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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  Good Minivan for the Price - 2005 Ford Freestar
  By Sunburn - October 26 - 2:00 am

  Recently bought an 04 SEL after looking at used Grand Caravan SEs. The Freestar was only about $1K more after all the rebates and discounts. The Freestar has far more features for the price. The interior design is good, with lots of storage. The 1st and 2nd row seats are comfortable. The 3rd row is only suitable for adults for very short trips. The bottom cushion is too close to the floor. The powertrain is a mixed bag. The 4.2L has great torque, but can be a bit unrefined at times. The mileage could be better as well. The transmission is unobtrusive. The ride is comfortable and quiet. The handling is good. The build quality appears very good as well. Overall, a good, but not great minivan.

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  nothing to write home about - 2004 Ford Freestar
  By rokko - October 22 - 2:00 am

  The vehicle is ok, had problems with the tape cassette early on and the engine light went on too. The brakes seem to be too low. The buttons for the A/C, rear defroster etc, are too small and the green lights you cannot see when the sun shining in the vehicle. The front doors do not shut all the time.

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  great vehicle - 2005 Ford Freestar
  By kelialau - October 12 - 2:00 am

  I feel safe for my kids when they are in it. and the ride is great.

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  2004 freestar - 2005 Ford Freestar
  By debb - October 12 - 2:00 am

  it rides like a car very smooth and comfortable.

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  I give it a 10 - 2005 Ford Freestar
  By Melissa Dobson - October 12 - 2:00 am

  I love it. Its easy to get my daughter in and out of the van.

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  Love it! - 2004 Ford Freestar
  By noribabe - October 9 - 2:00 am

  We have driven Explorers in the past, but this is much better for us, as we are in our 70s and are looking for roominess and comfort now. It has great visability, and handles like a dream, and is so easy to get in and out of. tho we still feel as tho we have the height and safty of the Explorer, and tho it is not a 4x4, it is front wheel drive, and we grew up in the east, so the snow here in Flagstaff doesnt really hold any problem for us! It is nice for taking our family places also. I cant say enough good things about it, and also the dealership. They were and are great!

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  I Love my Freesstar Van - 2004 Ford Freestar
  By brenda hagan - October 1 - 2:00 am

  I have had many vans and cars ( mostly neww ones )BUT when i bought my Freestar Van ..I fell in Love with it ..Its great! It has everything i want in a van plus more ..I always make up places to go just to drive it ..Thank You Ford You out did yourselves with the new Ford Freestar..

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  Not for big men - 2004 Ford Freestar
  By ShelbyJock - October 1 - 2:00 am

  Short version of the story. Im 65" and wear a 14EEE shoe. This is a fleet car, so little choice as to options. When driving, my right shoe is under the brake pedal. If I have to stop in a panic, top of said foot hits a duct, and I end up with my foot trapped between throttle and bottom of brake. Solution? Drive barefoot. Vehicle is almost identical to the Windstar. Less power, more quiet. Handles about like expected - like a brick suspended on rubber bands. A/C seems adequate, though only just. Stereo is fair. Fuel economy is a bit better than the Windstar, but really gets about 19 highway and a bit less in normal use (about 17).

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  Love It. - 2005 Ford Freestar
  By Big-mo. - September 16 - 2:00 am

  I have a Limited,every option,and our families first mini van,(3rd child on the way),We absolutely love this vehicle,great on long trips,new styling is very attractive,4.2 liter v-6,very good power,best torque in class,#1 safety ratings,no regrets!

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  my freestar - 2005 Ford Freestar
  By jennifer lambert - September 11 - 2:00 am

  I have only had this wehicle for a couple of months so far I love it. But the bench seat does not fold into the floor flush, and I wish the ac was push button and not a nob. Seats could be a little more comfortable.