Freestar is offered in three trim levels: the value-oriented SE, the mid-level SEL, and the top-of-the-line Limited. All models are front-wheel drive; all-wheel drive is not available. All Freestars come with dual sliding side doors with child-proof locks.
Freestar SE ($23,655) comes standard with a 3.9-liter V6 engine, four-speed automatic transmission, cruise control, air conditioning, AM/FM/CD stereo, power windows, locks and mirrors, tire pressure monitor, remote keyless entry, anti-lock (ABS) four-wheel disc brakes with Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD), privacy glass, roof rack longitudinal rails, and 225/60 all-season tires on 16-inch steel wheels. A cleverly designed third-row bench seat folds flat into the floor or flips backward to form a tailgate bench seat.
Freestar SEL ($26,615) boosts performance with a 4.2-liter V6 engine. SEL also gets six-way power driver's seat, fold-and-tumble second-row captain's chairs, tri-zone (right, left, and rear) auxiliary climate control, automatic headlights, an illuminated entry keypad on the driver's door, illuminated visors, and leather-wrapped steering wheel with built-in audio controls. Exterior upgrades include 16-inch five-spoke aluminum wheels, cornering lamps. The SEL grille is chrome, and the bumpers are body color. The SE and SEL can be upgraded with a premium appearance package.
The Limited ($29,575) adds leather upholstery for the front seats, dual power sliding doors, automatic climate control, power-adjustable brake and accelerator pedals, power heated mirrors with turn signals and puddle lamps, message center, analog clock, and contrasting-color bumpers for a two-tone effect.
Options include a DVD rear-seat entertainment system with wireless headphones ($1,395), and a six-disc CD changer ($255), as well as 17-inch alloy wheels ($245), self-sealing tires ($280), trailer-towing package ($335), power liftgate ($400), rear spoiler ($290). A Memory Package ($425) stores settings for the mirrors, driver's seat, and pedals. A navigation system is not available on the Freestar.
The AdvanceTrac package ($335) combines panic Brake Assist, traction control, and Ford's AdvanceTrac stability control. The package is available with a reverse-sensing system ($730). Ford's optional Safety Canopy ($695) side-curtain airbag system runs the length of the minivan on both sides and includes sensors that monitor for a rollover. If a rollover is detected, the air bags deploy from the headliner and stay inflated for up to six seconds to protect the heads of occupants in all three rows. Seat-mounted side-impact airbags for the front passengers complement the Safety Canopy. We suggest getting both the AdvanceTrac and the Safety Canopy, but keep in mind that air bags work effectively only if all passengers are belted in and children are properly secured. So order all the stuff mentioned in this paragraph and buckle up.