2004 Ford Freestar: Overview

Vehicle Highlights

Ford revamps its minivan for 2004, giving it new styling and features, and changing the name from Windstar to Freestar. Mercury gets a version called the Monterey. Freestar comes in a single body length that's similar in size to such rivals as the Toyota Sienna and Dodge Grand Caravan. Freestar comes in S, SE, SES, SEL, and Limited trim levels. All have 7-passenger capacity and include two 2nd-row bucket seats. The 3rd-row bench folds into the floor--a first for a Ford minivan. The 3rd-row bench also flips for rear-facing "tailgate" seating under the open liftgate. Power operation is available for the sliding side doors. S, SE, and SES models have a 193-hp 3.9-liter V6. SEL and Limited models use a 201-hp 4.2-liter V6. A 4-speed automatic is the sole transmission. All-wheel drive is not offered, but antiskid control is optional on all but the base S model. Antilock 4-wheel disc brakes are standard. Head-protecting curtain side airbags that cover all three seating rows are optional; they are designed to deploy in a side impact or when sensors detect an impending rollover. Self-sealing tires are available on all but the base S model. Rear DVD entertainment is optional. Options added midyear include a rear cargo organizer and 17-inch alloy wheels vs. standard 16s.