How many miles per gallon does a Ford Freestar get?
The Freestar typically delivers about 16 miles per gallon in city driving and around 23 miles per gallon on the highway, with variations based on engine, drivetrain, and overall condition.
The Ford Freestar was a mid-2000s minivan produced from 2004 to 2007, designed to replace the Windstar. It was powered by a 4.2-liter V6 and paired with a 4-speed automatic transmission, with two-wheel drive as standard and all-wheel drive available on certain configurations. Because the model is no longer in production, current MPG figures come from-era EPA ratings and owner reports for the 2004–2007 period.
EPA fuel economy by configuration
The following list captures typical EPA estimates for common Freestar configurations. These numbers reflect the 4.2L V6 paired with a 4-speed automatic and differ slightly by model year and drivetrain.
- 2WD with 4.2L V6: approximately 16 mpg city / 23 mpg highway
- AWD with 4.2L V6: approximately 15 mpg city / 22 mpg highway
Note that these EPA estimates are guidance for standard configurations and can vary by year, trim level, and regional testing differences. Real-world mileage may differ based on driving conditions and maintenance history.
Real-world considerations for fuel economy
In everyday use, you may see numbers below the EPA estimates, especially with heavy cargo, frequent short trips, or aggressive driving. Older minivans like the Freestar also experience mileage changes as components wear over time, such as spark plugs, oxygen sensors, and the catalytic converter.
To maximize efficiency, drivers can focus on routine maintenance, driving habits, and load management to get the most from the Freestar’s gas mileage.
Tips to maximize MPG
Before you dive into practical steps, remember that improvements on an older minivan are modest compared with modern vehicles. The following tips reflect common-sense practices used by Freestar owners to squeeze more efficiency within the vehicle’s design limitations.
- Keep tires inflated to the recommended pressure and ensure proper alignment to reduce rolling resistance.
- Schedule regular maintenance: replace air filters, spark plugs, and oxygen sensors as needed; use the recommended fuel grade.
- Minimize cargo and passenger weight to reduce load.
- Plan trips to reduce stop-and-go driving and unnecessary idling; use cruise control on highways when safe.
- Avoid prolonged use of roof racks or accessories that increase drag when not needed.
- Consider fuel-saving driving techniques, such as steady acceleration and smooth braking.
Applying these practices can help you approach the Freestar’s EPA estimates more closely, though gains will be limited by the vehicle’s age and original design.
Summary
For most 2004–2007 Ford Freestar models with the standard 4.2L V6, 2WD versions typically achieve about 16 mpg in city driving and 23 mpg on the highway, while AWD variants usually run around 15 mpg city / 22 mpg highway. Real-world mileage depends on year, configuration, maintenance, and driving conditions. As a discontinued model, reported MPG varies by individual vehicle and usage, so owners should rely on EPA estimates and their own driving data when evaluating fuel economy.
Why was the Ford Freestar discontinued?
The Freestar's Mercury Monterey sibling has met the same fate. Ford had originally planned to continue making the Freestar though the 2007 model year, but customer demand simply wasn't there. Freestar sales as of late were a fraction of how many minivans Ford was selling at the beginning of the decade.
Why did Ford discontinue the Freestar?
Following a decline in sales across the minivan segment in the mid-2000s, the Freestar and Monterey were discontinued after the 2007 model year with no direct replacement.
What is the gas mileage on a Ford Freestar?
The Ford Freestar's gas mileage varies by year and trim, but generally ranges from 17 to 18 MPG combined. For example, the 2007 model has an EPA combined rating of 17 MPG (15 city/21 highway) for most trims, while the 2005 and 2006 models are rated at 18 MPG combined for the base engine.
MPG by year and trim
- 2007 Ford Freestar:
- Combined: 17 MPG (15 city/21 highway) for most trims (SE, SEL, Cargo, Limited).
- 2006 Ford Freestar:
- SE and Cargo: 18 MPG combined (16 city/22 highway).
- SEL and Limited: 17 MPG combined (15 city/21 highway).
- 2005 Ford Freestar:
- Combined: 18 MPG (16 city/22 highway) for the SEL model with the base V6 engine.
How many miles per gallon does a 2004 Ford Freestar get?
Every Freestar is front-wheel drive (FWD), and whichever engine you choose, this minivan earns an EPA-rating of 17 mpg in a mix of city and highway driving. Ford also made a two-seat cargo van version of the Freestar that's rated 18 mpg.
