2004-2007 Ford Freestar: Overview

Vehicle Highlights

Ford revamped its minivan for 2004, giving it new styling and features, and changing its name from Windstar to Freestar. Mercury got an upscale version called the Monterey. Freestars came in a single body length that was similar in size to such rivals as the Toyota Sienna and Dodge Grand Caravan. Ford also competed against Honda's Odyssey. Freestar came in S, SE, SES, SEL, and Limited trim levels. All had seven-passenger capacity and included two second-row bucket seats. The third-row bench folded into the floor--a first for a Ford minivan. It could also be flipped for rear-facing "tailgate" seating under the open liftgate. Power operation was available for the sliding side doors. Ford offered two engine choices. S, SE, and SES models had a 193-horsepower 3.9-liter V6. SEL and Limited versions used a 201-horsepower 4.2-liter V6. A four-speed automatic was the sole transmission. All-wheel drive was not offered, but antiskid control was optional on all but the base S model. Antilock four-wheel disc brakes were standard. Curtain side airbags that covered all three seating rows were optional; they were designed to deploy in a side impact or when sensors detected an impending rollover. Self-sealing tires were available on all but the base S model. DVD entertainment was optional. Ford added other options later in the model year, including a power liftgate, a rear cargo organizer, and 17-inch alloy wheels vs. standard 16s.