2001 Ford Explorer Sport Trac Review

The 2001 Ford Explorer Sport Trac was a unique vehicle that blended the practicality of a pickup truck with the comfort and passenger capacity of an SUV. It carved out its own niche in the automotive market, appealing to those who needed more than an SUV but less than a full-sized truck. This comprehensive 2001 Ford Explorer Sport Trac review will delve into its features, performance, common issues, and whether it's still a good choice for today's used car buyer.

The 2001 Ford Explorer Sport Trac: A Pioneer of Versatility

When the 2001 Ford Explorer Sport Trac hit the scene, it was a novel concept: a four-door SUV with a compact, open cargo bed. Ford designed it for active lifestyles, offering a vehicle that could comfortably seat five passengers while also providing an open cargo area for dirty gear, bikes, or other items that wouldn't fit or belong inside an SUV's cabin. Built on a lengthened Ford Explorer frame, it aimed to offer a smoother, more car-like ride than traditional pickups while retaining some utility.

What Made It Stand Out?

The Sport Trac was essentially a Ford Explorer from the C-pillar forward, sharing its four-door passenger cabin and amenities. However, its defining feature was the 4-foot (50-inch) composite cargo bed grafted onto the rear. This bed was made of a durable, rust-proof, scratch-resistant, and lighter sheet-molding composite (SMC) plastic, eliminating the need for a separate bed liner. It also featured 10 tie-downs for securing cargo, with an optional "cargo cage" that could extend the bed's usable length when the tailgate was down, making room for items like mountain bikes.

Performance and Engine Capabilities

The 2001 Ford Explorer Sport Trac came equipped with a standard 4.0-liter SOHC V6 engine. This engine produced 205 to 210 horsepower at 5,000 rpm and 238 to 240 foot-pounds of torque at 3,000-4,000 rpm. It was typically paired with an electronically controlled five-speed automatic transmission, though a five-speed manual transmission was also available.

Towing and Hauling

For those needing to haul, the 2001 Sport Trac offered a decent payload capacity of around 1,240 to 1,557 pounds, depending on the drivetrain. Its towing capacity was quite respectable for its class, ranging from over 5,000 pounds to 5,300 pounds when properly equipped with a Class III frame-mounted hitch. This made it capable of towing smaller boats, trailers, or recreational vehicles. However, it's important to note that the 2001 Sport Trac is not designed for fifth-wheel trailer towing due to its short bed and capacity limitations.

Driving Experience

The Sport Trac was built on a stiffened Explorer frame, which contributed to a ride that was surprisingly supple, almost like a passenger car. It came in both two-wheel drive (2WD) and four-wheel drive (4WD) configurations, offering versatility for different driving conditions. Owners often praised its comfortable ride and solid feel.

Interior and Features

Inside, the 2001 Sport Trac largely mirrored the standard Explorer, offering a comfortable and well-equipped cabin. It seated five people, with the rear seat providing ample head, leg, and shoulder room, comparable to the regular Explorer. The rear seats could split-fold forward (60/40) to create additional interior cargo space.

Key interior features included:

Light-faced gauges, similar to a sport sedan.
Optional power moonroof.
A standard power rear window, which could lower a few inches for venting or all the way for an open-air experience.
Washable rubber flooring and Berber floor mats in some trims, making cleanup easy after outdoor adventures.
Optional AM/FM/CD stereo, with a 6-disc in-dash CD player and seven speakers in the Pioneer Audiophile System.
Standard child seat anchors and child door locks.
Optional cruise control and leather seats.

Exterior Design and Practicality

The exterior design of the 2001 Sport Trac was distinctive, blending SUV aesthetics with truck utility. Its overall length was approximately 205.9 inches, with a wheelbase of 125.9 inches. The composite bed was a major selling point, providing a practical, easy-to-clean space for gear. Standard roof rails further enhanced its utility, allowing for the attachment of various crossbars for bikes, kayaks, or skis.

Reliability and Common Issues

When considering a used 2001 Ford Explorer Sport Trac, reliability is a key concern. Generally, consumer sentiment regarding the 2001 Sport Trac's reliability has been positive, with many owners reporting long-term dependability. Kelley Blue Book consumer reviews show 95% of owners recommending the vehicle, with reliability and comfort often cited as its strongest features. Some owners have reported their Sport Tracs lasting well over 200,000 miles with only minor issues.

However, like any vehicle of its age, the 2001 Sport Trac does have some commonly reported problems to be aware of:

Transmission Issues: While many report good reliability, transmission problems, including difficult shifting or slipping, have been noted as a potential weak point for some owners. Regular fluid changes can help mitigate this.
Engine Troubles: Some 4.0-liter engines in this generation have been associated with issues like coolant leaks, often from the plastic thermostat housing (which was later updated to metal), worn timing chain cassettes causing rattling noises, or a "long/hard start" due to a faulty fuel rail pressure sensor.
Electrical Problems: Owners have reported intermittent dash gauge cluster issues (gauges turning on/off or flickering), inaccurate fuel gauges, and other electrical inconveniences, often due to wiring problems.
Front Wheel Bearing Failure: A growling noise increasing with speed or a loose steering wheel can indicate worn front wheel bearings.
Brake Wear: Given its weight, some owners have noted that the Sport Trac can be hard on front brakes.
Blend Door Actuator: Problems with the blend door actuator can lead to the heater being stuck on the hottest setting.

Is the 2001 Ford Explorer Sport Trac Right for You?

The 2001 Ford Explorer Sport Trac carved out a unique segment, offering a compelling blend of SUV comfort and truck utility. It's an excellent choice for:

Outdoor Enthusiasts: The composite bed is perfect for hauling camping gear, muddy bikes, or fishing equipment without dirtying the interior.
Small Business Owners: Ideal for those who occasionally need to transport tools or supplies but also require passenger seating.
Families with Active Lifestyles: It offers the space for a family while providing the flexibility of an open cargo area for sports equipment or home improvement projects.
Budget-Conscious Buyers: As an older model, a used 2001 Sport Trac can be a very affordable option, offering significant utility for its price.

However, consider its age. While many have proven reliable, be prepared for potential maintenance on an older vehicle. Fuel economy, rated around 16-17 MPG combined, is also not on par with modern vehicles.

Conclusion

The 2001 Ford Explorer Sport Trac remains a testament to Ford's innovative approach to vehicle design. It masterfully blends the best attributes of an SUV and a pickup, creating a versatile, comfortable, and often reliable companion for those with diverse needs. While it's crucial to consider its age and potential common issues, a well-maintained 2001 Sport Trac can still offer tremendous value and utility today. Its unique combination of passenger comfort and open-bed practicality makes it a compelling choice for anyone seeking a capable and distinctive vehicle.

Are you considering a 2001 Ford Explorer Sport Trac for your next adventure or project? Share your thoughts or questions in the comments below!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What is the towing capacity of a 2001 Ford Explorer Sport Trac?

A1: The 2001 Ford Explorer Sport Trac has a maximum towing capacity of over 5,000 to 5,300 pounds when properly equipped with a Class III frame-mounted hitch.

Q2: What kind of engine does the 2001 Ford Explorer Sport Trac have?

A2: The 2001 Ford Explorer Sport Trac comes standard with a 4.0-liter SOHC V6 engine, producing 205 to 210 horsepower and 238 to 240 foot-pounds of torque.

Q3: Is the 2001 Ford Explorer Sport Trac considered reliable?

A3: Many owners consider the 2001 Ford Explorer Sport Trac to be reliable, with consumer reviews often citing reliability as a strong point. However, like any older vehicle, it can experience common issues such as transmission problems, coolant leaks, and electrical glitches.

Q4: What is the main difference between the Sport Trac and a regular Ford Explorer?

A4: The primary difference is the rear section of the vehicle. While the Sport Trac shares its four-door cabin with the Explorer, it replaces the traditional SUV cargo area with a 4-foot, rust-proof composite open cargo bed, offering truck-like utility.