Ford Sport Trac? (explorer)

[Manny]

Dude.....you want a truck or an SUV?

Do you specifically not want a full size truck?

[OreoGaborio]

Yeah, I don't want/need a full size... most of my driving is commuting into Boston so MPG's are a concern and I'd like something with decent back seats.

I might just say "fuck it" and get a nice sport sedan & throw a hidden hitch on it. Wouldn't be the first time. It's worked for me for 5 years, no reason I can't stick with that. I was just hoping to get a small pick-up for the convenience of throwing a bike in the back if needed.

[Pittenger5]

Busa

[butcher bergs]

I had one for a little while a few years back, one bike fits in the back no problem, but with the V6 not a lot of balls to pull a trailer with an additional bike on it. Matter of fact it was pretty miserable pulling a trailer. Add to that the 12 MPG and I ended up taking a beating on a trade just to get rid of it. I expected the thing to be more like a truck and less like a car but it was the opposite.

It's a bit surprising to read some of this. I wonder if there's a significant weight difference between the Ranger and the SporTrac as the V6 engines are very similar, if not, exacts.

My Ranger's currently towing a single axle enclosed trailer which has been fully loaded with a rolling toolbox, two bikes with supporting items plus a bed full of tires while still returning 16+ MPG. The only time the trailer becomes a handful is when experiencing strong crosswinds. Other than that there seems to be enough power on tap as the trans hasn't kicked down more than one gear on steep inclines and there's still plenty of gas pedal to go.

I'm curious what the differences are between these two trucks.

[Manny]

Yeah, I don't want/need a full size... most of my driving is commuting into Boston so MPG's are a concern and I'd like something with decent back seats.

I might just say "fuck it" and get a nice sport sedan & throw a hidden hitch on it. Wouldn't be the first time. It's worked for me for 5 years, no reason I can't stick with that. I was just hoping to get a small pick-up for the convenience of throwing a bike in the back if needed.

Yea, I hear that, but let me tell you, the full size pick up is convenient as anything.

From what I have been told the MPG bet the full sized and the small guys isnt that significant.

On the flip side my buddy just picked up a new Saab 9-3 for short money with the 0% for 72 months. He plans to tow an open trailer, I have heard they are very good tow cars. Only GM can find a way to give free money for 6 years when they are bankrupt.

[Doc]

Yeah that's what the back seats are for

And bed length is another concern.... Anyone know if you could squeeze one or two in there with the tailgate down?

I measured my Duc and it would fit with the tail down... sideways no problem.

[obsolete]

It seems like you're wants and needs are very conflicted. I think you need to look at what you will be doing in it the most and base the choice off that. There are always options to getting a bike to the track but paying far to much for gas for your ride to work everyday just to make 20 days out of your life a little bit easier seems a bit to much.

[Mondo]

Pete, why not go for a F-150 if you are looking at Fords?

I got my 2004 F-150 FX4 extended cab for 12.5K and have had zero issues with it. Its not bad, get about 15-16 MPG's with it. Its great in the snow, and obv can tow anything. They are strong reliable trucks. Only thing is parking in boston might be a hassle I guess.

[DuncanMoto]

Wirelessly posted (BlackBerry9000/4.6.0.297 Profile/MIDP-2.0 Configuration/CLDC-1.1 VendorID/102 UP.Link/6.3.1.20.0)

I had one for a little while a few years back, one bike fits in the back no problem, but with the V6 not a lot of balls to pull a trailer with an additional bike on it. Matter of fact it was pretty miserable pulling a trailer. Add to that the 12 MPG and I ended up taking a beating on a trade just to get rid of it. I expected the thing to be more like a truck and less like a car but it was the opposite.

It's a bit surprising to read some of this. I wonder if there's a significant weight difference between the Ranger and the SporTrac as the V6 engines are very similar, if not, exacts.

My Ranger's currently towing a single axle enclosed trailer which has been fully loaded with a rolling toolbox, two bikes with supporting items plus a bed full of tires while still returning 16+ MPG. The only time the trailer becomes a handful is when experiencing strong crosswinds. Other than that there seems to be enough power on tap as the trans hasn't kicked down more than one gear on steep inclines and there's still plenty of gas pedal to go.

I'm curious what the differences are between these two trucks.

Come look at the frame on my Exploder. I'm pretty sure it's beefier than an Explorer.

[DuncanMoto]

Wirelessly posted (BlackBerry9000/4.6.0.297 Profile/MIDP-2.0 Configuration/CLDC-1.1 VendorID/102 UP.Link/6.3.1.20.0)

I mean beefier than a Ranger.

[Chippertheripper]

I had a 05 frontier. Still only got 16-17 mpg (70 mile round trip commute)
not the greatest vehicle ever built IMO.

[seth399]

If what people are saying is true about decent used being 15k and up then f that. It's not going to do anything u need it for "great". Not great for towing, commuting, bike carrying etc

[klepsta]

Weren't the Sport Tracs voted one of the most unsafe vehicles for a few years. May have had something to do with the rollover issues Ford was having though? If you are looking for a mid-sized truck, but still want a bed big enough for a bike or 2 why not get a Tacoma? They are a bit more expensive, but their retail value is incredible, and the trucks last forever.

If mileage is a concern, I drive a Ram extended cab, 8 foot bed, and I get 15mpg city, 17-18mpg highway, around the same as most mid so small sized trucks.

[Paul_E_D]

I know this is off the mark with the truck guys, but my honda element does everything you want it to better than any small crewcab. With the 5 speed manual, it tows well. With the rear seats removed you have a cavernous (and square) gear hauler/mini camper. I can roll 4 bicycles in with front wheels on! 20mpg. Easy city driving/parking. After getting it filthy, just sweep it out, no carpets.

Only down side is that it's not as rugged as a truck suspension wise, but that's only really occasionally an issue.

[BMFR6]

F150

good solid truck should get a good one for you$$

silverado 1500 extended cab. plenty of room for your bike and plenty of room for your gear. take it from a guy that has done the small truck thing while racing, it's not worth it. get the right tool for the job. look for pre-owned, the deals are out there.

[1/2pint]

what about a honda ridgeline?

[obsolete]

silverado 1500 extended cab. plenty of room for your bike and plenty of room for your gear. take it from a guy that has done the small truck thing while racing, it's not worth it. get the right tool for the job. look for pre-owned, the deals are out there.

Pete has an open trailer the size of his bike. The right tool for the job could be a pair of roller skates.

[BMFR6]

Pete has an open trailer the size of his bike. The right tool for the job could be a pair of roller skates.

but would it be easier to pull the trailer on skates or with a truck?

[obsolete]

Agreed, but what I'm getting at is if he pulls that trailer he can get something smaller with better MPG and fufill another of his wants.

[KawiSmurf]

Pete, along the lines of the Sport Trac, the Dodge Dakota Quad Cab of the same era (early 2000s) was a similar vehicle (it was a direct competitor), but had a bit longer bed, and more engine options. I never owned one, but just thought I'd mention it as something to look at.

It's a bit surprising to read some of this. I wonder if there's a significant weight difference between the Ranger and the SporTrac as the V6 engines are very similar, if not, exacts.

I'm curious what the differences are between these two trucks.

Pulling some quick numbers off of Car and Driver's website, looks like the Sport Trac is about 4337 lbs, while a Ranger (similar to yours) would be about 4020. That's about a 300+ lb weight difference, that probably lends a bit to the discrepancy. But you're right about the engine, its the same 4.0L, which really hasn't changed at all over the years.

[ssg]

what about a honda ridgeline?

I didn't want to be the first one to suggest it...but you should be able to haggle or find a good condition 2006 RTS (middle of the line) with 60k or so miles for the price you're after. Just look for one with a vin ending higher than 45000 and a mfr. date after 09/15/05.

It's the best vehicle I ever owned, although I did recently trade mine in and downsized a bit since we have another SUV in the household.

Plenty of room inside, awesome trunk which will fit a 96 gallon cooler and then some, with a bed long enough and wide enough to fit 2 streetbikes if needed, or 3 dirtybikes with some staggering.

[NobodySpecific]

Had a friend that used to have a Sport Trac, and he dumped so much money into it fixing all sorts of "little" things. Finally the suspension gave out and he traded it in for a Ridgeline. He said he would never go back.

[obsolete]

I think Daniel has one and loves it. I could be mistaken but I’d let him chime in cause talking over him is like shot gun blasts.

[seth399]

I think Daniel has one and loves it. I could be mistaken but I’d let him chime in cause talking over him is like shot gun blasts.

ya he gots one and has said he likes it

[ssg]

I know at least 3 folks on this forum other than me had/have them, speak up lurkers.