Two engines are available. The standard 3.9-liter V6 generates 193 horsepower and 245 lbs.-ft. of torque. Optional is a 4.2-liter V6 that delivers 201 horsepower and 263 lbs.-ft of torque. Neither engine matches the horsepower of the new Nissan Quest, rated at 240 horsepower, nor the redesigned Toyota Sienna at 230 horsepower. Torque is competitive, however. (Torque is that force that propels you from intersections and up steep grades, so torque is important.) Freestar's 4.2-liter V6 is the largest displacement for a minivan and is likely the best choice for highway cruising, passing on freeways and towing.
The automatic transmission shifts smoothly. All Freestars come with a four-speed automatic transmission. Ford claims consumer research showed minivan buyers didn't care whether their automatic is a four-speed or five-speed, which other manufacturers offer, as long as the shifts were smooth.
The Freestar is extremely quiet. It's on par with the new Toyota Sienna. The only exception is that the engine roars a tad too loudly and truck-like under hard acceleration.
The Freestar's ride is smooth. It glided over the rough pavement of Michigan's Interstate 94. Steering is much more responsive than the Windstar.
While the Freestar is much improved from the Windstar, it doesn't feature much innovation above and beyond its competitors. Still it is a solid performer and former Windstar owners will appreciate the improvements.
