, which is similar to the Sport Trac in many regards.
Body Styles, Trim Levels and Options:
The Ford Explorer Sport Trac is a four-door Explorer SUV modified to include a small pickuplike cargo bed. Two trim levels are available. The well-equipped XLT comes with a composite cargo box, 16-inch alloy wheels, power windows and mirrors, keyless entry, cruise control, air conditioning and CD player. Move up to the Limited and color-keyed bumpers and side mirrors, foglamps, side-step bars, 18-inch wheels, a power driver seat, and leather wrapping for the steering wheel and gearshift knob are thrown into the mix. Major options include a heated windshield, a moonroof, leather seating, adjustable pedals, a navigation system, an upgraded sound system with CD changer and subwoofer and satellite radio. For the cargo box, Ford offers an optional cagelike bed extender and a hard tonneau cover.
Powertrains and Performance:
The Sport Trac's
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