2K Ford Explorer Sport Trac's - II

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Comments

  • anonymousanonymous Member Posts: 314
    Where is the best deal on one? Has anyone payed invoice or less?
  • rjkunklerjkunkle Member Posts: 74
    Just spoke with ST brand manager. They are aware of the gas door problem and are working witht the factory to fix the problem. He said he does surf the chat rooms and has seen this problem come up often. I don't know if edmunds is one of his frequent stops.

    Are there any chatrooms I can also keep check of:
    1. edmunds.com
    2. clubs.yahoo.com-->sport trac club
    3. www.blueovalnews.com
    3. www.pickuptruck.com
    4. www.deja.com
  • ssicchissicchi Member Posts: 18
    I remember reading some where,how many ST were going to be produce the first year.Can someone let me know ?
    THANK YOU
  • rjkunklerjkunkle Member Posts: 74
    They were planning on 50,000 this year. Check this page out that was posted previously:
    http://cnnfn.cnn.com/2000/07/06/home_auto/q_mateja_ford/
  • dolphins66dolphins66 Member Posts: 78
    dennisc2 wrote: "Obviously Lisa justs posts and doesn't read what people are saying."

    Geez, if you're going to write that, look waaaaaaaaaaaay back in the postings and you will notice that I've been posting and READING what other people are saying. How long have you been posting and reading on here? And the only thing that I was posting about the ST was my opinion, just like everyone else. Based on the fact that I own an ST and have test driven the aforementioned Asian vehicles, I can also give my opinion on those vehicles. So, I'm confused...how do you figure that I don't read what other's are "saying" when I have actually posted answers to questions that other's have asked? Hmmm... Then again, perhaps there were a few that I did miss since I do have a life beyond posting to this board or any other. Have a nice day! ;-)
  • dolphins66dolphins66 Member Posts: 78
    (dennisc2) Sun 09 Jul '00 (06:18 PM)

    "ACTUALLY IF YOU CARE TO NOTICE, THE BANTER BACK
    AND FORTH ABOUT QUALITY ISSUES WITH THE NISSAN CC
    IS AMONGST JUST A FEW OWNERS, CAN'T BE SAID ABOUT
    THE FORD."

    #1 Just so you know, I read your post. Yippee!
    (Just a side note...SO FAR, "amongst" is not a word that shows up in the English dictionary but it really doesn't matter anyway.)

    #2 You are correct, there are some quality issues with the ST. Nobody is denying that. However, the issues are really not that big and have less to do with the true safety and actual mechanical quality of the vehicle. Ford has a fantastic "trac" record and I have faith in their product. No product is perfect because none of us is perfect. How can we create perfection if we are not perfect ourselves?

    #3 Who really cares? Each vehicle suits each individual differently. Aren't we each unique? That's why we are fortunate enough to have choices in the USA. We all have different preferences in people and things so we make choices based on those preferences. Isn't that wonderful that you are able to make those choices? I'd hate to see everyone driving the same vehicle. HOW BORING! I guess in the end, none of this really matters now, does it?
  • tiz2tiz2 Member Posts: 4
    What do you ST owners think of the removable console? I am about to purchase a ST and I am considering ordering one after the 29 of July so I can get the hard console, I am not completely sold on the standard issue.
    Do you like or dislike the soft, removable console?
    Your feedback would be appreciated.. Thanks in advance.
  • fordsporttracfordsporttrac Member Posts: 300
    Dislike,

    I assume a overwhelming dislike is why ford is discontinuing it.
  • dolphins66dolphins66 Member Posts: 78
    Don't have the soft one...felt it useless for our needs. BUT, others have posted they like it and that it works well for them. We have the leather seats w/ high series console and really prefer that...it just "looks" better and neater to MY eyes.
  • bigdogst1bigdogst1 Member Posts: 22
    Just got a call from my dealership wanting to to follow-up on the cargo cage issue (problem solved 3 weeks ago). Also asked if there was anything they could do better. I told them to check out the postings on this page because there's some information that is invalueable to keeping the customer satisfied. Also got the word that my A.R.E. cover will be in on Thursday and installed that day!!!
  • craig002craig002 Member Posts: 32
    if I had it to do over, I would order the high series console, but I like the cloth seats. I had leather in my last three vehicles, two from Ford F-150 land, and it is nice to have a dry shirt at the end of the trip.
  • zack1000zack1000 Member Posts: 84
    fordsporttrac---

    You are wrong, the soft console is not being discontinued. It is still being sold on all sport tracs that do not get the cloth upgrade or leather packages.
  • tractiontraction Member Posts: 141
    I didn't like it at first but have grown to like it. I like the open space available in between the console and the small console under the instrument panel.
  • roussinroussin Member Posts: 1
    Any one received one? YET! We have been told they are shipping in the order they have the orders.. I sure need mine! Our mileage has been between 9 & 14 .. city, hi-way, with & with-out A.C. !! We need the cover to over come the high prices of fuel.
    We own a 1985 GMC Safari Mini van, since new. The worst mileage was 12 city & 18 Hi-way.. Normal Hi-way, 70 mph 24 mpg.! Something is not right!!
    The TRAC is our hope for better things to come. I love it! I spent all day Saturday, prep and Liquid Glass the Machine!!
  • tractiontraction Member Posts: 141
    has anyone noticed how the power door buttons
    remain lit for a while after you shut off the
    vehicle so you can easily find the buttons at
    night......

    Has anyone noticed how the hexagon pattern on the
    step bars matches the pattern on the top of the
    pickup bed, and the front grille, and the speaker
    covers and the horn section of the steering wheel,
    and the rear bumper and...and.....
  • b_ran10b_ran10 Member Posts: 12
    Yes,traction,I've noticed all those things you've mentioned. Looks like some thought behind all that. At first I thought the buttons stayed lit because they had some kind of phosphorus properties,like watches of old,but,alas..no,just a delay switch to keep them on. Nifty though! I prefer the soft console and also like how it is split,a piece under the dash as you describe. Who cares what Lisa says anyway..put it to rest.
    You know..those "hex" patterns throughout the design mimics the shape that bees use to store honey...watch for bees honey in your grille! They've been sighted in Texas clogging ST grilles,thus lowering mpg's and increased overheating! Wait..no..that was a dream I had. I also had a hard T-cover on my ST in that dream.First one to get the cover better post a photo..it includes bragging rites too!
  • tomboy1tomboy1 Member Posts: 6
    Hey, I can't believe no one has commented on my last post about faulty transmissions. (see #226). I really would like my husband to get an Explorer, but I also want more input on the transmission. If what they say is true and the ST's have the same faulty transmission, we may all be in trouble. I feel better knowing I bought the extended warranty. You guys may first want to read the comments under the "Explorer Transmissions" topic.
    By the way, I ordered and ARE lid, also. It should be here any day now.
  • mwrstl1mwrstl1 Member Posts: 4
    I had a 98 Explorer before I purchased my Sport Trac. I loved the Explorer and had no problems with the transmission. Both vehicles had the same engine (4.0 Liter SOHC V6).

    I am even happier with the Sport Trac. The ride is better, I like the versatility of the design and I love the rear window opening. I do miss some of the feature of the Explorer - namely the automatic headlights and rear-view mirror, the Kleenex holder in the console (okay, I really miss the console), and carpeting.

    Hope you're as happy with your ST as I am with mine.
  • jab1964jab1964 Member Posts: 21
    I believe that the problems mentioned eariler have been cleared up. My friend has a 2000 ranger with the same transmission, and he has spoken with someone who works on ford products, and says that this current transmission is BULLET PROOF. that was his words. I would be more concerned with the problem with the chain tensioners, which is supposed to have finally been addressed. I bought the extended warranty also, just in case.
  • fordsporttracfordsporttrac Member Posts: 300
    Thanks for the correction. I'm not sure where I got the discontinued from. So the correct answer would be the cloth bag only comes with the standard ST in Run #2.
  • rjkunklerjkunkle Member Posts: 74
    How can anyone like the CC. My friend's dad bought one because he wantede something cheaper to use in the yard and for grocery shopping.

    The back seat of the CC is usless. There is no more room than the king cab/supercab. All nissan did was add 2 doors. When I climb in my shoulders hiot the b and c pillars, my foot gets stuck between the b pillar and the from of the back seat, then because the seat is so upright my head hits the ceiling, while my head is hitting the ceiling my knees are at my chest because the driver and passenger can't give up any legroom.
    The CC has the squared off lae 80's dash. I don't beleieve it has changed much since then.

    My ST has none of these problems. I can sit in the back seat with the front seat in the full rear position. The back seat has a comfortable rack to it. The ST has it all over the CC in the power catagory. The ST's dash has not changed much since the 95 explorer, but that is still better than the 80's.

    Why I purchased a ST.
    1. Ford! I have 4 ford at my house
    2. America Made
    3. Unique and nicer than the more expensive 4 door explorer


    To see a picture of my ST go to club.yahoo.com and look at the pictures in the sport trac club.
  • fordsporttracfordsporttrac Member Posts: 300
    I'm not sure about the rest of you folks but I vote we keep the topic strictly ST. I already read both the ST and the CC vs ST topics and I prefer not to read the same thing twice.

    This is a democracy but my vote is keep this topic strictly ST.
  • sporttrac1sporttrac1 Member Posts: 13
    Count me in. I too think this should be strictly ST info. For what it's worth I have all doors painted under the bottoms.Mine was made on 2-23-00. I have toreador red, 4x2, 4.10 limited slip, pre. sport group, convenience group, 6-disc, cloth comfort group...sticker price when it came said 26,060 including des. and delivery...I paid 26,719...I would like to know if this is what people wanted to know about how close to invoice they paid ? I also would like to see what others paid...List your options too...Also my dealer is just fantastic...He knows SPORT-TRACS...He is at ELK GROVE FORD ELK GROVE,CA...His name is Bryan Clark...Elk Grove Ford is sooo lucky to have a man like that working for them...
  • shiue1shiue1 Member Posts: 9
    Got my ST this past weekend from Payton Cramer Ford in Torrance CA. Island Blue, 4X2, Conv & cloth Group, Cargo Cage, added Side Step Bar. might upgrade to 16" tires when I have to replace the current 15" ones. Just bought an A.R.E. Tonneau cover. Doors are all painted and no problem with the gas door, but vibration at slow speed while turning is there. Paid $24,100

    One problem I've noticed is that when you are trying to lower the spare tire with that tire iron contraption, you have to be very careful to avoid rubbing against the bottom of the tailgate. anyone else notice this yet?
  • rjkunklerjkunkle Member Posts: 74
    If you read what I post you will know that I
    am strictly ST. I thought everyone would get a laugh at what I had posted. By no means was it to start the charade that is going on in the other board. That board it purely an argument board, unluck this helpful and informative board.

    Thanks, and stay off my back.
  • sporttrac1sporttrac1 Member Posts: 13
    post #283 I forgot to say that my 26,719 also included 2,000 for the 7yr. 100,000 extended warranty...shiue1...good post I'll check my tire iron contraption...
  • denverdavedenverdave Member Posts: 13
    Had my ST in for an adjustment to the trim around the moonroof and asked them to take a look at my door bottoms--overspray only on all four.

    The dealer's bodyshop reported that this is typical for ford trucks being delivered these days. However, there is no exposed/bare metal. There is a clear "e-coating" that is applied to the metal which is why it feels (at least somewhat) smooth. No one could tell me what the "e" stands for...

    Don't know if this is truth or c.y.a., but the dealer has recorded the info in my record and I have a copy in case of corrosion that might occur after the warranty period.
  • fordsporttracfordsporttrac Member Posts: 300
    I highly doubt you have any help 6 years from now. And I have to wonder if they will even be able to find your information in 6 + years.

    They are hoping you'll sell it first and stick someone else with the problem. I'm going to insist they repaint the doors on my ST. I plan on having it done when my fuel door is fixed.
  • melvin7melvin7 Member Posts: 32
    What is the extended warranty and how much is it? I will only drive about 12000 miles a year and I don't know if it will work for me. also mine has been on order since 5 June and I don't have VIN or build date or anything else except my dealer said the upgraded radio is going to cost me $303 more dollars because they are not using the Pioneer 6cd changer any more. He said it was a audiophile system, whatever that is. Any info would be appreciated.
  • stinhoutxstinhoutx Member Posts: 47
    I will try to go back and read through the topics tonight to see if I missed it, but what was the result of the inquiries about brakes?

    Some folks mentioned that two were disc brakes and two were drum. Both Edmunds and the Ford websites list "4-wheel disc brakes".

    Thanks.
  • fordsporttracfordsporttrac Member Posts: 300
    Mine is Disk Front, Drum Rear. Maybe Run #2 will be all disk.
  • sporttrac1sporttrac1 Member Posts: 13
    The extended warranty I got was 7yrs.-100,000mi. It covers even the paint and seats from fading or stains...either will be replaced for 100.00 deduct.It covers the engine against wear...It doesn't have to be broken...(internal parts)the engine gets replaced...Oh, the paint and seats are covered as long as I own the ST...
  • fordsporttracfordsporttrac Member Posts: 300
    Still looking for any kind of input on my post #259 about the Ford system IV alarm.

    Does your alarm sound when entering using the keypad?
  • vader327vader327 Member Posts: 1
    Very interesting. My local dealer's body shop guy took one look at the bottom of the doors on my ST and scheduled me in for 7/24 to paint the underside. I spoke with the body shop mgr. and he said that he saw the same thing with the sliding door on the Windstar vans. The sales people told me the same thing about the e-coating, though.
  • reb11reb11 Member Posts: 5
    FYI: "E-coating" simply is a primer layer that is applied to the body panel using an electrodeposition process. The part is dipped in a bath of e-coat primer and the bath is then electrically charged to bond the primer to the part. The color topcoat (i.e. basecoat/clearcoat) is typically applied over the e-coat, sometimes after another layer of primer.

    Incidently, my black 4x4 appears to have topcoat even on the door bottoms, although I looked while in a parking garage and it was hard to see.
  • tractiontraction Member Posts: 141
    Both the Explorer and Ranger have received
    Consumer Reports 'Best Picks' and Consumer Reports
    does not report any problems with the transmission. The ST uses the same tranny as both the Explorer and Ranger. Also, JD Powers * recently rated the ST's kid brother the Ford Ranger higher in quality than the Toyota Tacoma and Nissan Frontier. The transmission seems to have a pretty good Trac record. Not to dwell on a subject, but the Mazda B-series truck was rated THE highest quality pickup by JD Power*, it also uses the same tranny as the ST.


    * source: J.D. Power and Associates 2000 initial
    quality survey as reported by Reuters
  • b_ran10b_ran10 Member Posts: 12
    I haven't had a peep of a problem this 1st 1500 miles.Tranny is smooth,quiet and stays in gear while going up or down hills on way to Prescott..as in not shifting up and down like other slush boxes that are constantly searching for the right gear. The 5spd was a surprise to see,I expected a 4spd for sure but 5?!! Works great for me and my wife. As far as the brakes being disc/drum..no problem stopping within a comfortable distance, ABS works great also. How much better can 4 wheel disc be? I'd take it for sure but what's here is more than adequate!
    My door bottoms are not smooth and will be painted the 1st chance I can leave it.
    Anyone having a problem with how the rubber seals look that go around the windows? Mine are spotted/streaked. I haven't tried Armorall or any special cleaner yet. The dealer said they would replace if I so desired. Any suggestions as to what might change the appearance?
  • gspatgspat Member Posts: 1
    My husband and I are getting ready to order our new ST and I am reading all your comments with alittle worry. What seems to be the trouble with the paint on the doors and the gas tank? I want to make sure there is enough room in the back seats for my family. Is there a problem with leg room or is it ok? We have not seen one or driven one so we are buying it blindly. We are a military family ordering it from overseas. I would love any input you all have. thanks, Sheri
  • dolphins66dolphins66 Member Posts: 78
    The ST had more room in the rear than even the 4-door Explorer. It has PLENTY of leg room for adults to fit quite comfortably. You can compare the dimensions yourself on Edmunds. My husband and I do not have the paint problem on the doors. Some have reported just a little overspray on the bottoms of the doors but Ford dealers are taking care of that. As for the gas door, sometimes it rubs on the fender when opened BUT Ford is also coming up with something to fix that. These problems are all very small in the grand scheme of things. The ST runs great and rides more smoothly than any other truck I've ridden in or owned. Highly recommend.
  • lambchoplambchop Member Posts: 24
    My husband sold a 94 Exp w/70k and a 98 Exp w/35k. We did not experience tranny problem with them.

    On my Island Blue ST the doors are not painted. The shudder problem was very pronounced the first couple of weeks. Now with 2K miles it is greatly reduced. The gas cap rubs. I just did the mpg for the first time and it was 17mpg. That is mostly short trips and AC full blast. (very hot here in TX)

    I had a friend that rode with me last week that had bracelets on her right arm. The arm rest on the passenger side is all scratched up now. I don't think that they should scratch that easily.
  • fordsporttracfordsporttrac Member Posts: 300
    So far all the problems are cosmetic except the power steering shudder which I did not notice until I read about it here. Its not really a big deal.

    Since you are just ordering, you would get an ST out of Run #2 which I suspect "ALL" the cosmetics would be already solved. Ford just had a scheduled shutdown at their plant and they use this time to reprogram all the robots and retool anything that is required.

    As far as rear leg room its better than I expected. You will seat 5 very comfortably
  • shelltake8shelltake8 Member Posts: 6
    Received e-mail from Ford today stating any outstanding orders on 2001 Sport Trac are in the process of being converted to the new specifications for the vehicle. With a scheduled build date of July 17-24, I will, apparently receive the high series console with the cloth comfort group and hopefully have some of the minor problems fixed.
  • dberndtdberndt Member Posts: 45
    So when the plant starts working on Job #2, am I going to get the 6 disc in dash CD player? I have heard many of you say that your dealer has come back to you and told you it would be more money for the 6 disc CD player because Ford was changing things.
    My build date is 8/7-8/14 for an Estate Green fully loaded 4x4(minus the elusive tonneau). I really don't want to hear that the dealer is going to come back to me and ask for more money after the fact. Do they 'grandfather' you in if you signed your contract already? I expect they don't or won't because we are, after all, talking about money.
    I am also considering having the dealer KEEP the vehicle to fix everything BEFORE I take delivery. This way, I won't have to be so sad to give it up, not to mention how inconvenient it is to give up your transportation that you love.
    Can't wait for my baby to get here!!!!!!!!

    Feed me your thoughts please!
  • dberndtdberndt Member Posts: 45
    I forgot to say that I did order the 6disc in dash CD with my order on 6/10.
  • stinhoutxstinhoutx Member Posts: 47
    ShellTake8,

    When you say you received an email from Ford about your SportTrac, is that from your dealer or had you registered in some way to receive the update from Ford (proper)?

    Thanks.
  • greenwadegreenwade Member Posts: 24
    Shelltake8: Do you have an e-mail address so I can get an update on my truck?
    My email is ggreenwade@txchiro.edu if you don't want it publickly known to the world.
    Thanks, GG
  • tractiontraction Member Posts: 141
    There is no problem with the gas tank, the issue is some STs plastic gas door slightly rubs the plastic bedwhen it opens. It is a slight interface issue.

    I had the power steering shuttering but it went away after about a 1000 miles. I think air needed to be purged out of the system. I had a friend with a 95 Explorer who experienced the same situation, also went a way.

    The rear seat is VERY roomy and has as much room as the regular Explorer. It is also VERY easy to get in and out of the rear seat, especially compared to other 4 door trucks I looked at.

    The rear seat is also functional in that you can fold down 1/3, 2/3, or the whole seat into a flat area for carrying stuff.

    There is also covered storage behind the rear seats as well as the new child seat attachments.
  • zack1000zack1000 Member Posts: 84
    gspat---

    The rear leg room in the back is great. I keep the front seats pushed all the way back and there's plenty of leg room for adults to sit comfortably.

    It seems like there's more room than many "family" midsize cars I've rode in.
  • zack1000zack1000 Member Posts: 84
    dberndt---

    In regards to having the dealer keep your ST to fix the problems, not every sport trac has every problem (although it may sound that way from reading this board)

    My gas cap does not rub, I have paint on the bottom of all of my doors, and the only shimmey that I've noticed is a little pulse when navigating into a parking space (and that goes away when I give it some more gas).

    I'd check out these things for yourself and verify they are problems before you have your dealer fix them.
  • obr123obr123 Member Posts: 18
    Hi...

    The Sport Trac that I ordered will be (Island Blue - Leather "Tan" - Sport, Conv, 4:10 LS, Moonroof, & 6-CD.

    Order placed on the 14-Jun and have a build date per dealership purchase rep of 24-Jul with a delivery date of 1st or 2nd week of Aug.

    I spoke with a rep at Ford Customer Service and he said I should get a "order #" & "Body Style #" from the dealer and call them back and they can track the truck for me.

    The purchase rep at the dealership indicated to me that I have been moved from the 4-spk 6-cd to the 6-CD Pioneer but she has told me of no additional cost.

    I looked around a few websites and found were they are offering to different upgrades.

    The Pioneer and the Boston Acoustics.

    Are these one in the same?

    When I comapare them they read the same but the Pioneer states that its amp is 290 watts and the Boston Acoustics does not.

    Also I wonder if they are gonna try and stick those of us with build dates of 24-Jul or later with the $1000 from the now standard manual transmission to the optional automatic transmission.

    Any thoughts on these two issues?
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