2001 Explorer Sport Trac - The car of trucks! Or, truck of cars! Whatever it is, we love it...

A decade or so ago, anyone who drove a truck was a hard worker; a person with no attachments or obligations, a sort of free-floater. The lone ranger of yester-year is no more, and truck drivers are demanding more from manufactures. Truck lovers need room for four! Ford has never ceased to oblige, and its Sport Trac fits the niche perfectly.

Though it shares its wheelbase, drivetrain, and much of its basic structure with the Ranger SuperCab, this family hauler has bold lines bursting with personality. The Explorer portion of its nomenclature lets the public know that this is a Sport Utility Vehicle. The term SUV, in recent years, has been ripped apart by various makers and its doubtful that, in 5 years from now, there will be any difference between a SUV and a car. What makes the Sport Trac a Sport Utility Vehicle is just that, it's designed for sport and utility. Unlike other carmakers, which have literally shoved an extra set of doors on their pickup, the Sport Trac combines a utility box people love with the four doors a family needs. But, what makes the Sport Trac different is that it has drivability and usability unique to this fast growing market. Over 40% of trucks and SUV's have never been taken off pavement. The Sport Trac lets the everyday driver experience some real off-road conditions, and have fun doing it.

The 50-inch cargo box on the back is similar to other miniscule truck beds, but its bedliner is composed of Sheet Molded Compound, or really tough plastic. It's 100% corrosion safe and houses a power point that's shielded from the weather. The rear window retracts fully, and offers the rear seat easy access to the cabin. An aluminum bed extender can be used to push the bed to edge of the tailgate, but serious haulers need not apply. Its great for hauling beach gear, snow gear, and the occasional construction supplies; but some of the more heavy-duty goods can put the extender to shame; an optional, lockable hard tonneau cover is also available. Don't forget, this short bed is what makes the Sport Trac a Sport Trac, and not a truck!

The Sport Trac hasn't skipped on ruggedness inside either; with faux aluminum trim materials cover the door pulls and various bits of the instrument panel, and sports light gray-faced gauges. Leather on the seats is an option, but it looses the rugged touch. The standard seat is water proof and very easily cleaned. With durable rubber on the floor, dressed up with heavy-duty removable Berber mats, the Sport Trac was born for Sport. Ford's new CD stereo system accepts six discs right into the dash, so there's no more rummaging around in the trunk or glovebox. The center console is something straight out of Davy Crocket's ride. It's a durable, detachable console that has tons of zippered pockets, Velcro, and nylon. It's perfect for storing the usual stuff, but it can be taken out and carried around (via a handy shoulder strap) on a hike or trip to the amusement park. Rear seat room is more than adequate in most dimensions, but taller passengers should be quick to opt for the front seat. A second set of audio controls and climate vents offers back-seaters an added touch of comfort.

At first, Ford will only one offer one powertrain, fitted to both 4x2 and 4x4 models, the Explorer's 4.0-liter SOHC V-6. It cranks out 205 horsepower and 240 pound-feet of torque. Similarly, the only transmission available is a five-speed automatic, however, a five-speed manual will follow later this year. Lets not forget, the Sport Trac is intended for people and their lifestyle gear or home improvement trappings, as opposed to a pure workaday tool. With that in mind, the payload and tow ratings are adequate at (up to) 1500 and 5260 pounds, respectively. The combination of the V-6 and the automatic make a relatively smooth and quiet ride. Ride quality is better than expected from leaf-sprung, pickup-style vehicle, emphasizing the Sport Trac's outdoorsy nature. Wind noise is commendably low, and cracking open the power rear window brings a fresh surge of air into the cabin. This will make an exceptional family traveler.

Prices for the 2001-model Explorer Sport Trac will range from $23,050 (for the 4X2 model) to $25,820 (for the 4X4 model), including destination and delivery. There are people who want sport/utility attributes- including room for the family and aggressive styling-combined with some cargo capacity outside the cabin. The Sport Trac packs it all into one cleverly designed, superbly styled, and invitingly priced car, er, SUV, er truck, er "whatchamacalit." AZ AutoNetDirect.com.