| Explorer?
Isn't that an SUV? Why, yes. But the Sport Trac version of the popular Explorer
has been included in this compact truck buyer's guide since it embodies what it
seems compact trucks are evolving into themselves: SUVs with a bed. The
Sport Trac's four front-hinged doors open to a cab area that is virtually unchanged
from the Ford Explorer that we've known and loved for years now. That means that
there are sound ergonomics, elbow and legroom to spare, even in back, and all
the creature comforts you'd expect from a sporty Explorer. Sure, the price is
a bit higher that some of the 4-door trucks elsewhere in this guide, but the luxury
quotient is higher as well, with features like an optional power moonroof, available
leather seats, a power sliding rear window and, oh, did we mention ROOM to spare? All
Sport Tracs are powered by a smooth-operating V-6 that produces 210-hp as mated
to a 5-speed automatic transmission. And like any good truck, it's available in
2- or 4-wheel drive. The admittedly short cargo area is an interesting story,
though, made as it is out of ding-resistent composite material. It is an easily
reconfigurable space, however, with rigid bed covers and a bed extender available
as options. And the styling of said bed does interesting things for the funky
looking truck by sort of visually creeping under the cab with a curvaceous slice.
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