In its second year on the market, the 2002 Ford Explorer Sport Trac continued to attract buyers who were looking for the comfort of a midsize SUV combined with the versatility and cargo capacity of a pickup truck.

One trim style was offered for the '02 Explorer Sport Trac, but Premium and Choice options packages allowed drivers to upgrade their rides efficiently. The entry-level Value package came with 5-speed manual transmission, but it nonetheless offered some features like power door locks and windows, anti-lock brakes, and an integrated CD stereo system. The Premium and Choice packages brought upgrades to interior comfort and features, as well as automatic transmission. Buyers also had a choice between rear-wheel and four-wheel drive.

The 2002 Explorer Sport Trac filled a new market niche, dubbed by Ford the "sport utility truck". Although the hybrid design wasn't for everyone, it definitely struck a chord with plenty of buyers.

Only one engine choice was available with the '02 Ford Explorer Sport Trac, a 4.6 liter single overhead cam V6 that put out 203 horsepower and 237 lb.-ft. of torque. That may not seem like a lot for a vehicle with a 125.9-inch wheelbase, but drivers seem to feel that the Sport Trac has plenty of power. Optional bed extenders are available enhance the pickup's cargo capacity, and the Sport Trac has found a real niche as a job-site workhorse.

Gas mileage wasn't too scary; rated at 16 mpg city, 20 mpg highway, the Sport Trac was less of a guzzler than a lot of other sport utility vehicles on the market.