Used 2007 Ford Freestar Passenger

If you have a large family and owning a full-size SUV holds no appeal, the next best method for getting them to and fro is the venerable minivan. Though it probably won’t garner many admiring glances or flashing thumbs-up, Ford’s Freestar is more than competent at carrying large numbers of passengers and/or vast amounts of cargo. The Freestar offers a roomy and highly versatile interior, has a good safety and crash-test record and features a long list of optional equipment demanded by today’s multi-media-savvy families. What the Freestar lacks is class-leading horsepower (though its torque ratings are excellent), the option of an extended body, all-wheel-drive and a strong resale value.

The Freestar’s 4.2-liter V6 provides 201 horsepower and 263 pound-feet of torque, a significant improvement over the Windstar’s old 3.8-liter engine. It is matched with a new smoother-shifting four-speed automatic transmission. When fitted with the optional tow package, the Freestar can pull up to 3500 pounds. On the road, you can feel the difference between the old Windstar and the new Freestar: There is absolutely no rattling or vibration. The Freestar feels as solid as granite and the ride, handling and overall performance are greatly enhanced by the stiffer, more rigid body.

The Freestar’s interior includes a handsome and functional dash, with all controls within easy reach of both driver and passenger. The interior is chockfull of bins and under-floor storage as well as no less than nine cup holders. Flexible seating choices include a fold-away third-row bench seat that can be flipped to face rearward, providing the perfect perch for tailgate parties or watching a sunset. Instead of the second-row bench seat, customers can choose a set of mid-row captain’s chairs, ideal for kids who don’t like to sit too close to each other. The mid-row captain’s chairs also fold and tumble, permitting easy access to the rear-most seat.

The Freestar has a look consistent with the newer products from Ford. Compared to the old Windstar, the Freestar’s body is more squared-off, although Ford’s signature egg-crate grille and broad lower side cladding are still present on the high-end models. Alloy wheels and bright colors can go only so far at overcoming the stereotypical minivan look, but Ford designers have done their best to create an appealing vehicle. Like most minivans, the Freestar features dual-sliding side doors that are available with power operation. The rear hatch is a one-piece flip-up unit with an integrated wiper/washer and defroster.

Safety Canopy System
The Safety Canopy System includes side-curtain airbags for all three rows of seating..

Flush-Folding Third-Row Seat
The flush-folding third-row seat can be put away with little effort.

The Freestar SE features a 201-horsepower V6, air conditioning, four-wheel anti-lock disc brakes (ABS), dual sliding side doors, power locks, power windows, cruise control, dual power mirrors, AM/FM/CD stereo, second- and third-row bench seats, tilt wheel, tire pressure monitor and rear wiper/washer. The SEL adds tri-zone climate control, 16-inch alloy wheels, six-way power driver’s seat, second-row captain’s chair seating and a leather-wrapped steering wheel with audio controls.

There are two trim levels in the Freestar lineup: SE and SEL. Options include AdvanceTrac traction and stability control, Safety Canopy System with side-curtain airbags, leather seats, auto-off headlamps, power sliding doors, Rear Sensing System and a rear-seat DVD entertainment system.

The 4.2-liter engine moves this van just fine. It has plenty of torque, a figure more important than horsepower because torque is what is needed to move a loaded minivan quickly from a standing start, and it also delivers fairly good fuel economy.

4.2-liter V6
201 horsepower @ 4250 rpm
263 lb.-ft of torque @ 3650 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 17/23