Acceleration

SEL	Class Average
5	4.2

Only models with 4.2-liter V6 made available for testing so far. With this engine, Freestar and Monterey have sufficient power for most driving situations. Transmission delivers smooth, prompt shifts.

Fuel Economy

SEL	Class Average
4	4

Test Monterey with 4.2 V6 averaged 16.6 mpg in a mix of city/highway driving. Both V6s use regular-grade fuel.

Ride Quality

SEL	Class Average
5	5.5

Long wheelbase provides stable ride, though sharp bumps and ruts register sharply. We have not tested a Freestar with optional 17-inch tires. Body structure transmits unpleasant vibration on coarse pavement.

Steering/Handling/Braking

SEL	Class Average
4	4.4

Handling is merely competent, with noticeable body lean in turns. Smooth, progressive brake-pedal feel, but stopping power unexceptional.

Quietness

SEL	Class Average
5	5.4

V6 sounds coarse and strained when cold or under full throttle. Very little wind noise at highway speeds. Road noise modest in front, but much louder in back. Despite upscale positioning, Monterey seems only marginally quieter than Freestar overall.

Controls

SEL	Class Average
6	6.1

Freestar and Monterey share dashboard design. Instrument layout clear. Most controls handy and well-marked, but those for climate system mounted too low for easy driver access. Mercury version has more bright interior trim than Ford model and some slightly richer-feeling materials, but in general, both Freestar and Monterey cabins abound with budget-grade plastic.

Room/Comfort/Driver Seating (front)

SEL	Class Average
7	6.3

Height-adjustable seats and power-adjustable pedals standard on uplevel models, available as options on most others, and allow ample seating adjustment. Very tall drivers may wish for more rearward seat travel, however. Available cooled front seats exclusive to Monterey work quickly for added comfort in hot weather. Outward visibility good to all directions. Monterey comes with front and rear obstacle detection vs. Freestar's available rear-only system.

Room/Comfort (rear)

SEL	Class Average
7	6.7

Seats nicely padded, supportive in both 2nd and 3rd rows. Available second-row buckets slide fore and aft a few inches, but leg room is limited for tall adults. Fold and tumble 2nd-row seats make 3rd-row access easier. Third row best suited to children and small adults. Rear-folding "tailgate" capability a fun feature.

Cargo Room

SEL	Class Average
9	9.4

Lots of space even with all seats in place, thanks to deep floorwell required to house folded 3rd row. Second-row seats remove or can tumble forward without the need to remove headrests. Third row folds easily into floorwell. No excess of interior bins and pockets. Usefulness of center console between front seats undercut by intrusive parking brake lever. Folding third-row seat exposes two metal sidewall brackets that intrude into cargo space.

Value within Class

SEL	Class Average
5	5.8

Freestar and Monterey can't match such rivals as the Honda Odyssey or Dodge Caravan for driving enjoyment, or Toyota Sienna for refinement. On the upside, these Ford and Mercury minivans boast some laudable safety and convenience features, base prices are competitive, and discounts should be available.

Total Score

SEL	Class Average
57	57.8

Scores for all Minivans

Low Score		45
Average Score		57
High Score		70