2004 Ford Freestar Review
Fuel Economy
17 - 18 mpg
Summary
What Edmunds.com says
The Freestar has all the right safety and convenience features, but with equally well-appointed offerings from Chrysler, Honda, Nissan and Toyota, rebuilding Ford's place in the minivan segment won't be easy.
Pros
Plenty of safety and convenience features, sharp interior design, torquey V6 engines.
Cons
Unimpressive fuel economy numbers, less horsepower than top competitors.
What's New for 2004
The Freestar is an all-new minivan that replaces Ford's aged Windstar. Recognizing the increased competition in this segment, the company has incorporated must-haves like a fold-flat third-row seat, rear DVD entertainment system and a power liftgate, while adding new items like side curtain airbags that cover all three rows of seating and an available large-displacement V6 for hauling heavy loads.
Consumer Ratings & Reviews
Poor components
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 7 | Fun-to-Drive: | 5 | Build Quality: | 3 |
| Comfort: | 7 | Interior Design: | 8 | Reliability: | 4 |
| Fuel Economy: | 3 | Exterior Design: | 8 | ||
Vehicle
2004 Ford Freestar Limited 4dr Minivan (4.2L 6cyl 4A)
Review
Bought van new. Main problems have been with poor components. Examples: Have had to replace both front power window motors, driver seat heater, driver seat adjustment motor, and 6CD/radio has been replaced TWICE, fuel pump died on the highway at 60K. Fortunately no problems with engine/transmission; not even leaking/burning oil with almost 90K on it. Poor fuel economy as I can only get to 18mpg on highway. I've owned Chevy, Dodge, Ford, Mazda and Hyundai and this will likely be the last domestic vehicle I ever own.
Favorite Features
Safety features (airbags/curtains, stability control, antilock brakes), fold flat rear seat, cargo capacity.
Suggested Improvements
Need to get better parts from suppliers.
Transmission Problems
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 10 | Fun-to-Drive: | 8 | Build Quality: | 7 |
| Comfort: | 9 | Interior Design: | 8 | Reliability: | 5 |
| Fuel Economy: | 9 | Exterior Design: | 9 | ||
Vehicle
2004 Ford Freestar S 4dr Minivan (3.9L 6cyl 4A)
Review
The car has been good, except when it stranded me and my family in a remote stretch of Texas road when the transmission suddenly failed without any warning whatsoever. Turns out it was the faulty spline design of the torque converter, where the splines (gear type teeth) stripped out. Cost wss over $1200.00 for repair, $300.00 rental car and $200 towing - plus missing a family Labor Day gathering at my mothers. After reading of the huge number of transmission failures on this vehicle on other web sites, I now question the reliability of this vehicle and may shift over from Fords. Being a registered Mechanical Engineer, I know how important reliability is, especially for your family.
Favorite Features
Smooth ride, large gas tank (26 Gal, can go over 500 miles), good load capacity. Car has 93K miles, so overall, not to bad except for the transmission.
Suggested Improvements
More robustly designed transmission components, better design of rotors - they warp, causing vibration when braking; & better design of EGR valve - had to replace one myself where part cost $200 from Ford.
2004 Ford Freestar
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 1 | Fun-to-Drive: | 1 | Build Quality: | 1 |
| Comfort: | 3 | Interior Design: | 5 | Reliability: | 1 |
| Fuel Economy: | 3 | Exterior Design: | 5 | ||
Vehicle
2004 Ford Freestar SE 4dr Minivan (3.9L 6cyl 4A)
Review
Worst vehicle that I have every owned. Feared for my safety in this vehicle. I would not recommend it to anyone. I will not purchase another Ford vehicle ever again because of having such a bad experience with this vehicle. Review NHTSA site for numerous complaints.
Favorite Features
storaway back seat
Suggested Improvements
Fix the safety issues with the vehicle. The PCM and the transmission need to be totally replaced.
Recall is Needed-Transmission
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 1 | Fun-to-Drive: | 1 | Build Quality: | 1 |
| Comfort: | 1 | Interior Design: | 6 | Reliability: | 1 |
| Fuel Economy: | 1 | Exterior Design: | 6 | ||
Vehicle
2004 Ford Freestar Limited 4dr Minivan (4.2L 6cyl 4A)
Review
If the transmission issues would not happen. This van would be great. But the reliability of the vehicle and the safety of my children and whomever is in it comes first. This vehicle is unsafe. Please go to NHTSA or safercar.gov and draw your own conclusion.
Favorite Features
quiet and smooth driving when it is actually running.
Suggested Improvements
comfort for back passengers and better reliable seatbelts in back. Recall of transmission that is currently in use for this model. A sensor to stop the electronic door from shutting when there is someone in the way.
Not Built Ford Tough
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 4 | Fun-to-Drive: | 4 | Build Quality: | 3 |
| Comfort: | 5 | Interior Design: | 7 | Reliability: | 3 |
| Fuel Economy: | 6 | Exterior Design: | 6 | ||
Vehicle
2004 Ford Freestar S 4dr Minivan (3.9L 6cyl 4A)
Review
transmission failed at 88000 miles.The failure was not do to neglect or abuse. this was 2 weeks before the warranty was up. and Ford of Canada is telling us to bad. they say water must have got into the transmission and that's what caused the internal parts to get rusty, but are not sure how it got in there. after calling them they tell us it's not covered. so much for "Built Ford Tough" & "Quality is #1"
Favorite Features
The inside space.
Suggested Improvements
Issue a recall on the defective transmissions!!!!
View Pricing for Other Years
- 2007 Ford Freestar
- 2006 Ford Freestar
- 2005 Ford Freestar
- 2004 Ford Freestar
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