The goal of Ford for the Windstar minivan’s replacement was to design the Freestar as the highest quality minivan to ever roll out of a Blue Oval plant.
The new Freestar offers a host of safety and security features and will come in five trim levels: the base model Freestar, an LX, adding privacy glass, CD player, speed control, an enhanced seating group and roof rails to the base menu; and an LX Sport, all powered by a 3.9-liter V-6; the SE with a host of upgrades and power coming from a standard 4.2-liter V-6 engine; and the top-of-the-line Limited, also powered by the electronically fuel-injected 4.2-liter engine that generates 202 horsepower and 267 foot-pounds of torque. All Freestar engines are mated to an electronically controlled four-speed automatic transmission with overdrive, delivering power to the front wheels.
Freestar claims to provide more safety features than the competition, as part of a comprehensive package that includes occupant-sensing passenger air bag, four-wheel anti-lock disc brakes, a reinforced structure specifically designed for protection in offset frontal impacts, AdvanceTrac — a stability-control system with traction control, panic brake assist, three-point safety belts and head restraints for all seating positions, a tire pressure monitoring system and self-sealing tires, and a segment-exclusive three-row Safety Canopy, shared with Mercury’s Monterey.
The Ford Freestar sports a contemporary design, smooth rounded surfaces and edges. Much of the form is synonymous with the Mercury Monterey minivan, while specific cues adhere to Ford’s distinctive heritage, but with a fresh, new look.
The test Freestar represented the top of the line in its Limited trim. The exterior finish was Black over Harvest Gold, while the interior was executed in Pebble-tone leather with faux wood trim accents on the dash and console.
Base sticker was $32,945. The addition of deluxe roof rack crossbars, the Active Safety Package II, Value Group III, Safety Canopy Side Air Bags, 17-inch alloy wheels, Reverse Sensing System and the destination and delivery charges raised the final total to $35,880.
Amenities and features abound in the Freestar Limited. The third-row seat folds and stows flat into the recessed floor for optimum cargo and passenger flexibility.
The front and rear ultrasonic parking assist is a most useful feature when parallel parking, and acts as a safety alarm should someone walk into the path of the vehicle unnoticed.
The power adjustable pedals with memory aids in obtaining the safest and most comfortable driving position, extending both comfort and convenience, with a DVD entertainment system becoming available soon, along with a power liftgate, raising the convenience bar even higher.
Please read our comment policy before commenting.