2002 Ford Explorer Sport Trac and Sport: Overview

Vehicle Highlights

Sport and Sport Trac carry on for 2002 with their 1995-vintage Explorer design, their 4-dr wagon companion having been replaced by the all-new 2002 Explorer (see separate entry). Sport is a 2-dr wagon. Sport Trac has a 4-dr SUV cabin, but gets a 4-ft-long pickup-truck bed in lieu of an enclosed cargo area. Both use a V6 engine with manual or 5-speed automatic transmission. They offer rear-wheel drive or Ford's Control Trac 4WD that can be left engaged on dry pavement and includes low-range gearing. ABS is standard. Sport has 4-wheel disc brakes, Sport Trac has rear drums. Front side airbags are optional on Sport but unavailable on Sport Trac. For 2002, major option packages are designated as separate models called Value, Choice, and Premium. Also, Sport Trac's fuel tank increases to 23 gal, from 20.5.

COMPETITION

This is by far the hottest market segment right now. Crowded with more than 20 vehicles, midsize SUVs vary in size and type but nearly all seat five adults and offer V6 or V8 engines. Our Best Buys are the Acura MDX and Toyota Highlander. Both offer competence, convenience, and attractive pricing and design. They lack serious off-road 4WD systems, however.

Our Recommended choices feature more-traditional SUVs: the Dodge Durango, which offers optional third-row seating; the top-selling Ford Explorer; the utilitarian Nissan Xterra; and the refined GMC Envoy. If you don't venture off-road too far take a look at the car-based Lexus RX 300 as well.