When was the last Ford Freestar made?
The last Ford Freestar was made in 2007. The minivan was produced as part of Ford's Windstar lineage from 2004 to 2007, and Ford ended the model year with no direct successor in the Freestar name, choosing instead to push into crossovers such as the Ford Flex.
This article reviews the production timeline, explains why Ford discontinued the Freestar, and summarizes how Ford reshaped its lineup in the years that followed.
Production run and key facts
These items outline the essential facts about when the Freestar existed, where it was built, and how it related to its Mercury counterpart.
- Model years produced: 2004–2007
- Assembly plant: Windsor Assembly Plant, Windsor, Ontario, Canada
- Body type: Three-row minivan
- Related model: Mercury Monterey (sibling model sold by Mercury)
- Final year of production: 2007
- End of Freestar in Ford's minivan lineup; replaced by Ford Flex and other crossovers
These details show that the Freestar’s last model year was 2007, after which Ford retired the nameplate in favor of newer crossover offerings.
Why Ford ended the Freestar
The decision to discontinue the Freestar reflected a combination of market dynamics and Ford’s broader product strategy.
- Declining sales and shrinking demand for traditional minivans
- Intense competition from established rivals like the Honda Odyssey and Toyota Sienna
- Strategic shift toward crossovers and SUVs to better align with consumer trends
- Introduction of a purpose-built crossover to replace the Freestar’s role in the lineup
The Freestar’s discontinuation in 2007 set the stage for Ford’s pivot to crossovers, most notably the Ford Flex, which aimed to blend passenger-space with SUV-like styling and versatility.
The Freestar’s replacement
The Ford Flex emerged as the practical successor to the Freestar in Ford’s lineup. Debuting for the 2009 model year (production beginning in 2008), the Flex offered a more modern, crossover-oriented approach to family transportation and served as Ford’s focal point in the three-row market instead of a traditional minivan.
Legacy and current status
Years after production ended, the Freestar remains a point of interest for enthusiasts and the used-vehicle market. Its legacy includes the three-row layout that it shared with the Mercury Monterey and its role in marking a transitional period for Ford as it shifted away from traditional minivans toward crossover designs.
In the broader context of Ford’s product strategy, the Freestar is seen as a stepping stone that informed the company’s eventual emphasis on crossovers and SUVs, culminating in vehicles like the Flex and other family-friendly crossovers that followed.
Summary
The Ford Freestar’s production concluded in 2007, ending Ford’s Windstar-era minivans in the United States and prompting a strategic shift toward crossovers. With the Freestar name retired, Ford redirected its resources toward newer models, notably the Ford Flex, which began production for the 2009 model year. This pivot reflected a broader industry move from traditional minivans to more versatile, car-like crossovers.
What replaced the Ford Freestar?
The Freestar and Monterey minivan had nearly the same platform as the Windstar. The Freestar and Monterey minivan didn't sell too well because people were buying SUV's instead. This caused them both to stop being produced. Ford made the Ford Flex in 2008 to replace the Freestar and Monterey minivan.
Why was the Ford Freestar discontinued?
After selling far under sales projections, Ford discontinued the Freestar and Monterey after the 2007 model year. The final Monterey was produced by Oakville Assembly on August 25, 2006; the final Freestar was produced on December 29, 2006.
Is a Ford Freestar reliable?
The reliability of the Ford Freestar is mixed, with many owners reporting it as a dependable vehicle, but common issues include transmission problems, particularly torque converter failures, and water leaks. While some models have received high reliability ratings, and some owners have driven them for hundreds of thousands of miles with few major issues, others have faced costly repairs, making it crucial to check the vehicle's history before purchasing.
You can watch this video to learn about common issues and reliability of minivans like the Ford Freestar: 56sCar WizardYouTube · Jan 28, 2025
Strengths
- Comfort and space: Many reviews praise the Freestar for its comfortable and spacious interior, which is suitable for families or hauling cargo.
- Driving experience: Some owners note that it handles well and has adequate power.
- Availability: Parts are generally inexpensive and readily available.
Weaknesses and common problems
- Transmission issues: Transmission failure, especially related to the torque converter, is a frequent complaint.
- Water leaks: Water leaking into the cabin is another common problem, according to owner reviews.
- Other issues: Some owners have reported problems with engine stalling, rear axle corrosion, and warped front rotors.
- Recall history: Some model years, like the 2004, have a history of multiple recalls.
What to consider before buying
- Service history: Given the transmission and leak issues, it is essential to check the vehicle's maintenance and repair history before buying. A prior torque converter recall or replacement is a good sign.
- Mileage: Vehicles with lower mileage may have fewer problems. If the transmission and other common problem areas have been addressed, it could be a good value.
- Overall rating: While some specific model years have received positive ratings, the overall reliability is mixed.
What was the biggest Ford flop?
The Edsel
The Edsel was produced by the Ford Motor Company between 1957 and 1959 and was intended to fill the supposed gap between the Ford and Mercury lines. In a word, yes. Many consider it the biggest failure the Ford Motor Company has ever had.
