The Freestar is a solid performing minivan, and it comes with a variety of the latest safety features. It can haul up to seven people, and offers smart use of space for both passengers and cargo.
Freestar comes in SE, SEL, and Limited models, all with three-row seating for seven. SE has a 193-hp, 3.9 liter V6, SEL and Limited a 201-hp, 4.2 liter V6 engine. A 4-speed automatic is the sole transmission. All models are front-wheel drive; all-wheel drive is not available. Freestar SE starts at $23,655, and comes standard with cruise control, air conditioning, AM/FM/CD stereo, power windows, and anti-lock (ABS) four-wheel disc brakes with Electronic Brake.
Freestar's strongest point is safety: it earned five stars in the government's frontal impact crash testing. Freestar received a five-star rating from NHTSA in driver and passenger front impact, as well as passenger side impact. Ford's optional Safety Canopy can help protect against head injuries in a rollover or side impact. Freestar's seat belts are equipped with pretensioners and energy-management retractors to improve their effectiveness. The Freestar comes standard with anti-lock brakes with Electronic Brake-force Distribution. A tire-pressure monitor is standard.
The Ford Freestar seats seven passengers: two in front, two in the second row and three in the third row. With the third-row seat in place for passengers, there's more than 25 cubic feet of storage space. The interior has an elegant feel to it, with a delicate watch-like clock in the center dashboard. Audio and climate controls are easy to use.
