2002 Ford Explorer Sport Trac and Sport: Road Test
2002 Ford Explorer Sport Trac and Sport ▼
- MSRP: $21,355 - $28,490
- Invoice: $19,496 - $25,846
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Our road test for the 2002 Ford Explorer Sport Trac and Sport includes a full evaluation of the 2002 Ford Explorer Sport Trac and Sport from the inside out. We evaluate not only engine and handling performance for the 2002 Ford Explorer Sport Trac and Sport, but also interior cabin and cargo space. Let our comprehensive road test ratings for the 2002 Ford Explorer Sport Trac and Sport help you decide if a 2002 Ford Explorer Sport Trac and Sport is right for you.
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ACCELERATION
| Sport Choice 2WD | Sport Trac Premium 4WD | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 5 | 5 | 4.7 |
V6 provides good off-the-line power and fine around-town response, feeling overtaxed only in highway passing or on mountain upgrades.
FUEL ECONOMY
| Sport Choice 2WD | Sport Trac Premium 4WD | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 4 | 4 | 3.8 |
Test Sport and Sport Trac models averaged 15-16 mpg in our tests, about par for a 6-cyl midsize SUV. Ford recommends 87-octane regular-grade fuel.
RIDE QUALITY
| Sport Choice 2WD | Sport Trac Premium 4WD | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 2 | 4 | 4 |
Sport Trac has a longer wheelbase than the Sport, and a far better ride, though it's still unforgiving over sharp bumps, especially the 4WD model. Sport has a bouncy, unpleasant ride on most any surface.
STEERING/HANDLING/BRAKING
| Sport Choice 2WD | Sport Trac Premium 4WD | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 2 | 3 | 3.5 |
Sport Trac has more-accurate steering and takes corners with slightly less body lean than Sport, though both handle with reasonable balance and confidence.
QUIETNESS
| Sport Choice 2WD | Sport Trac Premium 4WD | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 3 | 3 | 4 |
Not car-quiet, but not excessively loud for a truck-based wagon, though tire and wind noise rise markedly with speed.
CONTROLS
| Sport Choice 2WD | Sport Trac Premium 4WD | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 7 | 7 | 6 |
Straightforward and logical, but a mild stretch to climate controls. Power window switches are illuminated. Sport Trac's novel back window powers up and down at touch of dashboard button--great for ventilation. Materials range from serviceable to leather-fancy, workmanship is solid.
ROOM/COMFORT/DRIVER SEATING (FRONT)
| Sport Choice 2WD | Sport Trac Premium 4WD | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 6 | 6 | 6.2 |
Step-in height is slightly taller than SUV norm, but there's plenty of room and a comfortable driving position.
ROOM/COMFORT (REAR)
| Sport Choice 2WD | Sport Trac Premium 4WD | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 2 | 6 | 5.1 |
Sport Trac's rear seat is roomier than that of any compact crew-cab pickup. There's ample space for two adults, and three can squeeze in. Sport's 2-dr body makes getting in and out a real chore, and for cramped accommodations once aboard. Seat in both models is hard and lacks much shoulder support.
CARGO ROOM
| Sport Choice 2WD | Sport Trac Premium 4WD | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 7 | 6 | 7.7 |
Good in-cabin storage, and both models' split rear seatback folds in single motion without removing the headrests. Sport has ample cargo room and separate-opening liftglass. For Sport Trac, we recommend the optional cargo cage that effectively lengthens the bed about 2 ft. Both models have undercarriage spare-tire storage.
VALUE WITHIN CLASS
| Sport Choice 2WD | Sport Trac Premium 4WD | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 2 | 5 | 4.5 |
The uncomfortable 2-dr Sport is of limited appeal, while the Sport Trac has a deserved following based on its unique blend of passenger space and open-bed versatility.
Total Score
| Sport Choice 2WD | Sport Trac Premium 4WD | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 40 | 49 | 49.5 |
Total Score: 40
Scores for all Midsize Sport-utility Vehicles
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