This paper develops a 7 DOF vehicle model to study the effects of the active suspension on ride. The model is used to derive a control law for the active suspension using a full state linear optimal control technique. A wheelbase preview type active suspension is also considered in the control law derivation. The time delay between wheelbases is approximated using Pade approximation technique. The ride model is extended to a 14 DOF handling model. The 14 DOF handling model includes lateral, longitudinal, yaw and four wheel spin motions in addition to the 7 DOF ride model. A control law which is derived considering only ride related parameters is used to study the effects of the active suspension on a vehicle handling. J-turn maneuver simulation results show that the active suspension has a slower response in lateral acceleration and yaw rate, a bigger steady state lateral acceleration and an oversteer tendency. Lane changing maneuver simulation results show that the active suspension has a little bigger lateral acceleration but a much smaller roll angle and roll motion. Braking maneuver simulation results show that the active suspension has a much smaller pitch angle and pitch motion.