2002 Ford Explorer Sport Trac

Premium-grade features include keyless remote entry, a tilt steering column, cruise control and a Pioneer sound system with optional 6-disc in-dash CD changer. White-on-black gauges add extra sport.

Spawned from the previous-generation Explorer 4-door, the Sport Trac benefits from a 14.25-inch stretch in wheelbase—to 125.9 inches—as well as a host of structural reinforcements that enhance chassis stiffness by some 40 percent. Both rear and 4WD Sport Tracs rely on a common suspension formula. Up front, upper and lower control arms work with torsion bars while a live axle is suspended by two-stage leaf springs in the rear. Anti-roll bars at each end help round out the package, and directional control comes courtesy of a decently weighted rack-and-pinion power-steering package.


The Sport Trac's interior trim smartly melds comfort and taste. While strongly reminiscent of Explorer from which it came, the basic trappings have a more rugged, resilient finish and are complemented by several bespoke cosmetic touches. Topping that list is a pair of more robustly bolstered front buckets and rubberized washable flooring covered by removable Berber-carpeted mats. Settle back in the driver's seat and you face an array of white-on-black instruments. An easy reach away, at the center of the dash, is the radio and heat/air switchgear. All of these elements are set off by titanium-look accent trim. Multiple stowage cubbies are located throughout the Sport Trac's inner sanctum, with its center, covered armrest folding open to reveal a carry-along soft tote bag.

The Sport Trac's box is made of rustproof composite material. An optional bed extender increases the short-bed's utility coefficient.

On the safety front, second-generation dual front airbags, belt-tighteners and load-limiters, computer-designed crumple zones, side-impact bars and child seat tethers for all three rear-seat positions provide concrete evidence of Ford's continuing commitment to overall passenger safety. Fully capable of taking on adult riders—but frankly two would be the optimum count in that department—the Sport Trac's split rear bench also folds to accommodate smaller items that may be best secured inside the cabin. A final and particularly nice touch is its one-touch up/down rear window with a separate vent setting that helps optimize airflow throughout the interior.


When mission priorities turn to heavier/bulkier/dirtier items, the Sport Trac offers an equally utile mini-bed made from rustproof, ding-proof composite material. This industry-first design not only ensures years of low maintenance, it's 20 percent lighter than an equivalent steel box. In addition to a handy 12V power-point and 10 tie-down hooks, the 50-inch baby box also offers provisions for adjustable inside dividers as well a the aforementioned optional cargo cage that flips rearward to extend the effective length of the bed by another 2 feet. For owners more concerned with keeping their outback cargo away from Mother Nature as well as the prying eyes/sticky fingers set, Ford also offers a slick 2-piece, lockable hard tonneau cover.

A five-speed manual or automatic transmission is offered with the 203-horsepower 4.0-liter V-6. While entirely adequate, we can't help but wonder if Ford's 4.6-liter V-8 is on deck for future Sport Tracs.

Dynamically, the Sport Trac makes a pretty respectable case for itself as a lighter-duty hauler. While the more potent 4.6-liter corporate V-8 would certainly be a welcome option, the 4.0-liter six definitely has enough snap on tap to keep it well abreast of normal traffic flow under most circumstances—and still meet LEV smog standards.