2003 Ford Explorer Sport Trac and Sport: Overview

Vehicle Highlights

Available curtain side airbags for the Sport Trac highlight 2003 safety and equipment revisions for these midsize SUVs. Sport Trac mates a 4-dr SUV cabin with a 4-ft-long pickup-truck bed. The Sport model is a conventional 2-dr wagon. Both use the design of the now-retired 1995-2001 Explorer. A V6 engine is standard and comes with manual transmission or an extra-cost 5-speed automatic. Available is rear-wheel drive or Ford's ControlTrac 4WD that can be left engaged on dry pavement and includes low-range gearing. ABS is standard. For '03, Sport Trac gets the 4-wheel disc brakes already standard on Sport. Sport loses its available front side airbags, but Sport Trac gained optional head-protecting curtain side airbags at midyear. Newly available on both are heated front seats, and Sport Trac XLT versions can be newly outfitted as Adrenalin Editions with upgraded audio and wheels.

COMPETITION

New to the class this year, Honda Pilot has taken the lead as a Best Buy. It offers ample cargo space, seating for eight passengers, all-wheel drive with a locking rear differential for added traction, and above-average refinement. Toyota Highlander is our other Best Buy, chosen for its on-road competence, convenience, and attractive pricing and design.

Our Recommended choices feature more-traditional SUVs: Ford Explorer, GMC Envoy, and Toyota 4Runner. For 2003, all now offer optional V8 engines and--with the exception of 4Runner--three rows of seats.