DecodedCars2006 Ford Freestar
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2006 models.
- Class
- Minivan - 2WD
- Body styles
- Se/Sport/Sel/Limited
- Engines
- 3.9L 6-cyl, 4.2L 6-cyl
- Drivetrain
- Front-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Regular Gasoline
- MPG (best)
- 18 combined · 16 city / 22 hwy
- Length
- 201.6 in
- Curb weight
- 4,295 lb
- NHTSA rating
- Not rated
- Recalls
- 1 campaign
Pros & cons
What's good
Nothing stands out against similar models in the data.
Watch out for
- Many owner complaints119 complaints filed with NHTSA versus about 23 for similar models — most often about the power train.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 11 similar 2006 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2006 Ford Freestar is a minivan offered with 2 engines (3.9L 6-cyl and 4.2L 6-cyl) and front-wheel drive.
It measures about 202 inches long and 77 inches wide on a 121-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 4,295 lb.
EPA rates its most efficient version at 18 MPG combined (16 city / 22 highway), 3% worse than the 2006 minivan average of 18.6 MPG, for an estimated $3,700 a year in fuel.
It has 1 recall campaign on file and owners have filed 119 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the power train.
What changed for 2006
- Engine dropped: 3.8L 6-cyl
Compared with 2005; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2005 Freestar →
Dimensions & weight
| Body | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Track F / R | Curb weight | Weight F/R |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Se/Sport/Sel/Limited | 201.6 in | 76.8 in | 68.9 in | 121.3 in | 63.8 / 62.6 in | 4,295 lb | 59/41 |
Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.
Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →Engines, MPG & running costs
| Version | Engine | Transmission | Drive | City / Hwy / Comb | vs. class | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Freestar Cargo Van FWD | 3.9L 6-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 16 / 22 / 18 | -3% | $3,700 | 494 |
| Freestar Wagon FWD | 3.9L 6-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 16 / 22 / 18 | -3% | $3,700 | 494 |
| Freestar Cargo Van FWD | 4.2L 6-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 15 / 21 / 17 | -9% | $3,950 | 523 |
| Freestar Wagon FWD | 4.2L 6-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 15 / 21 / 17 | -9% | $3,950 | 523 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2006 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2006 Ford Freestar under the current (2011+) test program.
Similar 2006 minivans
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2006 Ford Freestar (this car) | 18 MPG | Not rated | 1 |
| 2006 Toyota Sienna | 19 MPG | Not rated | 8 |
| 2006 Kia Sedona | 18 MPG | Not rated | 4 |
| 2006 Honda Odyssey | 20 MPG | Not rated | 2 |
| 2006 Chrysler Town and Country | 19 MPG | Not rated | 1 |
| 2006 Nissan Quest | 19 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2006 Dodge Caravan/Grand Caravan | 20 MPG | Not rated | 1 |
Recalls (1)
Seats · Mar 7, 2013
NHTSA campaign 13V081000 · 196,667 vehicles
- Problem
- Ford is recalling certain model year 2004-2007 Freestar and Mercury Monterey vehicles manufactured from March 24, 2003, through November 7, 2006, equipped with a third row seat and originally sold in, or currently registered in, Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, West Virginia, Wisconsin and the District of Columbia. The third row stowable seat can experience corrosion and structural degradation at the seat anchor mechanism mounted to the rear wheel wells. As a result of the corrosion, the third row seat may not fully latch into its seating position.
- Risk
- In the event that the vehicle is crashed into from the rear, an unlatched seat may increase the risk of personal injury.
- Fix
- Ford will notify owners, and dealers will install new third row seat latch striker mounting brackets, free of charge. The recall began on March 28, 2013. Owners may contact Ford Motor Company Customer Relationship Center at 1-866-436-7332.
Not every 2006 Ford Freestar is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2006 Ford Freestar buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 1 recall this year — ask for proof of repairs.
- Power Train — 75 owner reports. Test-drive through all gears, including reverse; note slipping, harsh or delayed shifts.
- Engine — 12 owner reports. Cold-start the engine, listen for knocking, and watch for warning lights or hesitation on acceleration.
- Electrical System — 10 owner reports. Test every window, lock, light, screen and USB port; check the battery age.
- Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 111,000 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
- Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.
Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2006 Ford Freestar. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.
Other Freestar years
Compare all years →| Year | MPG (best) | Length | Overall | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2007 Freestar | 18 | 201.6 in | Not rated | 1 | 22 |
| 2005 Freestar | 18 | 201.6 in | Not rated | 2 | 148 |
Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Ford. How we calculate this →