2008 Ford Explorer Sport Trac in Princeton, WV - $14,499

Strong, nimble and responsive, the Explorer Sport Trac is based on the popular Explorer four-door SUV. Last year, the Sport Trac added the following standard features: a drop-in storage bin with power points, Safety Canopy side curtain airbags, fog lamps, leather-wrapped steering wheel, power rear window and one-touch up/down power driver's window.

For 2009, the Explorer Sport Trac adds standard Trailer Sway Control. Working with the automaker's AdvanceTrac vehicle stability control, Trailer Sway Control determines from the yaw motion of the vehicle if the trailer is swaying and takes measures -- such as precise braking or reduced engine torque -- to bring both vehicle and trailer under control. Also new this year is a voice-activated navigation system with SIRIUS Travel Link.

Offered in XLT and Limited trim levels and available in two- or four-wheel drive configurations, base power for the Sport Trac is provided by a large displacement 4.0L V6 joined to a 5R55W5 five-speed automatic transmission. A refined 4.6L V8 powerplant bolted to a 6R six-speed automatic transmission is an available option. The standard rear axle final drive ratio is 3.73, while the optional limited-slip rear axle is 3.55.

Sport Trac's available Control Trac four-wheel drive (4WD) system delivers additional traction on demand. Controlled by three buttons on the center stack, the driver can choose 4x4 Auto, 4x4 High or 4x4 Low for the best application of handling and grip in all conditions.

Designed to meet a driver's "passion for the road and the trails beyond", Ford applies the best of Explorer's engineering and ruggedly dependable running gear. That means the Sport Trac is now fully loaded, starting with a robust fully boxed frame that is over five times stiffer than the previous model, a larger, dent and scratch resistant composite cargo box and AdvanceTrac with Roll Stability Control.

Other class-leading features of the Sport Trac include three gear bins, integrated into the cargo box floor. Weather-resistant lids and removable drain plugs help make them perfect for a wide variety of activities. A standard 12-volt powerpoint located in the cargo box makes powering auxiliary equipment such as an air compressor, spotlight cooler or camping stove easy.

The Sport Trac rides on a fully independent suspension that takes advantage of the vehicle frame improvements. The control hardware incorporates a short-/long-arm, coil-over-shock design upfront, a patent-pending trailing blade that features a stamped-steel arm with an integrated casting for the knuckle attachment and welded steel-tube control arms at the rear.

The result is that this new suspension offers significantly better handling over smooth and rough surfaces.

Inside the passenger cabin, the long wheelbase and wide track delivers class-leading interior accommodations, including above average rear leg room.

Inspired by the larger F-150 pickup truck, the Explorer Sport Trac defines what Ford calls a "tough luxury" theme. Bold, confident and tough, the Sport Trac boasts an interior that adds a level of sophistication and refinement. For example, Tuflor floor covering is standard -- offering motorists a hose-out, wipe-down convenience from middy or snow covered boots. Standard cloth seating is comfortable and supportive, while displays controls and switchgear are clean, modern and easy to read and operate.

The 60/40-split rear bench seat is comfortable for three adults. The seat folds down to add cargo hauling functionality for those items that need to be safely secured under lock and key.

Dimensions & specifications

Wheelbase: 130.5; overall length: 210.2; width: 73.7; height: 72.5.

All vehicle measurements are in inches.

Engine: 4.0L V6 -- 210 hp at 5,100 rpm and 254 lbs-ft of torque at 3,700 rpm; 4.6L V8 -- 292 hp at 5,000 rpm and 315 lbs-ft of torque at 4,000 rpm.

Transmission: five-speed automatic with overdrive, six-speed automatic with overdrive.

EPA fuel economy: 4.0L V6 -- 14 city/20 hwy. (2WD), 13 city/19 hwy. (AWD); 4.6L V8 -- 13 city/20 hwy. (2WD), 13 city/19 hwy. (AWD).

Payload capacity: 1,390 lbs.

Towing capacity: 7,160 lbs.

Safety features

Dual front airbags, front seat-mounted side-impact airbags, side-curtain airbags with roll-over sensor, four-wheel disc brakes with anti-lock, trailer sway control, AdvanceTrac vehicle stability control system with Roll Stability Control, SecuriLock passive anti-theft ignition system, tire pressure monitoring system, fog lamps, battery saver and remote keyless entry. Limited adds SYNC communications system and automatic headlamps.

Optional safety features include a navigation system and a remote start system.

Warranty

Basic: 3-year/36,000 mile, bumper-to-bumper.

Powertrain: 5-year/60,000 mile.

Corrosion: 5-year/unlimited.

Roadside assistance: 5-year/60,000 mile, 24-hour.

Pricing

The base Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) for the 2009 Ford Explorer Sport Trac starts from $27,460 for the XLT 2WD up to $35,830 for the Limited AWD model. Destination charges add $815.

#####