Why did Ford discontinue the Freestar?
Ford discontinued the Freestar minivan in 2007 due to declining sales and a shift in consumer preferences towards larger SUVs and crossovers. The Freestar struggled to compete with more popular minivan models from competitors like Honda, Toyota, and Chrysler.
The Rise and Fall of the Ford Freestar
The Ford Freestar was introduced in 2003 as a replacement for the aging Windstar minivan. It was designed to compete in the highly competitive minivan market, which was dominated by models like the Honda Odyssey, Toyota Sienna, and Chrysler Town & Country.
Initially, the Freestar received positive reviews for its spacious interior, comfortable ride, and range of family-friendly features. However, it failed to gain significant traction with consumers, who were increasingly gravitating towards larger SUVs and crossovers.
Reasons for the Freestar's Discontinuation
There were several key factors that contributed to the discontinuation of the Ford Freestar:
- Declining Sales: The Freestar struggled to gain market share, with sales declining year-over-year. In 2006, its final full year of production, Ford sold just over 50,000 Freestars, a far cry from the over 150,000 Windstars sold at the height of that model's popularity.
- Increased Competition: The minivan market became increasingly crowded, with Honda, Toyota, and Chrysler all offering well-regarded and popular models that outperformed the Freestar in terms of features, reliability, and customer satisfaction.
- Shift in Consumer Preferences: As consumer tastes shifted towards larger SUVs and crossovers, the demand for traditional minivans like the Freestar waned. Families were drawn to the increased space, capability, and perceived ruggedness of these larger vehicles.
- Lack of Investment: Ford was criticized for not investing enough in the Freestar to keep it competitive with newer and more advanced minivan models from its competitors. This contributed to the Freestar's declining appeal and sales.
Ultimately, the combination of declining sales, increased competition, and shifting consumer preferences led Ford to discontinue the Freestar in 2007, marking the end of the company's foray into the minivan market for several years.
Why doesn t Ford make minivans anymore?
Ultimately, though, the growing popularity of the SUV — and a cultural backlash against the vans that had ferried a generation of kids to soccer games and school proms — led to the minivan's downfall.
Why did Ford stop making Freestyle?
The current Freestyle, which went on sale just 10 months ago, will be discontinued after the 2007 model year, several supplier and industry sources say. With sales below expectations, the Freestyle was squeezed out by a proliferation of sport wagons in Ford's plans.
What is Ford's biggest lawsuit?
Ford Motor Company Verdict: $73 million. A Sacramento jury found Ford Motor Company responsible to the victims of a rollover crash involving a Ford E350 15 passenger van that experienced a tread separation.
How reliable are Ford freestyles?
As mentioned previously, the Ford Freestyle is an incredibly reliable vehicle that's built to withstand collisions. Despite this, it's not invincible, and its parts are just as susceptible to damage and degradation as any other vehicle's.
What is the successor of the Ford Freestar?
In 2009, the Ford Flex was introduced as the replacement for the discontinued Ford Freestar/Mercury Monterey. The Taurus X was discontinued for the 2009 model year, with the Flex unofficially serving as its replacement.
How much is a 2005 Ford Freestar worth today?
A 2005 Ford Freestar has depreciated $25 or 1% in the last 3 years and has a current resale value of $1,718 and trade-in value of $545.
What was the last Ford minivan?
The Final Curtain: A Legacy of Minivan Memories
In 2007, Ford discontinued the Windstar, replaced by the larger and more truck-like Freestar. Despite its shortcomings, the Windstar left its mark on the minivan landscape.
What is the Ford Freestar controversy?
In the plaintiffs' minivans, the torque converter failed, stripping the grooves connecting it to the transmission, which in turn failed. After the action was filed, Ford issued a recall on 2004-2005 Freestars and Montereys instructing owners to take their car to a dealer for a free new torque converter.
Why did Ford stop making the Freestar?
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.
What replaced the Ford Freestyle?
When the Freestyle became the Taurus X, the styling improved, with Ford's then-trademark three-bar grille and some more interesting lighting equipment.
