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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  Comfort and fun all in one - 2004 Ford Freestar
  By J Weaver - February 10 - 4:12 pm

  This has been a great vehicle that is adaptable for all our lifestyle necessities and desires. While providing functionality it also affords comfort no mater what the age.

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  06 Ford Freestar Limited - 2006 Ford Freestar
  By minaldo1 - February 3 - 1:46 pm

  Very good looking on the inside. Ride quality is impressive. Excellent handling. Bucket seats very comfortable. Very quiet ride. Nice layout and good cargo room. Very safe.

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  Great So Far - 2004 Ford Freestar
  By Craig - January 19 - 11:44 pm

  Bought the van a month ago and have put about 3000 miles on it. Absolutely love it. Quiet ride, great highway gas mileage. Glad I bought the Ford over a Toyota or Honda. Third seat that folds into the floor is awesome, just as good as stow and go.

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  Much better than Windstar - 2004 Ford Freestar
  By Jimw0709 - January 15 - 10:00 am

  Much improved under the skin--dont let the exterior fool you---this is far different minivan.

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  JUST BOUGHT AND LOVE IT - 2006 Ford Freestar
  By ROBERT CARRICATO - January 6 - 12:48 pm

  The Ford Freestar is a good product. The only thing is the rear seat is low to floor. This is so the seat when folded can go into rear cargo space in floor. Ok for kids. Not so comfy for adults on long trips. The interior is great. Very comfy captains chairs in 2nd row...overall very nice van.

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  Our Last Ford - 2004 Ford Freestar
  By vcp - December 13 - 5:22 pm

  This is without a doubt our last Ford. Thank goodness we have an out to turn this thing in after 36 months. It has been a headache. The electric sliding doors dont close properly. Its been at various dealers 3 times and has to go back again. The traction control light came on for no reason and the dealer had to fix it twice. This car also is built terribly. The materials are at best 2nd rate. The service is another issue, Three dealers cannot get this car right. Ive had it. Our Last Ford!

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  Family of Five - 2005 Ford Freestar
  By wlehr - December 13 - 2:00 am

  Plenty of Power. Ample cargo space even w/o folding rear seat into floor. Plenty of leg room for all sizes of passengers. Smooth transmission, Great in the snow. Console not cluttered, can reach all controls w/o taking eyes off of the road. Handy convex mirror for easy passenger viewing. Great family vehicle

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  Ford Freestar Review - 2004 Ford Freestar
  By Gerard - December 5 - 3:37 pm

  I have not had any problems with this van in the 1 1/2 years that I have owned it. It drives great, handles well, great performance. Its fairly comfortable, and its very easy to operate the fold-down seats.

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  I love my Ford Freestar - 2006 Ford Freestar
  By shelley - November 15 - 9:35 pm

  While the fuel economy may not be the best, I have no issues with the horsepower or speed of the engine at all ... the "get up and go" so to speak of the Freestar is wonderful. The interior is roomy and comfortable, with plenty of room for 6 or 7. My one downfall with the interior is that the third row seat does not fit my sons booster seats very well the buckles of the seat belt sit behind the boosters and therefore my children do not ride in the back often. But the availability to stow the third row in the trunk is wonderful. Its a very stylish minivan and Im proud to drive it!

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  Smooth Ride, Classy & Practical Minivan - 2004 Ford Freestar
  By Michele Fitter - October 27 - 10:00 am

  I love how the Freestar handles. Its smooth ride is very similar to the Sienna and the two tone exterior makes it a very classy look. You forget your driving a minivan, except that you have so much room especially with the rear row tucked nicely into the floor.