2006 Ford Freestar SEL

Ford redesigned and substantially improved its practical Windstar minivan, and changed its name to Freestar for the 2004 model year—not to be confused with Ford's Freestyle car-based crossover, which followed for 2005. The good news for Ford minivan fans is that more improvements arrive for 2006, beginning with nicely redesigned front door panels and interior trim.

Models
The lineup has been simplified to three passenger variations—SE, SEL and Limited—and a cargo van. All but the cargo van get new standard equipment including speed control, CD player, roof rails and tire-pressure monitoring. A new appearance package dresses up base SEs, mid-range SELs get bright machined 16-inch alloy wheels, and top-of-the-line Limiteds flaunt chromed door handles, roof rack and wheels (16-in. standard, 17-in. optional, but not chromed) for a stronger luxury look. Compared to the SE, our test SEL also packed the more powerful 4.2-liter V-6 engine plus standard Tri-zone auxiliary air conditioning with overhead console, 6-way power driver's seat, chromed grille, fold-and-tumble second-row bucket seats, cornering lamps, illuminated visors and a leather-wrapped steering wheel with convenient audio controls in its spokes.

Styling

In doing the '04 redesign, the product team invested most of its time, energy and budget where they could make the most difference: in the chassis, structure, interior, powertrain and NVH (noise, vibration and harshness), and their efforts have paid off in a much more quiet, solid and pleasant-driving vehicle. The all-new instrument panel is far superior to Windstar's in craftsmanship, quality of materials, fits and overall appearance. All three series have two-tone instrument and door panels, separated on the Limited by a woodgrain strip, while SEL and Limited gauges are trimmed in chrome. The Limited even sports a Lincoln-like round analog clock.

Amenities
Three separate overhead consoles house outside temperature and compass displays, power side door and rear A/C controls, an optional DVD entertainment system and a convex "Conversation Mirror" that enables parents to keep a close watch on kids in back. The numerous storage features include dual stacked map holders and cupholders (good for 20-oz. bottles in both front doors), large bins in both side sliding doors, a covered dash-top compartment and foldout second-row cupholders with a novel breakaway feature. If someone steps on one and the mechanism snaps apart, no problem: just fold it closed, and it fixes itself.

Interior

The Freestar's second- and third-row seating is highly flexible. A new standard counter-balanced Tailgate Bench Seat stows easily into a deep bin for a completely flat floor (with no need to remove its head restraints) or flips over to face rearward for picnics or tailgate events. The second-row bench tips and slides along its rails, while available dual captain's chairs (standard on SEL and Limited) fold and tumble like those in Ford's Explorer and Expedition SUVs. Both configurations move easily out of the way with one hand for third-row access and are fairly easily removed to provide a whopping 130.7 cu. ft. of useful cargo volume.