As a long-time fan of pick-up trucks, Ford products have never failed to impress. The vehicles aren’t timid on the power scorecard, nor do the truck products lack in the amenities arena. So it’s probably not a surprise that the Explorer Sport Trac – a vehicle that meshes SUV and truck attributes – is viewed with affection. Sport Trac’s second row 60/40-split bench seat provides real room for adults as well as the traveling group’s gear, groceries and other goods. (Stuff can be stowed in the 4.5-foot truck bed and protected underneath a hard tonneau cover, a $595 option.) The 2008 Sport Trac adds features to the standard fare list, including fog lamps, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, and a power rear window. New for 2008 attractions also mean more on the options lists, including Ford Sync (the voice activated communications system that also provides a hands-free way to use your Bluetooth-enabled cell phone in-vehicle). The Sport Trac – offered in XLT and Limited versions – can be fitted with a V6 that delivers 210 horsepower at 5,100 rpm and 254 pounds-feet of torque at 3,700 rpm, or a V8 that produces 292 horsepower at 5,750 rpm and 300 pounds-feet of torque at 3,950 rpm. The V6 mates with a 5-speed automatic transmission while the V8 mates to a 6-speed automatic transmission. Sport Trac’s body is on a fully boxed frame. The 4x4 vehicle with V8 weighs a hefty 4,830 pounds, which is a primary reason why the estimated mileage counts are somewhat soft at 13 city/19 highway. Maximum towing capacity is 7,000 pounds for the 4X4 with V8. The maximum payload capacity for the V8 powered 4X4 is 1,450 pounds. MSRP of Explorer Sport Trac 4X4 with V8 is $28,505.