4 Star Reviews for 2004 Ford Freestar

Overview & Reviews

Average Score

3.70/5 Average
145 Total Reviews
This Year's Model Updates:

The Freestar is an all-new minivan that replaces Ford's aged Windstar. Recognizing the increased competition in this segment, the company has incorporated must-haves like a fold-flat third-row seat, rear DVD entertainment system and a power liftgate, while adding new items like side curtain airbags that cover all three rows of seating and an available large-displacement V6 for hauling heavy loads.

Pros:
  • Plenty of safety and convenience features, sharp interior design, torquey V6 engines.
Cons:
  • Unimpressive fuel economy numbers, less horsepower than top competitors.

User Reviews:

Showing 1 through 10 of 145.00
  • Transmission - 2004 Ford Freestar
    By -

    I had a little over 92,000 miles on the van and the transmission went out. A list of problems was wrong with it for one is the torque converter. got it back and the EGR Valve went out.

  • 04 Freestar Ltd - 2004 Ford Freestar
    By -

    Bought this vehicle used from a dealership. So far so good. Vehicle averages 17-19 mpg overall between a mix of 65% highway / 35% city driving. We almost opted not to get this car just because of all the negative mpg reviews. We test drove a 05 Dodge Grand Caravan SXT with cloth seats/ stow & go and were very close to purchase except for this Ford came to our attention with the same mileage and far more goodies (ltd package) for less. We have always owned GM vehicles, this is our first Ford. We also considered the Kia Sedona EX, but that model is near impossible to find for the same price. Ford wont let you down. I will say that we bought an extended warranty if anything happens..

  • Transmission Problems - 2004 Ford Freestar
    By -

    The car has been good, except when it stranded me and my family in a remote stretch of Texas road when the transmission suddenly failed without any warning whatsoever. Turns out it was the faulty spline design of the torque converter, where the splines (gear type teeth) stripped out. Cost wss over $1200.00 for repair, $300.00 rental car and $200 towing - plus missing a family Labor Day gathering at my mothers. After reading of the huge number of transmission failures on this vehicle on other web sites, I now question the reliability of this vehicle and may shift over from Fords. Being a registered Mechanical Engineer, I know how important reliability is, especially for your family.

  • Life Saver - 2004 Ford Freestar
    By -

    This is a VERY safe van. I was in an accident and totaled my van this past Saturday. To say the least, the van is a mangled mess and is missing three wheels. The frame is a pretzel, but my children and I were completely safe! We were able to climb out the drivers door (the only working door) and were unharmed. This van did its job...it kept my kids safe. I am looking to purchase this van again because I do feel safe driving my children inside of it.

  • Like My Freestar - 2004 Ford Freestar
    By -

    We purchased my Freestar Used from a dealer. Have owned Grand Caravans and Voyagers in the past. I LOVED the Freestar at first-then it wore off down to I really LIKE it! It has been very reliable in the past 18 months, never a repair or problem. It is fairly comfortable except for my teenage son who is medium-tall and cant get his legs comfortable anywhere in the back. That being said, The van is dependable and versatile. We have hauled lumber and pets, loaded it down to go camping. I would probably go back to Grand Caravan if looking for another minivan

  • F-O-R-D - 2004 Ford Freestar
    By -

    Bought new in July 04, dealer replaced front brakes due to a defect at 10k, no problems until 38k when transmission blew seal. Cost 1700 at independent trans mechanic since it was at holiday. Brought faulty seals to dealer, they replied "you should of brought vehicle in to us and got an estimate" Would of gotten gouged for sure my opinion. Plan on driving it to the junkyard. How can sticker on this plastic monster be 27k, got it after rebates for 17k and worth 4k 5 years later? Brakes squeak, and I put so much time into shims and anti-rattle compound. Dont let dealer put another Ford trans in your vehicle, let someone rebuild it with new seals. Why invite the same trouble twice?

  • A major disappointment - 2004 Ford Freestar
    By -

    There is a serious mechanical design flaw that has been undiagnosed. Do your research! It is sickening to see how many people have had problems with these minivans breaking down. Some think it is transmission, others some sort of electrical problem. At any rate, it is not a safe situation! I loved my van, I just wish someone could make it run right. I traded in my Jeep Grand Cherokee (which I would give rave reviews for) something newer that I could rely on. I should have kept my Jeep and fixed it when it broke. At least I wouldnt be paying a monthly payment and full coverage insurance while I was sinking money that I dont have in to it!

  • Poor ratings - 2004 Ford Freestar
    By -

    In short, 3 years owner of 2004 Ford van, Freestar. No warning, trans quit! No safety recall? Its a major safety when youre in middle of a freeway and van litterally stops pulling! Come on Ford, own up. Were 60 & 70, cant just go & buy new car! Ford wants a loan, but wont help fellow customers over bad workmanship? Poor, poor bussines. Never will our families or friends buy Ford!

  • Nice Van Overall, but Bad Brakes - 2004 Ford Freestar
    By -

    I like the interior design. This is my first van. I have owned primarily SUVs for 15 years. The brakes were pulsating a year ago and I took it in and the dealer said I needed new pads. I took it to a brake shop and they said the pads were fine. I put new pads on and had the rotors turned and the problem is back. The fan in the heat/AC broke the first 2 months. The gasket on the rear door leaks in a hard rain and in a car wash. Terrible gas mileage. Had to get new tires after 40,000 miles.

  • Ford Freestar Review - 2004 Ford Freestar
    By -

    My minivan is great exept for 2 things. Acording to my digital dashboard, my fuel economy is currently 14.9. Not so good at $4.00 a gallon gas. My brakes are squeaky. I have had them checked several times, and the brake pads are fine. I was told its a "Ford thing".

Ford Freestar Reviews By Year:
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