Tried & true transportation - 2006 Ford Freestar minivan
Ford reaffirmed its commitment to the minivan segment of the American automotive marketplace with the 2006 Freestar minivan as an all-new entry when it replaced the Windstar minivan several model years ago. The Freestar builds on Ford's legacy of safety leadership, earning a "Best Pick" rating from the Insurance Institute of Highway Safety.
Available in SE, SEL and Limited trim levels, the Freestar is assembled at Ford's Oakville, Ontario, Canada, manufacturing plant. Offered in one wheelbase in front-wheel drive or AdvanceTrac all-wheel drive configurations, the Ford minivan is powered by a 3.9L V6 or 4.2L V6 engine. Torque is communicated to the road for both motors via a four-speed electronic automatic transmission.
On the road, the Freestar is nimble and responsive -- easy to pilot at speed. The Freestar starts with a robust hydroformed subframe for consistency and tight tolerances. Using hydraulic pressure at 17,400 pounds per square inch, hydroforming ensures precise frame wall thickness that resists bending or twisting. The frame serves as the foundation for the suspension hardware. The front suspension uses an independent MacPherson strut configuration, featuring "reverse L" lower control arms, liquid-filled lower control arm bushing and shear-style subframe mounts. In the rear, a twist-beam axle provides a controlled response to road irregularities.
Inside this cabin, the dashboard is a masterpiece of ease and simplicity. Clean, modern, and convenient displays and controls are intuitive to the driver. The driver's seat enjoys an uncluttered command outward view. There are plenty of nooks, crannies and storage bins for a family -- even the dashboard features a storage bin in the center on top.
For 2006, Freestar features redesigned front door panels and interior trim changes. Added to the standard equipment roster are speed control, CD player, roof rails, tire-pressure monitor, premium interior lighting with sleeping baby mode, upgraded rear seats and privacy glass.
Dual manual sliding side doors are standard. A low step in height makes the driver's seat the place to be for motorists of all sizes. The second row of seating is a wonder of engineering. The seats can be adjusted fore and aft in order to facilitate a small child or to allow additional cargo space without manipulating the seats. When more space is required, the second row seats can be flipped and folded -- allowing families to configure space according to need. If that is not enough, the second row seats can be removed from the vehicle completely.
The Freestar boasts a third row seat that can be folded in half for more cargo space or folded and stored into a well in the cargo floor for a flat floor without removing the seat. For those who enjoy tailgating, the rear seat will also rotate toward the rear of the minivan for a tailgate seat during those baseball games, parades or family gatherings.
Quick vehicle stats
Wheelbase: 120.8; overall length: 201.0; width: 76.4; height: 70.6 -- measurements in inches.
Engine: 3.9L V6 -- 193 hp at 4,500 rpm and 240 lbs-ft at 3,500 rpm; 4.2L V6 -- 201 hp at 4,250 rpm and 263 lbs-ft of torque at 3,650 rpm.
Transmission: four-speed electronically controlled automatic.
EPA fuel economy: 3.9L V6 -- 18 city/24 hwy.; 4.2L V6 -- 17 city/23 hwy.
Cargo capacity: 130.7 cu. ft.
Payload capacity: 1,200 lbs.
Towing capacity: 3,500 lbs.
Safety features
Dual front airbags, four-wheel disc brakes with anti-lock, electronic brake force distribution, battery saver, fail-safe engine cooling system, automatic power door locks, remote keyless entry, SecuriLock passive anti-theft system, side-intrusion door beams and tire pressure monitoring system. SEL adds automatic headlamp control. Limited adds dual power sliding doors and puddle lighting.
Optional safety features include front seat mounted side-impact airbags, power liftgate, power adjustable pedals, stability control, traction control, rear parking sensors, brake assist and self-sealing tires.
Warranty
Basic: 3-year/36,000 mile, bumper-to-bumper.
Corrosion: 5-year/unlimited.
Roadside assistance: 3-year/36,000 mile, 24-hour.
Pricing
The base Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) for the 2006 Ford Freestar minivan starts from $23,655 for the SE, $26,615 for SEL and $29,575 for the Limited. Destination charges add $730.
As tested
2006 Ford Freestar SEL minivan
Exterior color: Norsea Blue Clearcoat Metallic
Interior color: Flint
Tire make/model: Goodyear Eagle RS-A
Tire size: P235/55R17
Base price $26,615
Destination charges $ 730
SEL Premium package $ 695
Dual power sliding doors $ 900
17-inch alloy wheels $ 245
DVD entertainment system $ 1,395
Total as tested $30,580
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