Reaching for the steering column mounted gear lever, I wondered why Ford hadn't replaced it with a shift lever mounted on the center console or lower dash area? Several new minivans have adopted such a layout in an effort to project a sportier image. I think it works, so would have appreciated more of a sport-van, with either a gated shifter or manual-shift mode operation. Just because family circumstances force some car enthusiasts out of sports cars and into people-transporters doesn't mean they should also give up the right to self-select the right gear or shift on their own terms, rather than having it done for them.
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| I wonder why Ford hasn't replaced the steering column mounted gear lever with a shift lever mounted on the center console or lower dash area? (Photo: Rob Rothwell, Canadian Auto Press) |
With that rant done, lets get the Freestar in gear and get on with the test drive. The first thing that struck me as I placed the Freestar into reverse was a mushy brake pedal. It felt squishy, almost like brakes that have seen a few too many miles and in need of replacement. A quick examination of the instruments revealed that the Freestar only had 200 and change on the odometer, so the brakes were unequivocally new. More on the brakes later as this drive continues.
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| While I have no complaints about acceleration, I was surprised at how noisy the V6 engine was. (Photo: Rob Rothwell, Canadian Auto Press) |
Wipers and headlights on, I maneuvered out of the parking lot and headed for the ribbon of tarmac that would lead me back to Vancouver. I poked the gas as I turned onto the main thoroughfare and was pleasantly pleased with the ease in which the big Freestar hustled ahead to meet the posted speed limit. At 265 foot pounds of torque, this V6 is no slouch - my old VW quickly becoming a forgotten memory.
While I have no complaints about acceleration, I was surprised at how noisy the engine was. I wouldn't say it was excessively loud, or even unpleasant, just a little low-rent considering the high-class surroundings. Perhaps the audible engine tones are emphasized by the lack of other noise, such as from wind and the road. Ford engineers have done a marvelous job of factoring-out almost all road and wind irritants, an especially laudable accomplishment given the vehicle type's bass drum proportions that make deleting NVH levels difficult.
