Picture Gallery: 2008 Ford Sport Trac | Day 1 | Day 2 | Day 3 | Day 4 | Discuss
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This week I am driving the 2008 Ford Sport Trac Limited AWD-V8; phew quite the mouthful. The obvious: this is a truck by Ford, it is all-wheel drive (otherwise known as 4×4 in the truck world) and it is powered by a V8 engine. The not so obvious: the Sport Trac is available in both 4×4 and 4×2 and it is available with two engine choices: a 4.0-litre V6 engine and my tester’s 4.6-litre V8 engine.
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Unlike the F-Series trucks with their multitude of box and body choices, the Sport Trac is only available in one body style, a four-door with a short box. It is more of an SUV with a box than a box with a cab and is geared more towards the urbanite.
My tester’s interior is loaded with items such as a navigation system, leather bucket seats, bluetooth phone and stereo support courtesy of Microsoft’s Sync technology, dual-zone climate control and a good amount of space in which to get comfortable.
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Although I may not have any big trailers to tow or huge loads of dirt, I know my readers really want me to make the best use of my test vehicles. I already made some use of the pickup box by purchasing a lawn mower and hauling it home with the Sport Trac.
I have a few other projects to complete as well, so having this vehicle this week will be greatly appreciated.
2008 Ford Sport Trac
MSRP as tested (including destination): $47,114
For more information on Ford and the Sport Trac visit Ford Canada
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To be specific the Adrenalin package deletes: step bars, the reverse sensing system, wheel lips and the roof rack, while adding: 20″ polished aluminum wheels, large black grill, different fenders and front and rear fascias — giving the Sport Trac a lowered look without actually lowering the ride height, fog lamps, running boards, some badging and leather seats which are not heated.
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The interior of the Sport Trac is multi-dimensional — very truck like with a simplistic design, ample interior arm, leg and headroom yet luxurious with leather, comfort and a lot of sound insulation.
The 8-way adjusting driver’s seat combined with the adjustable pedals make it a breeze to get comfortable. Rear leg room is sufficient although for the size of the vehicle not extremely generous, head room is ample in the rear as well and entry and egress is easy.
Both the Microsoft Sync system and DVD based navigation system are easy to use and they are both intuitive. I was able to find a home out in the country (usually the more difficult ones to find) on my first attempt at entering the address; the directions were clear and easy to follow as expected.
The Sync system connected to my cellphone using bluetooth without a hitch and Sync was added as a device to my phone as a wireless headset as well as stereo speakers allowing me to play music from my phone over the truck’s speakers — cool! Unlike the commercials though I don’t think I will be expecting everything to understand me like Sync does.
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What I have noticed is this truck does appeal to the youngsters because of its sporty looks but it also appeals to the older generation. The older gentleman that I purchased my lawn mower from was extremely impressed by the interior and exterior of the Sport Trac.
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Although powered by a fairly powerful combination the Sport Trac doesn’t feel exceptionally fast — perhaps it is my fear of gulping down the fuel which is holding me back a little on the accelerator. Out on the highway the sound deadening is extremely evident as cars creep into your mirrors and blind spot and you never hear them.
The limited model comes with a reverse sensing system, but this is deleted from the Adrenaline package — I wish it had it, especially when backing up in parking lots and watching the car disappear behind you and you start to have to guess were the rear of the truck is and the front of that roof sticking up.
The Sport Trac is surprisingly nimble though, more so than the Eclipse I had last week (in parking lot maneuvers) — if that makes any sense. Parking lot maneuvers are not much of a problem, and on the road it feels like it handles pretty good I’ve been taking corner perhaps a little fast for a vehicle as high as the Sport Trac — that speeds surprise you because of quiet the cabin is.
What about the box? Is it useless? Well not entirely, I was able to pickup a lawnmower with it some 7 foot lumber and some 10 foot metal beams to brace my garage door. They were all sticking out fairly far though, an extra foot or two on the box would certainly make it much more practical.
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It doesn’t make much sense to me really — if you could drive a full cab F-150 and achieve the same gas mileage as a Sport Trac which has less utility than an F-150 why buy the smaller truck? I suppose it appeals to those that may never need the larger capacity — but I’m not sure what you gain besides driveway space.
Needless to say I didn’t achieve stellar fuel economy this week — the Sport Trac has an estimated rating of 16.8/10.8L/100km (city/highway), I achieved 13.7L/100km all highway so I don’t think you will ever see that 10.8 in normal driving — glad I didn’t do any city driving as that could have been scary.
But all in all the Sport Trac is a very stylish and comfortable truck; it really is a great urban vehicle with some utility if you need it, but you better budget for the fuel costs. Even the 4.0L V6 model is rated similar at 16.0/10.8 L/100km so there is not many ways to save fuel with this truck — unless you park it.
*Rating out of 5:
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*Rating based on vehicle’s classification
2008 Ford Sport Trac
MSRP as tested (including destination): $47,114
For more information on Ford and the Sport Trac visit Ford Canada
to our site.
April 16, 2008, 11:48:56 am
We do indeed live in a time of high priced vehicles, especially when you look at top-line versions of anything beyond the compact car class. For me it hit home when I realized that a loaded CRV can easily hit $50,000+.
Try checking off a few option boxes and see what the price can climb to.
April 16, 2008, 12:00:42 pm The links from the blog preview at the top right of the forum header are broken.
April 16, 2008, 12:12:05 pm
We do indeed live in a time of high priced vehicles, especially when you look at top-line versions of anything beyond the compact car class. For me it hit home when I realized that a loaded CRV can easily hit $50,000+.
Vehicles are actually extremely cheap these days, they are at the lowest prices since 1991 in relation to income!! You can get a Lexus for $31,900! My dad paid $59,000 for a loaded 1992 300zx Twin Turbo. His income has doubled since then, and car prices have decreased. For $59,000 you could buy something that would walk circles around the 300zx in terms of performance, reliability, etc...
As far as the whole arguement that the base $31,900 IS250 is not well equipped, I am sure it is better equiped than any 1992 fully loaded ES300. Did those even have keyless entry? Let alone Smart Key.
April 16, 2008, 12:14:01 pm It looks like a boy racer truck that has taken to much of a testosterone injection. It certainly wants you to take notes. But is has to much grill at the front. Like the new Aveo. Or like someone else here said an Audi.
April 16, 2008, 12:16:16 pm
April 16, 2008, 12:17:03 pm It's the trucks that are getting pretty expensive these days ...
April 16, 2008, 12:31:41 pm $50,000 for a truck is NOT expensive here in Alberta.
April 16, 2008, 12:36:49 pm
Wow, Alberta really is awash in more money than sense then!
April 16, 2008, 01:09:53 pm The Adrenalin Package is the exact body styling that was originally intended for the SVT Sport Trac that was cancelled a couple years ago. Although there was much moaning when Ford cancelled the SVT version, the current 4.6L/6-speed auto combo isn't that far off.
Very true.
April 16, 2008, 01:23:56 pm
Just for giggles I priced an LX-4WD base model (complete with ugly wheels) with no options M$RP of 29,790. Once done with freight & (BC) taxes & 2.9% financing for 60 that baby nets out to 37,860. Tick off just the 17" alloys to ditch the ugly steelies and you're adding ~2,850 to the MSRP
April 16, 2008, 01:26:12 pm How much is the Adrenaline Package? I don't see it on ford.ca.
What does it add, replace?
April 16, 2008, 01:28:25 pm jcon, I just got the info today, I'll post up all the info tonight.
April 17, 2008, 08:34:13 am Thanks for pricing James!
I am curious about a couple of things:
1) Why on Earth did they erase the heated seats???
2) and more importantly What is the difference between the AWD system and the 4x4 system? I see that Ford.com (the US site) lists both as options but not so in Canada.
April 17, 2008, 08:35:54 am The AWD system doesn't do low / locking like a 4x4 system. That's all the info I got, I believe it's an ondemand system like the one in the Taurus X.
April 17, 2008, 11:18:26 am Fifty large gets you close to an A4 avant. All the all-weather capabilities, double the resale in 4 years, 30-40 percent better fuel economy, better road manners, similar storage capacity minus ability to haul "dirty" jobs in the 4feet by 4feet bed. I don't get this truck. Pick ups, make sense for towing/hauling. These jobbies neuter the best assets of the truck and fancy pants it up with bling wheels that will scrape off the chrome as soon as you hit the trail.
Cost of living affects care prices 5-10%, Lack of sales tax cover that for those in Alberta.
April 17, 2008, 11:25:11 am
Cost of living affects care prices 5-10%, Lack of sales tax cover that for those in Alberta. Mark up on SUV's are the highest in the car market not withstanding exotics. Again, I don't get them unless there's a genuine need for off-road work or towing hauling. Last time I checked Alberta has some of the best Roads in the Confederacy.
April 17, 2008, 11:36:03 am
Cost of living affects care prices 5-10%, Lack of sales tax cover that for those in Alberta.
Well not everyone can afford a fleet of different cars for different jobs. And comparing a A4 Avant to a SportTrac truck is totally irrelevant.
April 17, 2008, 12:09:24 pm Can't wait to see the fuel "economy" over the week
If I needed a useless truck, I'd get a base Ridgeline. It's ugly, but wayyyy-better packaged IMHO.
April 17, 2008, 12:14:50 pm Whoa, you didn't just call the Ridgeline a truck did you?
April 17, 2008, 12:18:17 pm
Cost of living affects care prices 5-10%, Lack of sales tax cover that for those in Alberta.
OMG, cars are less expensive than trucks? No joke. You could make the same argument about any truck, including my wife's V6 4x4 double-cab Tacoma.
April 18, 2008, 03:00:29 pm I would imagine that a bed extender is a must for this vehicle.
Re: Adrenaline Package - They seems to have removed the most useful tech features - back-up sensor, heated seats. Hmmmmmm....
Wing - I'm curious about the your fuel economy? I bet it's extremely thirsty but comparable to other vehicles in the class.
April 18, 2008, 03:13:16 pm Adrenaline Package completely transforms this truck. HUGE improvement in appearance. Never thought the chrome fit the front end of the truck, but was tidy otherwise.
Did they remove the 'Explorer' part of the name with the redesign?
April 18, 2008, 09:45:41 pm
Ouch for the Eclipse.
April 21, 2008, 12:13:38 pm
Actually, I called it a "useless truck"
April 21, 2008, 04:27:48 pm Bah. A prospective buyer would be much further ahead in locating a low mileage 3 year old Dakota Quad cab for under $20k. It has the minumum length bed (5 1/2' ish that is required for a truck bed to be useful. (ie. haul dirtbikes.