Sport Tracs everywhere, except on TV

[Bart Adkins]

I like the fact that we're a tight little community here, and I see Tracs on the road everywhere I go. Ford claims they sell about 50,000 Sport Tracs a year (in years past). When I mention to people what I drive, at least a few say, "what's a Sport Trac?" (I usually don't say Explorer) I know this site was a buzz with anticipation for the release of the 2007 Trac. Some of us even got a little cardboard promotional thingy in the mail. Why have I not seen, and when the heck will I see a Sport Trac TV comercial? It seems we're all owners and enthusiasts through word of mouth, which is cool. Some saw their first Sport Trac and fell in love with that funny looking little truck back in 2001 and just had to find out what it was...So c'mon Ford! These trucks rock! How about promoting them a little? I know Ford helps with the meet, and some of us got to go to the 2007 unveiling, but isn't that "preaching to the Choir"?

 

[Rodger Tellefson]

They don't need to spend the money on advertising when we do such a good job doing "word-of-mouth".

 

[Bart Adkins]

We do a good job for sure, but I'd love to see one tearing through some mud and rampaging up a mountain with some cool guitar riff playing and that gruff voiced announcer guy telling us how cool it is.( Just no Toby Keith please.)

 

[Robert Stanton]

Like I said, red-headed stepchildren.



I get the feeling that Ford doesn't think there's as large a market for the ST as other vehicles. I also wonder if they're not concerned with the ST competing with the mid-sized truck market (they do so love their Ranger).



A while back I wouldn't have considered buying an ST. The thought of a 4-foot bed didn't appeal to me much... why bother with that when you can just buy a full-sized truck and get 2-4 feet more? But after driving an extended cab F-150 with an 8' bed for four years, I'd come to realize I didn't need anywhere near that much truck. I liked the truck, but I missed having something a bit sportier. I also wanted something that could hold more people comfortably (the rear seat in my '95 F-150 wasn't good for anything but collecting junk) without giving up hauling cargo. The ST was a perfect option, and I haven't regretted the trade in yet.



I could have gone for an Explorer, and I could have looked at a Ranger. But the ST seemed to be the best of both worlds without being a behemoth like a F-150. I think if Ford were to advertise it more on that point, more people like me might find an interest.

 

[shawn stonbraker 2]

I agree Bart. It really is sad to see such a versitile vehicle no get the recognition that it should be marketed. I never even heard of one until my buddy told me he had one for sale at a dealership he worked at that was in my price range. When I saw it, I knew it was mine. Loved it from day one. Not very many vehicles I can say that about. The local dealership got 2 in a couple of weeks ago and now one of them just sold last week. (saw it in front of me when I was going to work) I almost followed them to thier house to see how they liked it and to tell them about this site. Would have to had I not been late for work. if I get a chance to, I may just do it. (They are on my way)

 

[Bart Adkins]

That's why I got mine too, Bahb. I had a Ranger and loved it, but I needed more room for the wife and 3 kids. A crew cab F-150 is just too much truck for me, but an Explorer can't haul firewood without a trailer, and a supercab Ranger's back seat is a joke.:lol:...LOVE my Trac!:wub:

 

[D Knx]

Yep, they could do a lot more in promoting the ST. At the dealership closest to me they don't even have any out front, '07 or otherwise! Now, if I wanted an f150 boy I'd be in heaven, they got 'em in every style imaginable, single scoops, double scoops, racing stripes, rear spoilers? You name it! ST's, you won't see 'em there. Don't even advertise them in the local papers, Explorers, f150s, fusions, escapes, yeah, got every dealership pushin' them.



Now in my neighborhood I see at least 3 other than mine, and I see them everywhere I go. At Blockbuster Saturday out of all the places available to park one parked right next to me! I thought, another kindred soul, we who belong to this unique fellowship!



D-

 

[Richard L]

Around here, Ford hardly ever advertises, and even then it's mostly for their trucks. They had an occasional Ford 500 commercial when that car came out and now there are a few commercials for the Fusion. There are probably 6 commercials for Ford trucks than for anyother Ford vehicle.



There are still a lot of people that have no idea what a Sport Trac is and I am constantly being asked about my neat little truck. I can imagine that few people even know it has been restyled and improved for 2007?



...Rich

 

[WXMotorSports DecalsPartsAccs]

I just tell them it's a Chevy.





I'm kidding.

 

[Dreman]

I don't remember any ads since the "essential gear" ads when the Trac came out, the one with the guy hanging off the side of a cliff calling out their list of equipment, and the other guy saying "ok" to each one. Then he calls out "Sport Trac", and the view widens to show a Trac hanging from a rope below them. The the announcer says "The Ford Explorer Sport Trac. As essential as gear gets".



Have there been any since then?

 

[Casey Everhart]

I actually remember the first time I saw a sport trac. Was back in 2001. Thought it was goofy looking, and thought someone just hacked the back off of an explorer lol



I dont remember how I came across wanting a sport trac. I had seen a few. Decided I didnt want a car anymore, and modifying cars became kinda boring. I love the desert and wanted something to haul a quad. Rangers are too small, F-150's arent really my thing. Started looking around and found the sport trac. Wanted an avalanche, but it was a little out of my price range.



Now that I have a sport trac, I see them EVERYWHERE. There is tons of them in Southern California. Love my sport trac, and the 07's are nice. When I upgrade though I'm thinking about going with the Ridgeline. Love their look.

 

[Dreman]

Take cover Aaron. Here it comes.

 

[Casey Everhart]

 

[Larry Gamble]

I remember the first time I saw one....



The movie...TREMORS...

 

[Robert Stanton]

Interesting Aaron. I went to So. Cal last August JUST after I bought my '05, and I didn't see a single ST the entire week I was there. I was shocked, because I see them in Memphis all the time... I have at least 3 within 2 blocks of my house. I went from Upland to Anaheim, Rancho Cucamonga to Covina and never saw one.

 

[Darrel Chaney01]

There was also in the TV series Sheena. If I remember it was painted similar to a Zebra. Since I saw my first one in the summer of 2000 and bought the 2001 ST, I have yet to see any ads for a new ST. No TV, no newspaper, not even radio. If Ford spent some money advertising the ST, they might sell more than 50,000 a year. Who knows, just don't stop making them.



Darrel

 

[Casey Everhart]

Theres about 4 at my work. Figure one day we can get together and play monster truck and run over all the bmw's and mercedes there. :lol:

 

[M B]

It's a secret club around here.

 

[Tom Schindler]

Ford paying for the meet and other "goodies" we mi8ght get is cheap compared to one spot on TV.



Ford limiting advertisements and production does good things for everyone, including Ford.



Resale value. The Trac's resale value is higher on average then many of the others since there is essentially a limited number of them being built. Many people will pay extra for a name, for example a Toyota Matrix and Pontiac Vibe.



Same car, same everything. The Pontiac looks a little goofy, but it is still built by the same people, in the same plant, right next to each other. Because the Matrix says "Toyota" and the Vibe says "Pontiac" people will pay more for the Matrix since it <B>"is a Toyota, and not a POS GM product"</B> though mechanically they are identical.



Another thing it does is keeps the prices higher to buy. Since there are fewer on the lots to sell since there aren't as many to choose from, Ford can keep the prices higher and offer less incentives compared to vehicles like the Ranger, Explorer, and F-150. Those vehicles thrive on incentives.



Sure, I would like to see Ford double, if not triple, the production of the Sport Trac, but at the same time, they are helping me protect my investment in the future. Not that it really makes a difference with me because I drive my vehicles in excess of 10 years and by the time I am done with them, they are ready for the junkyard anyways. I just abuse the crap out of my vehicles.





Tom

 

[Dreman]

Sorry Tom, I disagree. Anybody that can drive a car or truck for ten years could not do it if they abused the crap out of them. Just because you drive it till even the major parts are getting worn out doesn't mean it's been abused, just completely used.



My Trac has 97,000 miles on it.

My GMC has 220,000 miles on it.



Most people think they're both still new. From what I've seen of yours, I think they would think the same thing.