Overview & Reviews

It has the maneuverability of a wagon, the versatility of a minivan and the all-weather capability of an SUV. In a world in which the crossover moniker is perhaps used a bit too generously, the Ford Freestyle is the real deal: a crossover that gives you all the flexibility you'd expect from a vehicle in this category.

This Ford's resourcefulness comes via a spacious cabin that offers lots of cargo room and seating for up to seven passengers. Buyers are also rewarded with an even ride and capable handling, as well as a decent list of safety features. But the picture isn't flawless. Get the Freestyle on the highway and you'll find its engine lacking in oomph and refinement relative to the competition. Also, some of the materials used in its cabin fail to make the grade, and stability control isn't offered.

Were it not for these reasons, the Ford Freestyle would be one of our top recommendations to parents who don't want to drive a minivan. In fact, there's an updated model -- renamed the Ford Taurus X -- that addresses many of the Freestyle's faults. But in regards to the Freestyle, this large wagon is merely one candidate to consider among the many six-, seven- and eight-seat vehicles.

Most Recent Ford Freestyle

The Ford Freestyle was produced for the 2005-'07 model years. It was a crossover with traces of SUV, wagon and minivan in its gene pool. The wagon gene is most dominant, though, as is evidenced by the vehicle's low-slung profile. Mechanically, it was based on the same platform used for a variety of Volvo products of the same time period, including the S60 sedan and XC90 SUV. With three rows of seating, it was capable of seating six or seven passengers, depending on how you equipped it.

Beneath the Freestyle's hood was a 3.0-liter V6 good for 203 horsepower and 207 pound-feet of torque. All models came with a continuously variable transmission (CVT). Buyers could opt for a front-wheel-drive Freestyle for the best fuel economy, but those living in rough weather will be glad to learn that an all-wheel-drive version of the wagon was also available.

Initially, there were three trim levels available: SE, SEL and Limited. The SE came decently equipped and had air-conditioning, a CD player, second-row captain's chairs (resulting in a total passenger capacity of six), a power driver seat and full power accessories as standard. The midgrade SEL added an in-dash CD changer, automatic headlights, heated side mirrors, an auto-dimming rearview mirror and a trip computer. For the Limited, look for its 18-inch wheels, leather upholstery in the first and second rows, dual-zone automatic climate control, upgraded sound system, power passenger seat and driver-side memory, front-seat heaters and 50/50-split capability for the third-row bench.

Antilock brakes were standard, and side-impact airbags (for the front) and head curtain airbags (for all three rows) were optional. Also optional were power-adjustable pedals, a second-row bench (increasing seating capacity to seven), rear parking sensors and, for 2006 and '07 models, a navigation system. For the Freestyle's final model year, Ford realigned the trim levels and discontinued the SE.

Functionality was the guiding principle behind the Ford Freestyle's cabin. There was abundant storage throughout and enough room in both the second and third rows to seat both adults and children in comfort. Nor was it lacking in terms of cargo space thanks to its boxy shape, low floor and the fold-flat capability of both the second- and third-row seats. In back, there was useful cargo area of nearly 16 cubic feet even when all three rows of seating were occupied. With the third row folded flat, capacity swelled to 48 cubic feet. Dropping both rear rows opened up a cavernous 85 cubic feet.

Materials quality was hit-or-miss in the Ford Freestyle, however. The Limited's leather upholstery looked and felt good to the touch, but the cloth upholstery in SEL models was unimpressive, as were some of the interior plastics.

In editorial reviews at the time, our editors praised the Ford Freestyle for its ride quality. The wagon easily smoothed over rough pavement while also providing respectable handling when driven around corners. However, this Ford took considerable criticism when it came to acceleration. When executing high-speed passing moves on the freeway, the 3.0-liter V6's lack of horsepower and noisy operation were immediately apparent. That comment was also a theme in consumer reviews. Owners praise the Freestyle for its fold-flat seats and mid-20s fuel economy, but often take issue with its noisy acceleration.

User Reviews:

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  Great buy-Good Ideas - 2005 Ford Freestyle
  By Big Ed - August 7 - 1:00 pm

  I like to haul several passengers but was tired of pouring $50 bills into the gas tank of my Eddie Bauer Expedition. Checked this and most other crossovers out. Decided to try the Freestyle and have no regrets. It is comfortable, sporty, and has easy access to back seats. It is truly fun to drive. There is little or no road noise. Gas mileage is short of the 27 estimated on the sticker but big improvement from the Expedition. The seating flexibility is unbelievably simple to use. Plenty of room for bulky items. I would highly recommend it!

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  Nice car but a lot of service trips! - 2005 Ford Freestyle
  By ThePole - August 6 - 8:16 am

  Over the first 12 months, the car had no mechanical issues. A lot of the interior trim had to be refastened and for a $30K auto thats a little cheap. Probably average 23MPG. Wide open interior make it great for kids and trips, more comfortable than the Explorer. BUT after 1 year things started to go wrong. Issues with brakes, traction control, oxygen sensor. Has been in for unscheduled service 4 times in the last 4 months. Left us sitting on the highway once, almost crashed when traction control went out. And...the CD changer stinks. I would NOT recommend buying this vehicle, at least not a 2005. Unless you want to buy mine.

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  Family Dream - 2005 Ford Freestyle
  By Satisfied Owner - August 2 - 6:21 pm

  My wife chose the Freestyle as a family car while I was overseas, the family (wife and three daughters)enjoyed it for six months. When I returned for vacation I had the opportunity to drive it for a week. I loved the style, handling,color, gas mileage for the times, in-city and highway, spaciousness and cargo capacity. Only regular maintenance and general upkeep required. We loaned it to my sister in- law (a Chevy fan)for 6 months, and now she is a convert. Friends unfamiliar with the vehicle also enjoyed the comfortable ride, leg space and features.

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  Holy Freestyle - 2005 Ford Freestyle
  By Rolli - July 31 - 8:03 pm

  Bought our 05 Freestyle used with 27K. Ran good for 2 weeks, then one of the sensors went bad. $210 later because the car was out of warranty. Its been a year and 27K w/o issues until now the transmission literally blew up while driving. No noise, no check lights, just BAM! Its going to be at least $3K-$6K to fix. From what Ive been reading, this is not the first time. I could never figure out how there were so little miles on a 3 year old car. Well, i figure now it must have been in the shop most of those years.

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  Extremely happy with the Freestyle - 2005 Ford Freestyle
  By Mary - July 31 - 3:46 pm

  My husband had to trade in his F150 when we had our son -- we were planning on buying an Explorer but fell in love with the Freestyle. It is great for families and extremely roomy (would definitely recommend the bucket seats for the second row instead of bench seating for easier access to the third row). It is a great car/SUV mix. You sit higher than a car but a tad lower than an SUV. Very easy handling and is a smooth drive because of the transmission. We have been extremely happy with the Freestyle!

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  love it - 2006 Ford Freestyle
  By rivvy - July 30 - 9:12 pm

  We bought this used with 31,000 on it, we haul a lot of stuff due to making repairs on house, this is one large roomy vehicle.. Still getting used to all the bells and whistles but cant say a bad thing about it traded in a Cherokee for it and have not had one bit of trouble with it so far. We have had 6 people in it and all were comfortable with plenty of elbow room

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  Ford Freestyle is a Lemon - 2007 Ford Freestyle
  By Kim Gittins - July 28 - 9:29 am

  Since Ive owned this car the past 1 1/2 yrs its been in the shop for major repairs transmission overhaul, all brakes replaced, traction,water pump, all 4 tires, seat heaters, seat latches, two lines? replaces for leaks in the car total days in shop over 40

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  No Problems at 49K - 2006 Ford Freestyle
  By Marc - July 21 - 5:02 pm

  Purchased it new, mostly hauling stuff and occasional people. Only problem was the brake recall. Only service - minor front end work, new tires (too early, imho) and regualr services when the change oil light comes on. I did buy the extended service from Ford, so I hope the tranny fails before 75K if it does at all. Oh and if you drive it carefully you can get 25+mpg on the highway at 65mph. I know because I have done it.

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  Great car- should have kept them over - 2007 Ford Freestyle
  By suzette - July 16 - 6:45 pm

  Shame that ford went for funky techno styling in the Flex & Edge. As a more sophisticated individual- the Volvo styling they followed is classic. This car is way more capable than hauling with the seats down, It handles & corners well the low wide wheel.frame is great to manuver.Classic ford ride- heated seats, all power options. I saved tons over a used Volvo. And it is an extremely SAFE vehicle. good curb weight- NO roll or sway on bends.turns. awesome in all weather. Cant say enough- have had cadillac prior, SRX is an overpriced joke- except for the Bose stereo. Its a keeper. Ford should have put more advertising into THIS car. Their loss.

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  There are better choices for the money - 2006 Ford Freestyle
  By CHICAGO - July 15 - 11:10 pm

  If I were buying a new crossover, I would certainly consider the Mazda CX9 first. The new Chevy/Buick Enclave second. The Freestyle (now the Taurus X) lacks serious driving and performance refinement. No matter how conservatively you drive it, you can sit and watch the gas gage go down. My only hope is that I can trade it in under the cash for clunkers act.