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As Ford looked towards the Taurus for the Windstar’s curvy interior, they looked at the European Mondeo for the Freestar’s no-nonsense high-quality interior. As with the Ford Escape, it’s shades of tan and brown in here. Although it maybe a pain to clean for parents whose kids have artistic tendencies, it provides a homey environment that’s filled with warmth and character, something that can’t be said with the Chevrolet Venture. Of course, being the range-topping variant in the line-up, there’s the ubiquitous faux wood and cow hide seats. Although I would have personally deleted the former, I surely appreciated the latter as the Freestar’s leather seats are heated; perfect for me as I tackled the roads at 21 degrees Fahrenheit. Adding a bit of character is the chrome ringed gauges. Interior quality is, like the new F-150, a cut above the rest. Whereas the Chevrolet Venture’s dash looked like it suited Bugs Bunny, Steve Jobs wouldn’t mind fiddling with the Freestar’s six-disc in-dash changer. And speaking about high-tech stuff, the Freestar’s full of it such as power adjustable pedals, dual climate control, dual electric sliding doors, side mirror turn repeaters and an analog clock. Although Dodge’s Grand Caravan would have more space, the Freestar still offers seating for seven (2+2+3) and nine beverages. Besides that, the Ford still offers uncompromised flexibility options with a fold-flat third row, fold-and-tumble captain’s chairs on the second row. This Ford’s versatility was put to the test when it had to swallow my brother and mine’s luggage (think typical Filipino balik-bayan’s worth). An uncompromising family hauler it is, but can it tackle the Interstate 94 (I-94)’s infamous bad surface? This would prove to be the Freestar’s ultimate test. As I joined the highway, the Freestar found it easy to reach the legal speed limit of 80 mph. In fact, more than once, I teased the state troopers by hitting 120 mph. The engine / transmission worked well enabling for smooth and steady progress as afternoon turned to dusk. |
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