Complete Guide to the Ford Freestar Minivan
The Ford Freestar serves as a reliable minivan for families and small businesses, offering spacious seating and practical features. Despite its aging design and lower fuel efficiency, it provides comfort, safety, and convenience with various trims and options. Suitable for those seeking affordable transportation with versatility, the Freestar remains a noteworthy choice despite stiff competition in the market.
The Ford Freestar is a dependable family minivan featuring modern engineering and safety innovations. It offers a spacious interior, with seats that can fold flat to increase cargo capacity. Designed to carry up to seven passengers, it's ideal for both personal use and business needs. Despite its strengths, the Freestar has seen decreased popularity after recent updates, facing stiff competition from newer models in the market.
About Ford
Founded in 1903 by Henry Ford and partners, Ford Motor Company is a major American automaker. By 2015, it ranked as the fifth-largest car manufacturer globally and the second-largest in the U.S., with a revenue of $156.7 billion in 2017. Ford was ranked 7th on the 2018 Fortune 500 list, thanks to consistent profitability.
Performance and Powertrain
The Freestar offers two engine options: a 3.9-liter V6 producing 193 horsepower and 240 lb-ft of torque, and a 4.2-liter V6 on higher trims generating 201 horsepower and 263 lb-ft. While capable for city driving, highway performance can feel less robust. The vehicle's noise levels are higher than most V6 competitors, impacting refinement. Fuel economy is below average, with the base SE reaching approximately 18/24 mpg and higher trims around 17/23 mpg.
Interior Features
The minivan boasts a stylish dashboard and comfortable steering wheel with quality materials. However, legroom in the second row may be limited, and removing seats for cargo can be tricky. The third-row seat folds flat and can double as a tailgate bench—a useful feature for stadium parking. Max cargo space stands at 135.7 cubic feet, somewhat less than rivals.
Technology
Controls for audio and climate functions are straightforward and accessible. Manual climate controls are simple yet effective, with optional electronic climate control offering better regulation across driver, passenger, and rear zones. Rear air conditioning ensures passenger comfort on hot days.
Safety Equipment
Standard safety features include four-wheel anti-lock disc brakes, electronic brakeforce distribution, braking assist, stability control, and tire-pressure monitoring. Front seat-mounted side airbags come standard, but side curtain airbags are not available. Additional options like self-sealing tires, parking sensors, and power-adjustable pedals with memory can be added at extra cost.
Trim Levels
The Freestar seats seven and offers three trims: SE, SEL, and Limited. The base SE comes equipped with 16-inch steel wheels, privacy glass, power accessories, air conditioning, and a second-row bench. The SEL adds features like leather-wrapped steering, alloy wheels, tri-zone climate control, and captain's chairs. The top-tier Limited includes leather upholstery, wood accents, upgraded audio, heated mirrors, power sliding doors, and additional convenience features.
