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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  2006 Ford Freestar Sel 4dr Minivan (4.2L - 2006 Ford Freestar
  By Connie Riley - May 4 - 10:25 pm

  We have 6 grandchildren who travel with us quite frequently. So we have wanted a minivan for quite some time. We purchased this van in January, used w/33,500 mi. and so far it has been great. Very nice van, great exterior, love the Norsea Blue color. I have taken the kids on several outings and trips and theres plenty of room and everyone is comfortable.

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  2004 Ford Freestar - 2004 Ford Freestar
  By nadineb - May 2 - 7:28 am

  I would not recommend purchasing this vehicle unless you have a lot of extra money to fix all the faults with it. My opinion of this vehicle is that Ford needs to recall this van. It stopped running twice while it was traveling thirty five mph, and once, as I was entering a high speed roadway. Reliability zero. I fear for my life when I drove it which I will no longer take that chance.

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  Needs to be recalled - 2004 Ford Freestar
  By Disappointed - April 29 - 8:44 am

  Ive had the van for 4 years now. 3 weeks after purchase there were noises heard while driving under normal conditions. Took it to dealer twice they said they found nothing. Trusted their opinion since they sell. Now a new problem...transmission gave in. Van is sitting in mechanics garage collecting dust until I can come up with at least $3000 for repairs. Also, driver side window motor needs to be replaced. Talked to some other mechanics and theyre baffled why these problems occured on a 5-yr old vehicle under 100k miles. Im not buying a Ford ever again.

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  another transmission failure - 2004 Ford Freestar
  By Terri - April 23 - 8:54 pm

  i travel a lot. so i wanted a vehicle that would not wear me out when i drive. overall this van drives well over long distances. however, without warning, at 63,000 miles i attempted to put the van in gear - nothing. the "extended warranty" the dealership sold to me (AMERI GUARD) - said i did not have the 60,000 mile transmission service so (in their words) "we will not pay and are washing our hands of it"! so who actually takes their vehicle in at the exact mileage for maintenance? anyway, i think FORD is well aware they have major transmission issues for their 2004 and 2005 models and yet they do nothing about it! HONDA OR TOYOTA NEXT TIME!

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  Wish I would have done my research! - 2006 Ford Freestar
  By veronicav - March 26 - 8:55 am

  I previously had a 99 Galant which I was happy with but had recently had my third child and needed more space,my fear was to get rid of a car with no problems and get one with PROBLEMS, which has happened. I have a popping noise in the intake which sounds like a frog hopping around and hitting the top and sides, which Ive been told by a man who has "been with Ford for 15 years" that its normal. I also am now having a problem with the van stalling while driving down the road, many things have been checked and no problems found yet! Inside space needs improvement, getting to third row seats is awful my 3 year old daughter who sits back there has to squeeze her way back there. Rethink buying!

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  Life Saver - 2004 Ford Freestar
  By Susan - March 24 - 9:08 pm

  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.

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  Freestar Limited - 2004 Ford Freestar
  By Musky Man - March 5 - 2:00 am

  We had a 1999 Windstar and put 115000 miles. Repairs totaled $450. We find the Freestar to be very solid, quiet and comfortable. Milage is about the same as the Windstar. We looked at Toyota, Honda and Dodge. Freestar was the best for us and we do not regret the purchase.

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  Like My Freestar - 2004 Ford Freestar
  By Like My Freestar - March 4 - 2:48 pm

  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

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  Great van - 2005 Ford Freestar
  By 1lap2go - March 2 - 3:28 pm

  Have enjoyed this van as its the 3rd Ford Windstar/Freestar van we have owned. I do get over 20mpg with this van if you dont use ethanol gas. Enjoy the "van" room but do not think I need that much room anymore, besides everyone thinks you should drive cuz you have so much room. This van has been troublefree like my previous vans. Havent had to walk yet.

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  Love my Freestar - 2004 Ford Freestar
  By JesY - February 25 - 12:31 pm

  I have read so many complaints about this van and I am shocked. I bought my van used 3 years ago with 15,000 miles on it and now I have 65,000 miles. I love everything about it. I will probably drive it until the wheels fall off. We have recently replaced the tires and the brakes. We have taken several trips to other states and the gas mileage has been good. My husband and I have owned all Fords except one vehicle and will continue to be loyal Ford owners.