2004 Ford Freestar - New Improved Minivan to Be Made in Canada
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| Toronto Maple Leafs hockey star, Tie Domi, and Canadian Olympic hockey gold medalist, Vicky Sunohara, sit in the all new, Canadian-built Ford Freestar at its world debut at the Canadian International Auto Show in Toronto, Thursday, February 13, as Ford of Canada President and CEO, Alain Batty explains the vehicle's features to the press. (Photo: Ford Motor) |
Despite a few industry-leading sales performers Ford dealers don't have to be reminded that they're currently short on updated models in key categories. Of course the Detroit auto show should have done its part to boost morale, with a variety of important production model reveals plus a bevy of cool concepts that point in the direction the brand is heading.
The blue oval faithful can take heart again that a new minivan is on the way to replace the aging Windstar. Introduced recently at both the Chicago Auto Show and Canadian International Auto Show in Toronto, the 2004 Ford Freestar portends to improvements across the board.
In a press release Ford of Canada states it will "deliver the best driving dynamics, most versatility, comfort and highest levels of safety and quality of any Ford minivan ever." But will it excel as strongly against its fierce competition?
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| On the same day as the Canadian launch Steve Lyons, President, Ford Division, Vice President, Ford Motor Company, unveils the new 2004 Ford Freestar minivan at the Chicago Auto Show to U.S. media. (Photo: Ford Motor) |
Chrysler's minivans are Canada's top selling vehicles overall, most feel for good reason. Honda's Odyssey has been acclaimed as the driver's minivan, followed closely or surpassed by the Mazda MPV, depending on your personal perspective. Kia has recently entered the market with its surprisingly competent Sedona for an even more surprisingly low price. More recently Nissan introduced a dramatically upgraded Quest that appears impressive, especially taking into consideration the brand's credentials as of late, and Toyota has upped its ante with an all-new version of its CAA Pyramid Award for Owner Satisfaction winning Sienna - tough company indeed.