The Ford Freda is a rebadged 8-seater Mazda Bongo Friendee MPV

Introduced to the Japanese home market in 1995, the Ford Freda is essentially the same vehicle as the Mazda Bongo Friendee, the only difference being the Ford badge. While initially a Japanese domestic market vehicle, it is becoming increasingly popular in overseas markets for Japanese imports (Grey Imports), particularly in the UK, Russia, and New Zealand.

The majority of Ford Fredas have automatic transmission with a few manual versions, and are available in 2WD (SGL3) and 4WD (SGL5) versions. 2.5 turbo diesels are the more common engine in Japan, although V6 petrol engines are reasonable easy to source.

Later post 99 models have a different shape and engines.

Air conditioning, often with climate control, and electric blinds are fitted as standard.

Ford Freda Bongo frames
year – month frame
1995 : June SGEW, SGLW, SG5W, SGL3, SGLR, SGL5 mazda bongo friendee
1997 : November SGEW, SGLW, SG5W, SGE3, SGLR, SGL3, SGL5 mazda bongo friendee
1999 : February SGEW, SG5W, SGE3, SGLW, SGLR, SGL3, SGL5 mazda bongo friendee
1999 : September SGEW, SG5W, SGE3 mazda bongo friendee
1999 : November SGLW, SGLR, SGL3, SGL5 mazda bongo friendee
2001 : September SGEW, SG5W, SGLW, SGE3, SGLR, SGL3, SGL5 mazda bongo friendee
2002 : September SGEW, SGE3 mazda bongo friendee

Camping Versions

Some Bongo Friendee / Fredas have Mazda factory-fitted kitchen units, but many others are imported and converted to camper vans in the UK. All have fold-down seats downstairs to make a double bed, and on many models there is also an elevating roof where you can sleep two more. Flat-top versions (or “Bongolows”) are also available.