2008 Ford Explorer Sport Trac XLT Review - The Truck That's Not A Truck

My thoughts on the 2008 Ford Explorer Sport Trac with the 4.0L V6 and 5 speed automatic transmission!
Merch & Blog: www.ZackPradel.com
Special Thanks To: Spencer Shipley
Packey Webb Ford
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DISCLAIMER!
The thoughts, feelings, and opinions expressed in this video are the sole thoughts of Zack and no one else. The purpose of this video is to provide entertainment with the hope that you will take what you see and formulate your own opinions. I highly recommend consuming other reviews of this vehicle before making any form of financial decision.
#Ford #ExplorerSportTrac #FordTrucks
Timecodes:
0:00 - Intro
1:26 - Engine / Transmission
3:53 - Trim Levels
4:23 - Interior
6:36 - BFB Test
6:52 - Interior
7:25 - Back Seats
8:20 - Trunk / Cargo Space
9:49 - Exterior
10:23 - Final Thoughts
12:12 - Outro

[@eugew23]

I have a first gen ('02) model of this truck with 200k miles and I have come to the same conclusion. It's the best of both worlds if you are the person who wants a decent daily but can occasionally haul light things. I'm surprised that these weren't more popular back in the day and I'm seeing that this type of vehicle is resurging today (Maverick, Santa Cruz, etc).

[@danzeldiaz7447]

Santa Cruz is a Ute not a truck

[@notasolution]

These are literally mavericks before there was a market for it. And the 4.0 timing chain issue was fixed in like 03 this generation very rarely has that issue

[@rathalomaniac6212]

Kinda, but the Maverick is a dramatically superior vehicle by comparison. It's nearly 900 pounds lighter with nearly the same power output and twice the efficiency, and it manages to be ten inches shorter despite retaining a full-sized cabin and a longer bed than the Sport Trac. The only thing the Sport Trac can do better right now is tow and that's only because Ford decided to arbitrarily forgo adding a tow package to the hybrid Mavericks this year. Properly outfitted hybrid Mavericks will probably be hauling 3,500-4,000 pounds by next year, especially now that Ford has seen the demand for cheap compact pickups. The Sport Trac is a bad buy these days. It'd be smarter to wait a few years and get a nice used hybrid Mavvy. It is kind of a neat collector's item, though.

[@notasolution]

@@rathalomaniac6212 the sport trac was way stronger and will outlast any maverick. The sport trac is body on frame, much more rigid and solid for actual truck use like towing or off roading or hauling. The Mavericks are also built like garbage compared to the sport tracs. The little turbo motors will be lucky to see 150k and the Mexico made transmissions probably will only dream of the 150k that the engines will be lucky to see. The hybrids have cvts, you're not towing anything more than a jetski or 2 no more than a handful of times before you burn it out, it was not designed to tow or haul. But reguardless, the maverick is a 4 door short bed light duty truck, like the sport trac and they look very similar to me as well. Although I'd much rather put my money on the sport tracs 4 liter v6 or the 4.6 v8 to last me a while reliably over the Mavericks turbo motor and mexico made trans, or its cvt or hybrid battery pack. The sport trac will just keep chugging. Not to mention the sport tracs proper 4wd system with a proper low range transfer case but uk, depends what u need a truck to do really

[@rathalomaniac6212]

@@notasolution I think you're romanticizing the merits of body-on-frame construction. The only reason why current BOF vehicles are employed for heavy utility is because heavy-duty BOF variants are really easy to design and cheap to manufacturer. Some C-channel frames aren't even particularly strong. Unibody construction can be just as strong as BOF construction as long as it's properly implemented, and any frame will last when constructed with longevity in mind. Also, the hybrid Maverick doesn't have a CVT, it has an eCVT (which is considered by some to be the most durable type of transmission overall). I'm not saying that it's implementation is particularly good, because I honestly don't know. All I can say is that the underlying technology is extremely mechanically sound.

[@rathalomaniac6212]

@@notasolution Having a dedicated 4WD system does put the Sport Trac more in like with mid-size trucks in terms of utility, though. You're right about that. What I don't understand is why anyone would want a mid-sized truck with a gimped bed and terrible fuel efficiency when you could have a mid- or full-sized diesel instead. They're much more efficient and can do truck stuff easier. It seems like the Sport Trac is trying to fill a niche as a commuter's utility pickup, but its bed is too short, its engine is too weak and its frame is too heavy. It's both underbuilt and overbuilt for what it wants to accomplish.

[@notasolution]

@@rathalomaniac6212 get in a wreck with a unibody and then get in a wreck with a body on frame and lmk which one youd rather be in

[@FERDABO1S]

i got a 2008 v8 with almost 300k miles hehe she rips tho

[@JuanTomlinson472]

Was it the adrenaline model?

[@FERDABO1S]

@@JuanTomlinson472 no “Limited” or something

[@gbpf57]

I own a 2010 limited since 50,000 mi. Now has 128,000. Other than a couple front wheel bearings this truck has never let me down. With the price/delivery on new vehicles I decided I might just keep this for another 100,000 as I don't foresee any problems. It's a great size, tows 5000lbs and digs through snow without issue.

[@brentmurray474]

I just bought a 2009 limited and was wondering about the weight rating of the hitch since I noticed they all have them and 5000 is very surprising for such a little truck!

[@mr.2cents.846]

That's because the vehicles in the 2008-2012 years had the right balance of modern technology and analogy. The 2010-12 Escapes are just as good and reliable.

[@aaronsnook9109]

Pretty typical for the stock wheel bearings. I replaced mine myself with cheap ones the first time and they went out a year later. Then, I ponied up the cash for some quality Timkens and haven't had a problem since.

[@garrettraakman6465]

Ah yes the American Subaru Baja! Very quirky car/truck/thing! One of my neighbors has one. He seems to like it.

[@notasolution]

They are a pretty awesome rig with the 300hp v8 if its equipt. Great power for a mid size truck like these, they'll throw you back in the seat a little and sound great doing it

[@HobbitOfChaos]

It’s actually like a 4 door ranger 😂

[@danzeldiaz7447]

The official name of this body style is Ute. That’s what they called them in Australia.

[@Kamikazekims]

It's called a ute

[@hecku]

2005 Sport Trac was my first vehicle and I absolutely adored it. I wrecked it while listening to music and going 65 around a corner like a dumbass and I've missed it ever since.

[@mr.2cents.846]

Just get a new one. At least a 2010 Adrenalin with a V8 and slam a supercharger on it. King Of The Road

[@jeeprubicon6650]

This vehicle is actually a very good vehicle. Yes, I know its not made for towing or HEAVY duty, but most of the time (even in full size trucks), they are hardly used for heavy duty stuff. So in that sense, why have a huge truck that you hardly use for what its intended. This light duty truck has served me fantastically well. I carry bikes, dirt, large items and at a crazy cost savings due to its size. If I needed to carry a lot of items, which I have, its there to help me. Also, the design is not dated. Its modern looking, easily customizable and have zero regrets buying it.

[@chrisbarnes9438]

I had one and wish I had it back. Now I have to get another. Ford should not have killed this truck.

[@bwofficial1776]

I'm surprised these and Avalanches haven't become more desirable like old Rangers and Tacomas recently have. As trucks have gotten bigger and more expensive, demand for reasonably- but still useful-sized trucks has gone up. See: the new Maverick and Santa Cruz. Ford (again) and Hyundai realized that there's a market for people who don't need a 20-foot-long truck and 10,000 pounds of towing capacity to pick up a few bags of mulch at the hardware store or park at the mall.

[@mr.2cents.846]

That might be because most people don't know about them since they were build until 2010.

[@smokey-smore]

Ford got the look alright the avalanche looks like a shitty Honda ridge line in my opinion

[@danzeldiaz7447]

Yeah, they finally bought the modern day. El Camino and Ranchero back. The maverick is more of a Ute than a truck. The Santa Cruz is not a truck at all. It’s a Ute it says so it’s self.

[@dougmackinnon8636]

I drive the exact vehicle shown. 14 years and 220k miles in the rust belt. In the 5 years I’ve owned it: Trans rebuilt, custom drive shaft, radiator, both front wheel bearings 2 of 4 CV shafts, instrument cluster, ABS module, a handful of rubber lined suspension bushings, crank dampener, water pump, some vacuum issues, all new front end wearables, upper control arms, rear suspension links, 3” lift kit. My wife hates it but I can’t figure out why???

[@danzeldiaz7447]

Ask your wife if she hates El Camino’s than that’s why

[@rpmautoreviews9249]

thats not good. some good reviews and always bad ones.. considering one for 2nd p/t use

[@brentmurray474]

The dead switches in the limited are for the information center which has more options and the 4x4 auto, 4x4 high and 4x4 low. Limited also has the same radio but mine has a 6 cd changer, Bluetooth and hands free calling. It also has digital duel side climate control with auto functions. The driver seat is electric and both front are heated, so it feels a lot more modern then the XLT would.

[@Jason-fp7vi]

Very lovely review, but might be worth mentioning the issues with the cologne timing chains had been fixed for several years prior to the 2008 sport trac. I believe Ford ironed out those issues in 2004

[@Dmccraw1998]

that makes me feel better, I just picked up an 07 with the 4.0 with 96k miles and that was one thing I was worried about with that engine.

[@mr.2cents.846]

Actually I'm surprised that an engine made in Germany in a of so low quality.

[@chevymontmarlo]

​@@mr.2cents.846 Cause it wasn't really German made. It's a redesigned American engine with the name.

[@franky-fr9ow]

​@@Dmccraw1998how's ur 2007 sport trac coming along

[@GulfCoast98]

I've had a 2010 Sport Trac Limited for over five years and really like it. As you pointed out; it's comportable and rides like a car. Mine gets nearly 25 mpg highway and averages over 19 mpg. I owned a couple full size trucks before the Sport Trac and don't care to go back. They are just too big.

[@mr.2cents.846]

Do you have the V8?

[@GulfCoast98]

@@mr.2cents.846 No,. It's the 4.0 6cyl. And I drive like an old lady. I'm thinking about buying a Hyundai Santa Cruz or Ford Maverick when dealers stop marking them up $10k

[@mr.2cents.846]

I heard a few times that the V8 gets a tiny bit better gas mileage.

[@mr.2cents.846]

I like the tall shifter. It's so masculine. Especially when you have the V8. Love the retracting rear window.

[@cartalks5226]

I have an 02 top trim when I got it it only had 94k miles on it and not it only has 117k miles and it’s fantastic like you said doesn’t drive like a truck it’s perfect for someone who wants that bigger but not so big truck you can tow somethings with it and you can put quite a lot of stuff in the bed the rear seats fold flat which it super nice and parts aren’t super crazy expensive because the motor like he said was in a lot of ford vehicles and most of the truck is regular explorer so if your looking for it has multiple power outlets so ya if your looking for one you definitely won’t be disappointed

[@dave11686]

I like these and in that generation you can get a 4.6 V8

[@lohndavis3794]

I have a 2005 sport trac. One thing I like about it, a lot, is that the back seats lay forward flat. Makes for a nice pad to bed down for the night on road trips. I like the truck, don’t think it’s a mistake. It is safe and enjoyable to drive. No hot rod nore luxury sedan but does get you from A to B on time and is comfortable enough. And the style is, well what can I say ? Look at it !

[@turbo_alice]

that outo is making my day :) thanks for using it :) (i must admit i didnt actually watch the review since i'm not intrested in this truck model, but i was playing it while doing some 3D modelisation for a car part reproduction i plan on selling later on, if i can make it well enough

[@richardr5888]

It's for someone that needs a pickup sometimes, but needs a back seat that's actually useable and comfortable. Today's midsize trucks still have bolt upright seating and not as much leg room. These Sport-Tracks have become increasingly desirable and have used prices to reflect that. I want one- the Adrenalin with the V8 looks great even after all these years

[@danzeldiaz7447]

I just want a V-8 Holden Ute

[@cptchuff2741]

There are tons of these around still for the amount they made. Great video

[@CFKort]

I have 2007 limited 4x4 with the v8. Not great mpg in town, but parks easy enough in downtown area. Main complaint is fake chrome bubbled so I removed and blacked out. Great for road trips camping

[@spirtjunkie3996]

I have an 05 sport Trac that I've loaded 2200lbs of dirt in the bed multiple times. No problem at all. It's a real truck

[@jacobbenns6090]

A guy I go offroading with has one of these with a 5spd and the 4.0, its pretty solid tbh

[@sofloflow]

Ive taken mine out & it does well until things get wet / muddy

[@badeshka1]

Nice Video! I used to always think these things were really cool back in the day.

[@mr.2cents.846]

They still are. 😎

[@SlackersIndustry]

i really enjoy the big back window that lowers itself.

[@furmanmackey5479]

Given a choice between an Explorer Sport Trac in the condition of '08 you covered in this video and a brand-new Maverick I would have to go with the Sport Trac.

[@danzeldiaz7447]

Does the sport Trac come with a six point something liter engine?

[@bismuth4847]

It was brought back because the Ridgeline was introduced. They're extremely similar vehicles.

[@jesusmejia1334]

This truck is actually really nice. The cab looks spacious enough for passengers while still looking like an f150.

[@sladeturner885]

My first car was an 04 ford explorer sport track with no reverse drove it for 6 months till the timing jumped still loved it tho

[@mikeeygq]

I had the limited. The interior was the same with all the plastic. But still lovable.

[@eskimochild87]

I've always liked the Sport Trac especally the Adrenaline

[@mr.2cents.846]

I'd love to find one as Adrenalin with V8 and navigation package. In lightning blue. ❤️

[@jonathanmagness5370]

I had a friend in high school who had a 1st gen Sport Trac

[@42luke93]

Those are better. They’re more truck-like than these later ones.

[@dannybeeler9817]

Six speed was in 07 4.6

[@SlackersIndustry]

well its more trac than the maverick, how things are changing.

[@donkellar9816]

I have an old one with every option on it it has 244,000 miles on it it's on its third motor and ready for the 4th but because of the timing chains, but I will just keep finding motors putting it in keep driving cuz I love it I got an 0-5 with 290,000 mi on it all it needs is rebuild a front end and we'll do that next week

[@mr.2cents.846]

Out a V8 in it. Or get the newer gen model with V8.

[@MrScarrier1976]

'05 sport trac adrenalin. Love it!

[@Trenton-om9qs]

There are a few of these around where I live. They are so weird but kinda cool.

[@ThatOneKiidThere]

I own a 4.6l v8 and its the nicest thing! Ive got oversize tires on it with nice rims, gonna throw some engine mods at it and an exhaust kit. BE CAREFUL OF LIFTING THESE, they dont take a lift well with stock upper control arm and ball joints. You have to buy extended upper control arms to get the alignment right after a lift kit

[@Soulintent95]

I always thought these things were rangers and perhaps a limited release package since you dont see many of em. Found out recently they are explorers. I like these things, and im someone who only likes half tons primarily. I see at least 2 a day but they are the same 2. Ones yellow which actually looks kinda good on it.

[@jeremiahthomas1385]

O cool you got one with a sunroof that's one I would like to have.

[@jaspereves6661]

I own the 2010 sport trac and for the complaint with the cup holder, I don’t know about the older model and different trim levels but with mine it has a plastic insert that makes the holder smaller and if you pull it out it could fit bigger stuff

[@E_LPacked]

First gen had that. I think it’s an option because my 2007 Limited doesn’t have it. I miss that

[@E_LPacked]

I have a 2007 Sport Trac limited and I love it, I owned a 2002 Sport Trac beforehand.

[@franky-fr9ow]

Is the 2007 limited version worth owning

[@E_LPacked]

@@franky-fr9ow yes as long as it’s the 4.6L V8, 4.0 has issues. Also rust is a major issue on cab corners and back of the cab. I sold my sport trac in June 2023, I have a 2023 Ford Maverick now

[@franky-fr9ow]

​@@E_LPackedwhat issues the 4.0 have

[@coreybadeaux1440]

The 4.6 that comes in these are. It in Vic's it's a 3v same as in the 04 to 2010 f150 and 05 to 2010 mustang gt

[@jaypechart]

Have an 04, still going strong, um it’s a midsize truck 1/4 ton, perfect for my boat, your funny.

[@lastmanxa]

6r60 was first lunched in 2007 v8 sport trac and i own one until now with 400 miles so fare and no issues

[@mr.boostang2064]

400k miles on the same transmission and engine?

[@lastmanxa]

@@mr.boostang2064 yes 467 thousand kilometers to be exact

[@lockhart8858]

Thx ☺️

[@rockykillela5957]

Where can I get 2oo8 and how much will it cost? thanks

[@666SmAcK]

What are your thoughts on car prices ATM? I am looking to buy a car but i'm having a hard time paying near or above new car prices on 10 year old cars...

[@ShootingCars]

They're crazy right now but I don't see an end any time soon. Keep hunting, there's a deal out there somewhere.

[@mr.2cents.846]

@@ShootingCars I love your positive outlook. And you are right. Life has a way of surprising us.

[@jeremiahthomas1385]

The ranger at the time did not have 4 doors just two with an extended cab

[@danielhill3112]

Now, I'm curious to know whether or not you've reviewed a Chevrolet Avalanche (or its twin cousin, the Escalade EXT)

[@ShootingCars]

Not yet!

[@notasolution]

My favorite was the envoy xuv

[@josephjosephbaska6655]

I like these little trucks I think there Ford's answer to the Subaru Baja

[@mr.2cents.846]

If you're still reviewing cars you should test drive a 2010 Sport Trac Adrenalin with V8.

[@danzeldiaz7447]

Why were some vehicles some Ford vehicles being killed off around this time? Especially this time from about 2007 to 2016 First, they killed off the Fairlane in 2007 Then they killed off the WinStar/free store around 2009 then they killed off the sport tracks around 2010 or 2011 then they killed off the crown Victoria around 2012 then they killed off the falcon unfortunately around 2016 2017 But they still use the falcon platform for the maverick Which is weird

[@Ace-44]

If Ford would have put the 4.6 2v instead of 3v I'd buy 1 of these.

[@TCS86]

Still gets the death rattle & must have the engine pulled. About $3-4000 repair if done correctly.

[@taddkaylor3966]

Yo the bottle test was incorrect that cup holder has an insert you can pull out. Totally would have fit

[@SlackersIndustry]

the way he talks about the timing chain issues like its no big deal lol its catastrophic engine failure

[@mr.2cents.846]

I'd slam a two track timing chain in it. Than again I'd get the V8.

[@thealliedspy4170]

"Don't worry BRO, you got a non-interference engine brooooo." lololol

[@kg7yts187]

Looking at getting one of these! So done with my Chevy Trailblazer.

[@godztitan3545]

Wheres the emergency light?hazard light?

[@mr.2cents.846]

Somewhere in the backseat. 😁🤣

[@E_LPacked]

Hazard light button is on the steering column

[@vincentmiller7332]

I kind of find it stupid that the sport trac get a power outlet in the bed but the F150 did not get one until 2021

[@joshjohnson6163]

The 4.6 was a way better engine upgrade than the old 5.0 liter option offered for these back in the day, it only made 5 more hp and got way worse mileage In the early 2000s year.

[@sylviakelbey919]

I now own a 2008 ford explorer xlt .it ok it's used 168 ooo .I can't bitch it get me we're I want to go only think the transmission slips and don't shift right .I can not bitch about it. It still on the road for what I need when it. Brakes I'll get it fixed tom

[@GengarZ28]

I don’t think you done this year explorer .

[@rafagasantoy8936]

FUEL PERFORMANCE ?

[@steves5]

2009 Adrenalin with the 4.6L v8 that I have gets 21-22 mpg loaded with camping gear in back on highway doing 65 mph. In town, 14 to 15 mpg. Gteat truck with 150,000 miles. Tows a 3600 lb camper with ease.

[@mr.2cents.846]

@@steves5 Crazy thing is, I heard the V8 gets a little better gas milage.

[@E_LPacked]

My 2007 V8 is lucky to get 16 MPG

[@brendanleonard1375]

Nice car but got hit by one that ran a red light so I hate all of them now😂

[@danzeldiaz7447]

The Holden Ute should have been sold in the USA

[@danzeldiaz7447]

I’m glad that Utes are coming back like the maverick and Santa Cruz Because we really need car based pick up trucks the maverick is based off of the falcon. The Santa Cruz is based off of the Tucson. There is a modern equivalent of the El Camino and Ranchero.

[@_avi_mageek8275]

I could use one a dem

[@thealliedspy4170]

yeah

[@nathanwright8616]

attention honda ridgeline owners

[@mustasheolll2020]

The Ridgeline is best second the avalanche, this looks cheap and just didn’t age well.

[@notasolution]

I think these aged way better than both the avalanche and ridgeline and I'd much rather have a sport trac with the 300hp bulletproof 4.6 than the j35 or the avalanches garbage transmission and transfer cases, but to each his own. I think it's a pretty common opinion that avalanches are hideous though, along with ridgelines. If you like em though, more power to ya

[@mustasheolll2020]

@@notasolution I do like first Gen ridgelines and that dash look so futuristic for a mid 2000s car.

[@mustasheolll2020]

@@notasolution This Ford is ugly sorry

[@E_LPacked]

These look way better than first gen ridgeline / avalanche

[@mustasheolll2020]

@@E_LPacked I’m sorry but I find these hideous

[@cburnham2559]

Was with you until you started with the fake accent and called a 250/350 a 150. Thumbs down.

[@jglide20]

Ford should have kept making them.