Acceleration

SEL	Class Average
5	4.8

Only 201-hp versions of Freestar made available for test. This is the only engine available in Monterey. It provides sufficient power for most driving situations. Transmission delivers smooth, prompt shifts.

Fuel Economy

SEL	Class Average
4	4.1

Test models averaged 16.6 mpg in a city/highway driving mix. Ford recommends regular-grade fuel for both V6s.

Ride Quality

SEL	Class Average
5	6

Mostly stable, absorbent, but sharp bumps and ruts can jolt through, and coarse pavement causes minor but unpleasant structural vibration. No opportunity to test with available 17-inch tires.

Steering/Handling/Braking

SEL	Class Average
4	4.7

Freestar and Monterey handling merely competent, but no more, with noticeable body lean in turns. Brakes smooth, progressive, but stopping control unexceptional.

Quietness

SEL	Class Average
5	5.9

V6 in models tested sounded hoarse, strained when cold or at full throttle. Very little wind rustle at highway speeds. Road noise modest in front, much louder in back. Despite upscale positioning, Monterey seems only marginally quieter than Freestar overall.

Controls

SEL	Class Average
6	6.2

Freestar, Monterey share a dashboard design with clear instrumentation and mostly simple, handy switchgear. Climate controls are too low for easy driver access. Mercury version has more bright accents than the Ford and some materials that feel slightly richer, but budget-grade plastic abounds in all models.

Room/Comfort/Driver Seating (front)

SEL	Class Average
7	6.9

Height-adjustable seats and power-adjustable pedals standard on uplevel models, available on most others to accommodate most any size driver. Still, rearward seat travel not quite enough for six-footers. Exclusive to Monterey are available cooled front seats that work quickly to enhance hot-weather comfort. Outward vision good to all corners. Montereys include front and rear obstacle detection vs. Freestar's available rear-only system.

Room/Comfort (rear)

SEL	Class Average
7	6.9

Seats nicely padded, supportive in both 2nd and 3rd rows. SEL/Limited's 2nd-row buckets slide fore/aft a few inches, but leg room not generous for tall adults. All 2nd-row seats fold and tumble for access to 3rd row, which is best left to kids, though adults can enjoy the seat's "tailgate party" position.

Cargo Room

SEL	Class Average
10	10

Lots of space, even with all seats in place, thanks to deep floorwell that stores easily folded 3rd row. Second-row seats are removable and fold without taking off headrests. Interior storage a bit skimpy for minivans; parking brake lever reduces utility of front center console. Folded 3rd-row seat exposes two metal sidewall brackets that eat into cargo space.

Value within Class

SEL	Class Average
5	6.3

Freestar and the very similar Mercury Monterey are attractively priced and offer laudable safety and convenience features. But an aging basic design and disappointing interior decor dims their overall appeal vs. Dodge Caravan, Honda Odyssey, and Toyota Sienna, which are more pleasant to drive. Note that Ford says 2007 is the final model year for these minivans, which may mean deeper discounts.

Total Score

SEL	Class Average
58	61.8

Scores for all Minivans

Low Score		56
Average Score		61
High Score		71