Its hydraulically actuated 4-speed automatic is satin smooth too, shifting with barely a trace of hesitation at increments that seem to suit the engine well - at least as quickly as I could drive it in the limited space provided.

The Freestar's hydraulically actuated 4-speed automatic is satin smooth. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, Canadian Auto Press)

When the road turns to a skating rink the Freestar is even more impressive. First of all, not all traction control systems are made equal. The majority merely affect the drive wheels via the braking system, better than nothing at all but not as good as good can be. Ford's AdvanceTrac incorporates all-speed engine-managed traction control as well as an extremely sophisticated stability control system that has the ability to redirect a skidding car in the direction you are trying to steer. If you've never experienced this type of active safety feature in action, it's difficult to comprehend the control it gives you.

Ford's AdvanceTrac incorporates all-speed engine-managed traction control as well as an extremely sophisticated stability control system. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, Canadian Auto Press)

To prove the Freestar's traction capabilities, Ford had arranged to have a variety of competitive brands on hand for direct comparison. The first rival was Canada's number one selling van, and up to this year Canada's number one selling vehicle period, the Dodge Caravan. While the example chosen was blatantly not as nicely equipped as the Ford when it came to interior appointments, Dodge also does not offer traction control on this model. To get optimal grip in the Chrysler Group minivan family it's a must to move up to the Chrysler Town & Country, a much more lavishly appointed van that offers traction control as standard equipment. Ford unfortunately didn't make this van available to compare, or Chrysler's optional all-wheel drive (AWD) T&C for that matter.