2004-2007 Ford Freestar: Road Test

With the 4.2-liter V6, Freestar and its Monterey counterpart have sufficient power for most driving situations. Even so, the engine feels coarse and strained under full throttle. On the plus side, the transmission delivers smooth, prompt shifts. Gas mileage is not a benefit. A Monterey with the 4.2 V6 averaged 16.6 mpg in a mix of city/highway driving. Both V6s use regular-grade fuel. Freestar's long wheelbase provides a stable and mostly absorbent ride, at least with 16-inch tires, though sharp bumps and ruts register sharply. However, the body structure transmits minor but unpleasant vibrations on coarse pavement. With 16-inch tires, handling is merely competent, with noticeable body lean in turns. Brake feel is smooth and progressive, but stopping power feels unexceptional. The 4.2 V6 emits a ragged growl and feels strained during full-throttle acceleration, but it quiets while cruising. Little wind noise is noticeable at highway speeds, but rough pavement produces marked tire roar. Road noise is modest in front, but much louder in the back. Despite its upscale positioning, Monterey seems only marginally quieter overall. Freestar and Monterey share their dashboard design, with a clear instrument layout. Most controls are handy and well-marked, but those for the climate system are mounted too low for easy driver access. Both Freestar and Monterey cabins abound with budget-grade plastic. Height-adjustable front seats and power-adjustable pedals, standard on uplevel models and optional on most others, allow ample seating adjustment. Very tall drivers may wish for more rearward seat travel, however. Outward visibility is good to all directions. Only rear-obstacle detection has been available as a Freestar option, whereas a Monterey might have front and rear parking assistance. Seats are nicely padded and supportive in both second and third rows. Second-row buckets slide fore and aft a few inches, but leg room is limited for tall adults. Fold-and-tumble second-row seats help ease third-row access. The third row is best suited to children and small adults, but the rear-folding "tailgate" capability can be a fun feature. Cargo space is abundant even with all seats in place, thanks to the deep floor well required to house the folded third row. Second-row seats remove or can tumble forward, without the need to remove headrests. The third row folds easily into the floor well, but doing so exposes two metal sidewall brackets that intrude into cargo space. Freestars offer no excess of interior bins and pockets. Usefulness of the center console between front seats is undercut by an intrusive parking-brake lever.

Value for the Money
Neither Freestar nor Monterey can match such rivals as Honda Odyssey or Dodge Caravan for driving enjoyment, or Toyota Sienna for refinement. An aging basic design mars their overall appeal. On the upside, these revamped minivans boast some laudable safety and convenience features, and prices have been competitive.