Neither engine matches the energy of the new Nissan Quest, rated 240 horsepower, nor the redesigned Toyota Sienna at 230 horsepower. But the Freestar's torque is competitive, compared to 242 pound-feet for both the Toyota and the Nissan. And torque is the force you actually feel when you step on the gas, propelling you away from intersections and up steep grades. Freestar's 4.2-liter V6 is the largest in any minivan. and is likely the best choice for highway cruising, passing on freeways and towing.

All Freestars come with a four-speed automatic transmission, which shifts smoothly. Ford credits the transmission's fast-acting hydraulics with shifts that are not only smooth, but quick as well. The company's consumer research showed that minivan buyers don't care whether their automatic was a four-speed or potentially better-performing five-speed (which other manufacturers offer), as long as the shifts were smooth.

The Freestar is extremely quiet. The only exception is that the overhead-valve engine roars a tad too loudly and truck-like under hard acceleration, making it sound a little less refined than some of the competition.

The Freestar's ride is smooth. It glided over the rough pavement of Michigan's Interstate 94. Steering is much more responsive than in the old Windstar. It leans a bit in corners, but handling is predictable. Big four-wheel disc brakes with ABS and EBD are standard, and the brakes are easy to modulate for nice, smooth stops.