|
What's New for the 2005 Ford Freestar? After extensive revisions last year (it's actually a do-over of Ford's creaky old Windstar, not a completely new vehicle), the 2005 Ford Freestar sports only minor changes. Among them are the addition of a power liftgate option to the SEL and Limited trim levels, which comes in mighty handy when your hands are full. Additionally, a liftgate spoiler for the SES model seeks to appease parents who lament the decidedly non-athletic appearance of this minivan.
Advantages of the 2005 Ford Freestar:
- Impressive roster of standard and optional safety equipment and technology
- Torquey 4.2-liter V6 engine
- Smooth ride quality
- Very comfortable front seats
- Excellent outward visibility
Objections to the 2005 Ford Freestar: - Poor fuel economy with 4.2-liter V6
- Uncomfortable second- and third-row seats
- Front tires howl with little provocation
- Six-footers cannot clear edges of tailgate when it's raised
- Build quality leaves much to be desired
- Noisy cabin
Editor's Advice: The 2005 Ford Freestar is the best minivan Ford has ever built. However, this is faint praise, because it is far from being the best minivan for sale today. Competition is fierce in this segment, and with the arrival of useful new minivans from Chrysler, updated pseudo-SUV vans from General Motors, a brand-spanking new Honda Odyssey, and the continued competency of the Toyota Sienna, the 2005 Ford Freestar is fading fast.
|