The Freestar sticks with a traditional, mainstream minivan styling formula, which generally has been more popular than radically different ones, at least until this summer's introduction of the dramatically designed Nissan Quest.

One distinguishing feature of the Freestar is an odd one. The front side windows lower below the inside portion of the door trim so when the window is fully down, the sill protrudes up. Designers say it was done to create an armrest of a comfortable height.

A power liftgate will be offered on the Freestar late in the model year.