Anyone checked out the Ford Freestar in person?

Tamie · Oct 17, 2003

The reviews I'm reading seem to indicate that it's done what Honda, Toyota and Nissan have done with the fold-flat third row, front crumple zone, etc. and even improved upon some things, like the interior design, but that the gas mileage isn't good at all. I can't remember if there were other drawbacks. And we haven't seen crash test ratings, of course ...

Anyone checked it out yet? Or the Mercury Monterey?

Tamie

SafeDad · Oct 20, 2003

One drawback

You pay for the best in class torque and towing with relatively poor gas mileage. Still better than a truck based SUV with similar cargo room, but a few mpg worse than Sienna.

Tamie · Oct 21, 2003

I have nothing to tow except my three children, but I'm really pleased that those who need that pull power now have a really good choice in this class of vehicle.

Any other impressions on the new Ford or Mercury models, Darren? When do you think the crash test ratings will be available? We're now thinking February or early March is our buying target.

Tamie

SafeDad · Oct 21, 2003

They look nice on paper-

Safetywise, they look great on paper if you get the stability control and safety canopy airbag system. I really like the appearance of the Mercury, too. It could be a year before we see a full set of IIHS and NHTSA crash results, but hopefully less. I will also be looking at these compared to the Sienna and Quest next fall. Unless the new Odyssey is a real winner, then I may have to wait yet another year

Unregistered · Oct 22, 2003

Freestar Crash Testing

The 2004 Freestar will be tested by IIHS on the following dates:

Low speed bumper test: October 30

Offset deformable barrier frontal impact: November 12

IIHS likes to release their ratings in comparable groups, so it is likely to be a couple months beyond the test date before they are released.

SafeDad · Oct 26, 2003

Tamie-

When Ford sends me a Monterrey or Freestar for evaluation, I'll give you a full report

I'm thinking a free one year lease on a model with stability control and the side curtain airbags would do it, don't you?

Tamie · Oct 26, 2003

Absolutely, I do!

And why haven't the automakers thought of this already? Give Darren two months with your new model and then go back to make revisions before you release it. ;o)

And for what it's worth, I think the reviews at places like MSN autos, etc. are most often lacking. Does the general public really care more about the interior trim than safety features?

Tamie

SafeDad · Oct 26, 2003

Now if every time there's a new minivan I could get a free one year lease evaluation, we'd probably never have to buy another car...

Sadly, I think the general public rarely puts safety above other concerns like interior trim, cost, rebates, color options, horsepower, luxury features, etc :-( Perhaps this isn't so much the case with minivans, which appeal to the family market and the [smarter] female buyers!

joolsplus3 · Oct 26, 2003

I get automotive surveys all the time...well, at least one a month...you can bet your booty I say YES when offered 5 pt seatbelts (or was it four? i dunno, i said YES anyway!!!), stability control...any safety feature they ask if i'll pay a lot for, i say yes. they can keep their dumb high-performance stereo, but give me airbags everywhere!!! lol. Now obviously my buying behavior doesn't match precisely (hey, that sienna was SO much more than the Ody...sigh), but at least I'm doing my small part

Anyone checked out the Ford Freestar in person?

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