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The 40 mpg Cars of 2013

2008 Ford Explorer Sport Trac

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Curious about the newer model? Check out the 2010 Ford Explorer Sport Trac

Overview

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2008 Ford Explorer Sport Trac Review

By KBB.com Editors

The 2008 Ford Sport Trac is the second generation of a vehicle that started a sub-trend: A truck, with sport-utility characteristics, four doors, a rather short cargo bed and an assortment of ingenious features to enhance the anticipated active lifestyles of its intended buyers. It's not quite a sport utility vehicle and it's not quite a truck. On the large size in this group are the Chevrolet Avalanche and Cadillac Escalade EXT, while more directly competitive in size is the Honda Ridgeline. The original Sport Trac was based on the Ford Explorer, as is the newest version. But the Explorer has grown up, both in size and sophistication, and so has the Sport Trac.

You'll Like This Car If...

If you want to be able to go just about anywhere, you require some truck-type cargo capacity but not necessarily a lot, you tow a trailer but not necessarily a great big one and you want the advantages of a separate body-on-frame construction and an available V8 engine, the 2008 Ford Sport Trac deserves your attention.

You May Not Like This Car If...

If you need a real sport utility vehicle with enclosed cargo space or a third-row seat, or you need a real truck with a full-size cargo bed, the Sport Trac is not for you.

What's New for 2008

New standard features for 2008 include a drop-in storage bin with power points, side-curtain airbags, fog lamps and a power rear window. New options include voice-activated navigation and the SYNC hands-free communication and entertainment system.

Driving the Explorer Sport Trac

Driving Impressions The 2008 Ford Sport Trac's driving experience, both on pavement and off, is exceptionally good. No small amount of credit for this excellent behavior is due the fully-boxed frame, which...

is so remarkably stiff that visible movement between the passenger cab and cargo box is essentially undetectable, even under very rough conditions. Also playing a significant role is the independent rear suspension, a benefit borrowed from the Explorer, so that on the road the ride is smooth, even and comfortable, and off-road the wheels stay in contact with the surface and keep things going. For most folks the Sport Trac will be the best-handling, best riding truck they've ever driven.

Favorite Features

Frame and Suspension
The fully-boxed frame and fully-independent suspension deliver a combination of ride smoothness, handling precision and off-road capability that is particularly noteworthy.

Versatile Cargo Box
The cargo box is made of composite material, so it won't rust and, with its three storage compartments, offers a lot of versatility for odds and ends of an active weekend.

2008 Ford Explorer Sport Trac Details

Interior

Inside the Sport Trac everything fits well and is thoughtfully arranged. The seating is quite roomy and comfortable, in both the front and rear, and a long day behind the wheel should prove pleasant. One gripe: The odd door-pull handles are not at all intuitive even as to where they are, let alone how they work. On the good side, there's an optional heated windshield and rubber floor coverings make it easier to clean out the mud. The composite-material cargo box contains three storage bins with drain plugs. The largest is up forward under the cargo floor, requiring crawling into the cargo box to store your stuff, while the equivalent feature in the Honda Ridgeline is conveniently near the rear.

Exterior

The 2008 Ford Sport Trac's exterior does a good job of striking that delicate balance between street style and off-road character, and the Ford designers have managed to make it look not exactly like a work truck, but not exactly like a soccer-mom sport utility vehicle, either. The roof rack, external cargo-box tie-downs, fairly large tires and prominent wheel arches give it a properly rugged image, while the big chrome grille and front-end treatment lend style.

Notable Equipment

Standard Equipment

Major standard equipment on the XLT includes power assists for windows, door locks and exterior mirrors, AM/FM stereo with single-disc CD player, power rear window, fog lamps, power outlets for front and rear seats and the cargo box, manual air conditioning, cruise control, outside temperature display, compass, four-wheel anti-lock disc brakes, 16-inch tires and AdvanceTrac, which includes the functions of traction and stability control and also features Roll Stability Control, which helps to inhibit potential rollovers. On the safety side the standard equipment includes front, front-side and side-curtain airbags. The standard engine is a 4.0-liter 210-horsepower V6 with a five-speed automatic transmission.

Optional Equipment

Major options include the Limited trim level, which adds 18-inch alloy wheels, step bars, six-way power driver's seat and some other trim items. Other options include upgrades to the sound system, leather seating, heated front seats, power-adjustable pedals, power moonroof, dual-zone automatic climate control, SYNC, navigation system, trailer towing package, a heated windshield and numerous other convenience and trim features. The optional four-wheel-drive system is operated by a button and includes a low range. The optional engine is the 4.6-liter V8 with six-speed automatic transmission.

Under the Hood

Most drivers will probably find the 4.0-liter V6 more than adequate for most of their driving, with 254 pound-feet of torque and plenty of acceleration to keep up with any likely traffic situation. But if your trips include filling the cargo box with dirt bikes and the inside with two or three buddies, then pulling a loaded trailer up hills, you'll probably want the V8. The biggest penalty with the larger engine is, predictably, fuel economy, although you won't see a huge difference between the V6 and V8 in either city or highway numbers.

4.0-liter V6
210 horsepower @ 5100 rpm
254 lb.-ft. of torque @ 3700 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 14/20(2WD), 13/19 (4WD)

4.6-liter V8
292 horsepower @ 5750 rpm
300 lb.-ft. of torque @ 3950 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 13/20 (2WD), 13/19 (4WD)

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2008 Ford Explorer Sport Trac Consumer Reviews

Overall Rating

8.8

Out of 10

Based on 156 Ratings for the 2007 - 2010 models.

Review this car

Value

8.9/10

Quality

9.1/10
Reliability

9.2/10

Performance

8.9/10
Comfort

9.1/10

Styling

9.3/10

Dependable

By Mike (AZ) on Saturday, April 06, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 105,000

10 9.0

overall rating 9 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 9/10
Value: 10/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 10/10
Performance: 9/10
Styling: 8/10
Comfort: 8/10

Pros: "Safety, dependability, smooth ride, and capable"

Cons: "Ford doesn't make it anymore."

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"I am STILL very happy with my truck. I'm amazed how much it's kept its value! I have over 105,000 miles, and have had minimal problems. I purchased the extended warrantee when I bought my truck, and totally wasted the money! It's still very dependable, safe, and a pleasure to drive. After 5 years, I'm usually in the market to by a new vehicle, but not this one. I am very satisfied with my SportTrac...still!"

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I love my 2007 Sport Trac - BEST used truck EVER!

By Steve (PA) on Wednesday, October 17, 2012

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 48,000

10 10.0

overall rating 10 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 10/10
Value: 9/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 10/10
Performance: 10/10
Styling: 10/10
Comfort: 9/10

Pros: "Excellent ride & handling, great design overall"

Cons: "Gas mileage could be better"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"I recently purchased a previously-owned 2007 Ford Explorer Sport Trac with 48K+ miles. Love this truck! Handles and rides like a dream, extremely versatile, and great looking too (have only had it 3 weeks and I get compliments on it in parking lots all the time). Only gripe is that I wish it got better has mileage and had an auxiliary connection for my MP3 player (this 2007 was the first year of the remodel -- note: all later years have the auxiliary connection for the stereo). I have no idea why I never looked at this fantastic vehicle until now....but I am so glad I got one finally as they seem to be extremely popular trucks and they are holding their value. If you want a great sport utility truck -- the Ford Explorer Sport Trac is definitely the one to get!!"

5 people out of 5 found this review helpful

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Wonderful, reliable vehicle!

By Nancy (OR) on Sunday, September 23, 2012

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 20,000

10 10.0

overall rating 10 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 9/10
Performance: 10/10
Styling: 9/10
Comfort: 8/10

Pros: "fun to drive, versatle and meets all needs."

Cons: "none"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"It drives like a dream. I am sorry Ford has stopped making this vehicle. I had to search to get a fairly new one as they are popular."

3 people out of 3 found this review helpful

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This is my 2nd (2002 / 2009)

By NavMan (TX) on Saturday, August 04, 2012

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 67,250

10 9.0

overall rating 9 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 9/10
Value: 9/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 10/10
Performance: 10/10
Styling: 10/10
Comfort: 10/10

Pros: "Fun in the city, highway and the beach"

Cons: "Spare tire a size smaller"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"I like the style and handling of the Sport Trac. I have had many offers on the current one, I can not come to departing with it. My first was given to a relative and has been very reliable. I have customized the appearance with more chrome styling and added other details and it really stands out. The only thing I found wrong were the tires... it came standard with 18", however, the spare was 17", other than that, no problems. The color is dark copper."

1 person out of 1 found this review helpful

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a great shame ford has stopped making them

By Jimbo (FL) on Saturday, June 30, 2012

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 71,000

10 9.0

overall rating 9 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 9/10
Value: 9/10
Reliability: 8/10
Quality: 8/10
Performance: 10/10
Styling: 5/10
Comfort: 9/10

Pros: "great ride and can be a car or truck"

Cons: "poor visiblity out rear window rear headrests"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 9

"Ive owned numerous trucks in my 60 odd years, this is best veh I have ever owned, ride, handling, fantastic, sucks alittle to much gas but all trucks do. Gauges alittle hard to see especially gas gauge, 71,000 miles, routine maintance, expect one water pump. PLEASE FORD!!!!!!!!! bring it back, or I will have to go to another company when it becomes time to trade it in."

1 person out of 1 found this review helpful

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Drives like a car, cruise control, great sound sys

By Rolltidegirl (AL) on Friday, March 30, 2012

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 98,000

10 10.0

overall rating 10 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 10/10
Performance: 10/10
Styling: 10/10
Comfort: 10/10

Pros: "Gas mielage, dependability, low mateanence, comfor"

Cons: "small cargo area"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"Purchased in 2009 and only had one major expense, bearing went out in the drivers side front, it was still under my extended warranty so all I paid was the deductable. I get 9.2 MPG almost all interstate driving. Travel to/from work 106 miles 5 days a week. Comfortable ride, love the sound system and CD (multiple-5). Leather heated seats are great not only in the winter months. On cool morning in April/May nice. cold air, fold down rear seat that are flat, not just lay down. Extra leg room in the front and able to move the electric seat forward for rear passengers comfort. Like tre 4x4 truck bed with hard cover lid that locks, could use some more room when hauling lumber. Extra ports for electronics, front and back. Cruise control, radio, heat/air controls all on the steering wheel. Dimmer rearview mirror is great. Plenty of power with a V8 engine. Driving 30,000 miles per year this has been a great truck, wish they would have continued to make this model in 2012 so I could trade up. Love opening the slide moon roof, even in cool weather or tilt the top for fresh morning air, little noisy but just turn up the sound system and you will not mind it. Great fro pull my boat, extra tub type deep wells in the cargo area for bunge cords, gloves, small tools. Tie downs are great, the best ever, never have to worry about how you are going to tie off a load and secure it for safety, there are plenty of tie offs on this truck. The locking truck bed/lid combination are great and there is a hidden storage area in the back of the truck bed that is sealed so you can put in extra jacket, beach towels, items you don't want to get dirty if hauling something. No carpet inside the cab, this is great. Go fishing, get muddy, just take out the desiner mats spray the inside gently and vac out the water give it a few minutes and it's dry and ready to drive. Not too high off the ground but the runners are great if your a small person getting in and out. Love, love, love the puddle lights after locking up, they stay on longer that most to give you time to get past the truck or see the vehicle next to you. All in all this is a great truck to own and drive."

7 people out of 8 found this review helpful

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