Overview & Reviews

With its Freestar, Ford learned the hard way that in the world of automobiles, there are few segments more cutthroat than the minivan category. Moms have ruthlessly high standards when it comes to their family transportation, and only those haulers with the most compelling mix of refinement, convenience features and luxury amenities survive. The Ford Freestar's sales had been disappointing from the outset, and as a result, 2007 was its last year of production. Crossovers, Ford believes, are the future of family transportation.

Ford's minivan wasn't completely without merit. Safety is an important factor in minivans, and in this area, the Freestar didn't come up short. It earned a perfect five stars in NHTSA frontal crash tests, and mothers and their pint-sized soccer stars were protected with features like standard stability control and optional side curtain airbags. Unfortunately, its success in this area paled in the face of its litany of shortcomings, which included sluggish acceleration, dismal fuel economy, ungainly handling and an unimpressive cabin.

For these reasons, savvy used minivan shoppers will find the Ford Freestar a relatively unsatisfactory proposition. If you're looking for a minivan, you'll no doubt find your needs better served by one of its competitors.

Most Recent Ford Freestar

The Ford Freestar was a seven-passenger minivan. Three trim levels were offered: SE, SEL and Limited. The Freestar could also be had in a cargo van body style, making it ideal for contractors needing a light-duty hauler.

The base SE trim was reasonably well equipped, with air-conditioning, full power accessories, a CD player and keyless entry all standard. The SEL added tri-zone air-conditioning, a power driver seat and second-row captain's chairs. The top-of-the-line Limited included upgrades such as chrome wheels, leather upholstery and automatic climate control.

Two engines were offered. A 3.9-liter V6 for the SE provided 193 horsepower and 240 pound-feet of torque. The SEL and Limited trims got a 4.2-liter V6 that generated 201 hp and 263 lb-ft of torque. Neither engine was especially frugal, turning in real-world fuel economy numbers that were among the poorest in the segment.

At first blush, the Freestar's cabin seemed like a winner. But a closer look revealed shortcomings. Materials looked nice but to the touch became apparent as subpar for the segment. The legroom in the second row was cramped. The lack of versatility didn't help either. Those second-row seats were heavy and tough to remove. And though the third-row seat folded flat, it didn't offer a 60/40 split like virtually all others in its class. At 135.7 cubes, cargo capacity fell short relative to others in the segment.

In editorial reviews, the Ford Freestar earned praise for having reasonable around-town power and a forgiving ride. The engines didn't fare as well when pushed, though, as they ran out of breath when quick passing was attempted. Performance was exacerbated by the van's aged four-speed automatic transmission -- most competitors used more advanced five-speed units. Also, the engines had a rougher, noisier power delivery than nearly any other V6 in the minivan segment. In consumer ratings, the Freestar was panned for its poor ride quality and dismal fuel economy.

Past Ford Freestar models

Ford introduced the Freestar back in model-year 2004 to replace the aged Windstar, which was sold from 1995-2003. Although Ford touted it as an all-new vehicle, the Freestar minivan was little more than a rebadged Windstar with minor upgrades, including a freshened interior equipped with a fold-flat third-row seat. A pair of more powerful V6 engines replaced the Windstar's 3.8-liter V6. Unfortunately, Ford's minivan put on weight during the transition, so even with the larger of the V6s, it was no faster than before and slightly less fuel-efficient to boot. This made the Freestar about as appealing as, well, the Windstar. Straight off the bat, it was trampled by the competition, both import and domestic, and Ford did little to rectify the situation.

The Freestar remained pretty much unchanged for its production duration, so buyers shopping for one on the used market will find few differences between the model years.

User Reviews:

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  Ford Freestar Limited - 2006 Ford Freestar
  By Jerome E. Welsh Sr. - November 1 - 9:17 am

  I have owned a Ford Windstar in the past, so I was familiar with front wheel drive. The handling response is great, its peppy when needed, and gives a feeling of confidence. I find myself trying to increase my gas mileage by driving carefully. Side air curtains are a super plus for my grandchildren.

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  great van - 2004 Ford Freestar
  By schnoopy - October 4 - 10:00 am

  quiet nice ride a great van a big improvment over the winstar

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  Good Value - 2006 Ford Freestar
  By Michael - September 29 - 9:49 pm

  Bought a SEL Freestar 4.2 used with 15,000 miles. Very pleased with it. Wife has a 2003 Honda Odyssey which I consider a great minivan and we bought the Freestar as an extra minivan since that one has high miles and for my personal vehicle. The Honda seems to be built much better, but was twice the price and had no room for negotiation because of popularity of model. However, they both drive great and for the money, I would buy the Ford over the Honda in the future! The sound system is pretty weak as well since it only has 4 speakers.

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  We Love the Freestar - 2004 Ford Freestar
  By brucef - September 28 - 10:00 am

  This is my favorite car since my 98 Volvo V70 wagon. Design and driving wise it reminds me alot of the V70. It has a great ride quality (but not car like), very very comfortable seating (1st and 2nd row), steering and brakes have excellent feel and the handling is flat and taut. Interior design is clean looking and the exterior is clean and handsome (Ive had a surpising number of comments on it). It is very quiet and the 3.9 liter is quite smooth and quite (no truck-like droning here). The transmission shifting is almost unnoticable...like the V70. Like the base engine in the V70 the 3.9 is adequate, not overpowered but with a flawless character. The upperend stereo sound is quite good.

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  Freestar Cargovan rating - 2007 Ford Freestar
  By towgunner - September 18 - 8:15 am

  This van was purchased as a practical utility vehicle and as a "daily driver". As such, the Freestar Cargo van meets all of my requirements: ability to carry a reasonable weight (1/2 to 3/4 ton) of cargo under cover (enclosed), be economical to drive to and from work (19-21 mpg combined), be comfortable to drive, and not be a financial burden to purchase.

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  meh - 2007 Ford Freestar
  By tg - September 16 - 10:34 pm

  I drive a company issued 3.9L cargo with maybe 200 pounds of extra weight in the rear. The driving dynamics are odd to say the least. It tends to stay on center, but it does not like to turn. The ride is smooth, but noisy. Combined gas mileage is 20 MPG, which is not too much of an improvement coming from a full size Ford E250 with 5.4L V8 that got 14 MPG on average. On quality, they painted the hood support rod to the hood and paint was damaged. At least I wont see it that often.

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  I love my minivan - 2005 Ford Freestar
  By ARH - September 4 - 10:38 am

  We bought this car as a replacement for a 2002 minivan and are still glad we did. It rides like a dream, seats 7 people very comfortably. I like sitting higher when I drive so this really fits the bill. My only problem Im when Im doing 65-70 mph I get a singing vibration on the drivers side front. We tried moving the roof rack but that didnt help. So, we live with it & I slow down when I get the noise. Maybe that was the idea in the first place? We remove both seats (easy to do) occasionally & use it as a truck which is handy. We can also sleep back there when we take long trips. Just put down an air mattress & youre good to go.

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  2005 Freestar - 2005 Ford Freestar
  By kevin walsh - August 25 - 4:29 pm

  Excellent vehicle, purchased from dealer certified with 12K miles & 1 retail owner. $15,600, cant beat that. We like the 2nd row captains seats. Drives as minivan should, solid & rattle free. Completely satisfied.

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  excellent value for the money - 2006 Ford Freestar
  By JAM - August 21 - 2:10 pm

  The 2006 Ford Freestar is a excellent value for the money. Saved about $5000 off price with Ford rebates and dealer incentives. Excellent value for under $20k with SE appearance package, Advance Trac with reverse sensing and dvd entertainment system. The only thing is the 3rd row seat is low to floor. Ok for kids. The interior has great styling and storage space.

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  For the $$, Couldnt beat it! - 2006 Ford Freestar
  By cv2166 - August 15 - 8:55 pm

  Stickered for a hair over $30k. DVD, SE Premium Package, Liftgate spoiler, Advancetrac, side canopy airbags,17" alloys, quad seating.... really well equipped. Floor console too ($150 option...kinda steep I think). ANYWAY...rebates, discounts,and plans through work, (company is a supplier to Ford) knocked it down to $19k and change! Yes, its brand new! Couldnt TOUCH another for that. Rides nice. Like the SIZE. Sits high. Looks nice. Got the Norsea Blue. Pretty!