2006 Ford Freestar

Ford Freestar is designed to be the most flexible, most powerful and highest-quality minivan Ford has built. With its 'Best Pick' rating from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety and five-star rating in government frontal crash tests, Freestar is also a safe family vehicle.

For 2006, a host of appearance and equipment changes in a simplified series strategy help customers find a Freestar that best suits their individual needs.

Freestar now comes in SE, SEL and Limited models. A cargo van version is also available.

It is built in Oakville, Ontario.

Design and Equipment
Three colors join the Freestar option list for 2006. Dark Toreador Clearcoat Metallic, Smokestone Clearcoat Metallic and Norsea Blue Clearcoat Metallic are new choices outside, while a darker instrument panel accent and M andarin Teak woodgrain instead of White Oak update the interior color themes.

This year, changes to the Limited models include chrome wheels, door handles and roof rack, while all models benefit from redesigned interior door panels with push-pull window switches.

Added to the st andard equipment list are speed control, CD player, roof rails, a tire-pressure monitor, premium interior lighting with sleeping baby mode, upgraded rear seats and privacy glass.

Freestar includes seating for up to seven passengers and 27.4 cubic feet of cargo volume behind the third-row seat. When the third-row seat is stowed in the floor and the second-row seats are removed, the rear cargo area exp ands to 135.7 cubic feet and can accommodate large sheets of work material. Freestar's third-row seat can also be placed in a rearward-facing position for use during picnic or tailgating activities.

Dozens of storage features have been engineered into the Freestar, including a large third-row seat bin, 20-ounce beverage holders in the front doors and map pockets hold plenty of kid paraphernalia. The rear sliding doors feature sizable bins for books, toys and other items. The covered compartment on top of the instrument panel is ideal for small items. A covered lower instrument storage bin is st andard on all vehicles. The Freestar has cup holders for nine beverages.

Powertrain and Chassis

Freestar uses the latest-generation Ford four-speed automatic transmission. (posted on conceptcarz.com) It has been designed with 'fast-acting' hydraulics to help the transmission shift quickly and smoothly.

Making Freestar's cabin very quiet was a top engineering priority. Special attention was paid to the body and door sealing, sound insulation and powertrain mounting technology. Notable sound insulation treatments include thick front side windows, a noise-absorbing dash panel and a sound-blocking technology called Conformable Constrained Layer Damping.

Safety and Security

Safety is a Ford minivan tradition. The 2006 Freestar, complete with dual-stage air bags, a solid structure and improved functional attributes, builds on Ford's legacy of safety

leadership and has earned a 'Best Pick' rating from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety.

Freestar offers st andard and optional safety and security features, including the Safety Canopy™ rollover curtain air bag system, a fail-safe cooling system for the engine that allows the vehicle to continue running for a short period following the loss of coolant, self-sealing tires, Smart Locks, keyless entry keypad, available 17-inch wheels and tires and predictable, confidence-inspiring h andling.

Large four-wheel disc brakes with anti-lock control and electronic brake-force distribution are st andard. AdvanceTrac®-equipped models also have Panic Brake Assist, which can help reduce stopping distances in a panic stop.

Major Features and Options

Freestar SE: 3.9-liter V-6 with automatic four-speed transmission, four-wheel anti-lock disc brakes, remote keyless entry, low-tire-pressure warning, power locks, mirrors and windows, air conditioning, AM/FM/CD stereo, speed control, privacy glass and fold-in-floor third-row seat with tailgating feature.

SEL adds: 4.2-liter V-6 engine, Tri-zone auxiliary air conditioning with overhead console, 16-inch five-spoke aluminum wheels, six-way power driver's seat, chrome grille, fold- and-tumble second-row bucket seats, cornering lamps, illuminated visors and leather-wrapped steering wheel with audio controls.

Limited adds: Exclusive interior and exterior trim, power-heated signal mirrors with puddle lamps, message center, speed-sensitive automatic audio control, analog clock, automatic temperature control, leather seating surfaces and power-sliding doors.

Options include 17-inch alloy wheels, self-sealing tires, upgraded audio systems, trailer towing package, power liftgate, AdvaceTrac, Safety Canopy and, DVD entertainment system and others.

Source - Ford Media