2005 Ford Freestar Review (continued)
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Summary

The Ford Freestar is a solid minivan available with the latest in safety equipment and engineering. It's big and powerful, much improved over the Windstar. It doesn't offer all the bells and whistles (like all-wheel drive and navigation) nor does it feel as refined as some of the competition. But it's a solid performer. And heavy incentives from Ford make it a more compelling buy.

-With Mitch McCullough reporting from Los Angeles

(Source: New Cars Test Drive)

Model Line Overview

Model Lineup:	Ford Freestar S ($23,910); SE ($26,510); SES ($26,010); SEL ($29,010); Limited ($32,710)
Engines:	4.2-liter OHV V6
Transmissions:	4-speed automatic
Saftey Equipment (standard):	dual-stage front airbags, anti-lock brakes with electronic brake force distribution, tire-pressure monitor
Saftey Equipment (optional):	Safety Canopy side curtain airbags, side-impact airbags, AdvanceTrac electronic stability control, traction control, panic brake assist, reverse sensing system
Basic Warranty:	3 years/36,000 miles
Assembled In:	Oakville, Ontario, Canada

Specifications As Tested

Model Tested (MSRP):	Ford Freestar SEL ($29,010)
Standard Equipment:	4.2-liter V6 engine; dual-zone air conditioning; six-way power driver's seat, windows, locks and mirrors; second-row fold-and-tumble captain's chairs; fold-in-floor third-row seat; power sliding doors; remote keyless entry and keyless entry keypad; cruise control; roof rails; privacy glass; five-spoke aluminum sport wheels; leather-wrapped steering wheel with built-in audio controls; cornering lamps; overhead console with compass and outside temperature display; AM/FM stereo with cassette, CD player and rear seat audio controls; fog lamps; tire-pressure monitoring system; floor mats
Options As Tested (MSRP):	Active Safety Package I and II ($750) includes AdvanceTrac electronic stability control, traction control, panic brake assist, and reverse sensing system; Safety Canopy side air curtain with rollover sensor plus front-seat-mounted side-impact airbags ($695); self-sealing tires ($280); leather upholstery first and second row, third row vinyl ($890); 6-disc CD changer ($225); Class II Trailer Tow Package II ($335); power liftgate ($400); power sliding doors ($900); power front passenger seat ($305); floor console ($150); Cargo Management System ($125); rear cargo net ($25)
Destination Charge:	685
Gas Guzzler Tax:
Price As Tested (MSRP):	34500
Layout:	front-wheel drive
Horsepower (hp @ rpm):	201 @ 4250
Torque (lb.-ft. @ rpm):	263 @ 3650
Transmission:	4-speed automatic
EPA fuel economy, city/hwy:	17/23
Wheelbase:	120.8
Length/width/height:	201.0/76.6/68.8
Track, f/r:	64.3/62.8
Turning circle:	40.0
Seating capacity:	7
Head/hip/leg room, f:	38.9/58.4/40.7
Head/hip/leg room, m:	40.1/66.4/38.0
Head/hip/leg room, r:	38.2/48.1/34.1
Cargo volume:	130.6
Payload:
Towing capacity:	3250
Suspension, f:	independent, MacPherson struts, coil springs, anti-roll bar
Suspension, r:	twist beam with integral anti-roll bar, coil springs, Panhard rod
Ground clearance:
Curb weight:	4275
Tires:	215/56R16 self sealing
Brakes, f/r:	disc/disc w ABS and Brake Assist
Fuel capacity:	26