2005 Ford Freestar

No big changes were introduced for the 2005 Ford Freestar.  Available as both a cargo van and a passenger van, the Freestar was still suffering from something of an identity crisis in the family-transportation market, which was still dominated by SUVs.  Even within the minivan market segment, the Freestar had a hard time taking market share away from the popular Honda Odyssey and other better-established models.

It certainly wasn't for any want of comfort or innovation in the '05 Freestar itself.  The Freestar incorporated Ford's latest engineering: its safety features, handling, response, and fuel efficiency were all competitive or superior with the other minivans and crossovers on the market.  Drivers and reviewers praised the Freestar for its quiet ride, comfortable seating, and fun touches like the third row 'Tailgate Bench Seat', which (in addition to folding flat) can be faced out for tailgate picnics and the like.

The 2005 Freestar was offered in five trims: S, SE, SES, and the more luxurious Limited edition (which featured touches like leather upholstery, power sliding doors, and power heated mirrors).  The Freestar sits 7 comfortably; with passenger seats removed, it hauls 138 cubic feet of cargo.  Fuel economy is a perfectly respectable 17 mpg city, 23 mpg highway; not too bad for such a roomy ride!