Freestar S ($23,910) comes standard with a 3.9-liter V6 engine; four-speed automatic transmission; air conditioning; AM/FM stereo; power windows, locks and mirrors; remote keyless entry; four-wheel anti-lock (ABS) disc brakes with Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD); and 225/60 all-season tires on 16-inch steel wheels. A cleverly designed third-row bench seat folds flat into the floor or turns backward to form a tailgate bench seat.

SE ($26,510) adds upgraded seats, a CD player, cruise control, privacy glass, and the logitudinal rails of a roof rack.

SES ($26,010) adds dual-zone climate control, an overhead console with a compass and outside temperature display, six-way power driver's seat, fog lamps, and wider 235/60R16 all-season tires on aluminum wheels. Black-trimmed bumpers and grille replace the monochromatic look of the S and SE.

Freestar SEL ($29,010) boosts performance with a 4.2-liter V6 engine. SEL also gets fold-and-tumble second-row bucket seats, automatic headlights, cornering lamps, an illuminated entry keypad on the driver's door, leather-wrapped steering wheel with built-in audio controls, and AM/FM/CD/cassette stereo with auxiliary rear-seat controls. The grille is now chrome, and the bumpers revert to body color.

The top-of-the-line Limited ($32,710) includes all SEL equipment plus dual power sliding doors, automatic climate control, power-adjustable brake and accelerator pedals, leather upholstery for the front seats, power heated mirrors with turn signals and puddle lamps, 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 ($150). A Memory Package ($305) stores settings for the mirrors, driver's seat, and pedals. A navigation system is not available on the Freestar.

The Active Safety Package I ($395) combines panic brake assist, traction control, and Ford's AdvanceTrac stability control. Active Safety Package II ($750) adds a reverse-sensing system. 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 all of these packages and recommend ensuring that all of your passengers always wear their seat belts, the most important safety feature on any vehicle.