Ford Freestar Overview

Freestar is the new name for Ford's minivan. It previously was the Windstar, but Ford marketers claim the minivan was so radically changed that it warranted a new name. However, the Freestar is really a Windstar, albeit a much improved one.

The improvements move the Ford Freestar closer to par with its prime competitors, the Honda Odyssey and Toyota Sienna, but do not leapfrog it ahead of them.

Ford also renamed the Freestar to fit into its new naming structure. Ford's car-like vehicles start with the letter F: Focus, the upcoming Freestyle crossover vehicle and the Futura sedan. Sport-utilities will start with an E: Explorer, Expedition, Escape.

On the road, the new Ford Freestar is smooth and quiet. It glides over rough pavement, it offers responsive handling and the availability of a big V6. The Freestar's best feature is its interior ambience, an elegant cabin trimmed in high-quality materials. A clever third row that disappears into the floor, a cargo well behind the third row to contain groceries, and lots of interior storage add convenience.