Sirius, If you are thinking about a Ford MiniVan you should talk with other owners first. I have two 96 Windstars and both Transmissions blew between 65-75 thousand miles. Both identical failure modes, even the case cracked so I could not even get a core charge refund.

FORD FREESTAR (2004 & 2005) PCM and related issues. I too have a Ford Freestar. It is a 2005. Loved this vehicle until the TRANSMISSION FAILED (I had it replaced). Then the van l LOST ALL POWER WHILE ON A HIGHWAY DOING 65 mph.)

I owned a 2000 ford windstar transmission failed at 50 thousand miles.I traded it in for a new 2004 ford freestar.Transmission failed at 40 thousand miles.It is at a ford dealer waiting to see if the extended service contract by ford will pay for repairs.Does anyone know what the failure rate is on these transmissions.

I have an 04 Monterey minivan an I am experiencing serious electrical problems. The battery light comes on and stays on for about 30 seconds then goes off. Learn more about Ford Freestar at the Edmunds.com Car Forums!

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We hope to get this van for $8,000 and a three year engine/transmission/power train/AC warranty for $1,000.00 to go with this van (by the way we drive a 1998 Ford Windstar minivan). I am worried about the long term reliability of this van , especially after 175,000 km and the cost of the replacement parts.

While under extended warranty to 75,000 miles, the problem was addressed but not fixed by a Ford dealership on four different occasions - two times the brake booster was replaced, two times the brake pedal assembly was lubricated. The Ford dealer and Ford Customer Service now claim this is an inherent design problem and cannot be fixed.

Obviously, there are exceptions. But when comparing a large wheelbase minivan like Odyssey or Grand Caravan to an SUV with similar cargo space like Expedition, consider: The minivan will get better mileage and less emissions. The minivan will have more seating flexibility, and easier access to rear rows.

In the last 20 plus years we have owned a van/minivan and a station wagon/ sedan. The unfortunate tradeoff has been that the quality level of the station wagon sedan from Toyota and Honda do not compare with the quality level of Ford and Chrysler. After reading the Troubles with Grand Caravans / Voyagers, we have been quite fortunate.

I think something along the lines of a Ford Freestyle or a minivan is the best vehicle for elderly people. You don't have to climb up to get in like many SUVs and they are not so low to the ground like many sedans. Most minivans also offer automatic doors and rear liftgate which could prove invaluable for elderly car buyers.