One owner sums up her 2006 Freestyle SEL as “exactly the van we were searching for. Very pleased with it. It’s a nicely refined Windstar with attitude”.
Common gripes include weak audio systems, squeaks and rattles attributed to cheap interior paneling, and limited rear-row legroom. Most owners say the back seat is too low to the ground for comfortable adult use, but that it works in a pinch.
The Freestar’s predecessor, the Windstar, had a less than spectacular reliability record-- but it looks like Ford addressed the major issues with the Freestar. The new 4.2 litre engine looks to be free of glaring mechanical faults, and there were no issues worth serious worry uncovered in regard to other driveline components.
On a test drive, you will want to pay special attention to the transmission. A faulty internal seal or computer system can cause harsh shifting, hesitation in shifting or unwelcomed noises. Get beneath the vehicle and check the transmission for signs of leakage, too. Ask a mechanic if you’re unsure, or look for a certified used model from your local Ford dealership for maximum confidence.
Give all interior accessories a check for proper operation—noting the function of the air conditioner in both front and rear. All power windows should be checked out too.
If you opt for a limited model, be sure both power sliding doors operate smoothly. Note that power sliding doors almost always become an expensive hassle in the long run, so keep away from them unless they’re absolutely necessary.
Freestar was subjected to several safety-related recalls that dealt with cracking wheel hubs, leaky power steering lines and a potentially dangerous power liftgate. The latter issue could leave owners with a good whack on the melon if the liftgate malfunctions and free-falls without warning. Your dealership can check for the performance of recall-related work if you provide them with the vehicle’s VIN number.
In all, it looks like Ford built a solid and reliable machine here. If top levels of space and comfort are priorities for your next vehicle, and you can deal with slightly heavy fuel consumption, Freestar is worth investigation.
photo:Ford
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| 2006 Ford Freestar |
Common gripes include weak audio systems, squeaks and rattles attributed to cheap interior paneling, and limited rear-row legroom. Most owners say the back seat is too low to the ground for comfortable adult use, but that it works in a pinch.
The Freestar’s predecessor, the Windstar, had a less than spectacular reliability record-- but it looks like Ford addressed the major issues with the Freestar. The new 4.2 litre engine looks to be free of glaring mechanical faults, and there were no issues worth serious worry uncovered in regard to other driveline components.
On a test drive, you will want to pay special attention to the transmission. A faulty internal seal or computer system can cause harsh shifting, hesitation in shifting or unwelcomed noises. Get beneath the vehicle and check the transmission for signs of leakage, too. Ask a mechanic if you’re unsure, or look for a certified used model from your local Ford dealership for maximum confidence.
Give all interior accessories a check for proper operation—noting the function of the air conditioner in both front and rear. All power windows should be checked out too.
If you opt for a limited model, be sure both power sliding doors operate smoothly. Note that power sliding doors almost always become an expensive hassle in the long run, so keep away from them unless they’re absolutely necessary.
Freestar was subjected to several safety-related recalls that dealt with cracking wheel hubs, leaky power steering lines and a potentially dangerous power liftgate. The latter issue could leave owners with a good whack on the melon if the liftgate malfunctions and free-falls without warning. Your dealership can check for the performance of recall-related work if you provide them with the vehicle’s VIN number.
In all, it looks like Ford built a solid and reliable machine here. If top levels of space and comfort are priorities for your next vehicle, and you can deal with slightly heavy fuel consumption, Freestar is worth investigation.
 |
| 2006 Ford Freestar |
photo:Ford
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