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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  No problems - 2006 Ford Freestyle
  By bill - September 2 - 2:19 pm

  Have had the vehicle almost 5 years. During that time it has been trouble free, other than brake and battery replacement. Based on my driving experience I would buy another Ford product.

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  Throttle Body Issues at 41,000 miles - 2006 Ford Freestyle
  By lrm - August 16 - 8:03 pm

  ALERT ALERT-Do not buy a Ford Freestyle! FORD you need to recall this car to replace the throttle body in all models at FORDs expense. A $900 repair on a car this young and with such low milage is an engineering problem, not a normal repair. To make matters worse, I brought the car in while still under warranty with the same problem. Service charged me $148.00 to run the diagnostic test on the computer and said it needed a tweak. I now know why. FORD didnt want to pay for a new throttle body. After completing my research on this problem, I found dozens of others with same the problem. Shame on you FORD. Fixed Or Repaired Daily.

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  Freestyle..how about BAD Style - 2005 Ford Freestyle
  By Unhappy Ford Owner - August 13 - 2:57 pm

  Reading the reviews is very enlightening. We bought the car new after having good experiences with Ford Explorers. We have had the same problems as most other people. Multiple brake jobs, rotors replaced, new tires, alignment issues, then theres the transmission. Nothing but problems. Dealer worked on the transmission twice now, first replaced a part, then had to install a completely new transmission. Well guess what transmission is out again, no warranty, no recognition by Ford of their clearly substandard product. Car is sitting in the driveway, useless. Turned off from Ford forever. Way to go Ford, short term gain, lifetime loss.

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  Throttle Body & Brakes - 2007 Ford Freestyle
  By Terri - July 11 - 2:15 am

  Love the car. Did everything a higher priced vehicle did. Just had the third throttle body put in and they cant tell us why this is happening. The first two were covered under warranty buy the last one cost us over $700. Said for us to pay and they will try to get our money back from factory. What about next time. Brakes keep wearing out also. Hate it but will have to get rid of. Ford should admit they have a problem and fix.

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  Worse Car I have Ever Driven - 2006 Ford Freestyle
  By sharris2 - June 29 - 2:00 am

  Ford Freestyle was bought for safety as I do a lot of Highway driving. Since last October car was in for problems 6 times, electrical system failed, rear brakes completely shot, last week fuel pressure hose went, car was a death trap, gas spewing out of the bottom. Roadside assistance which we paid extra for wouldnt take it with fuel leak. Dealership was terrible with what they wanted to give us back on this car. I would never again in my life buy a Ford car of any description

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  Ford Freestyle - 2007 Ford Freestyle
  By angie - June 22 - 8:49 pm

  I bought the freestyle after driving an expedition to save on gas. It is really good on gas I get 27 mpg on highway in traffic. Plenty of room no repairs have been needed after 50,000 miles.

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  Great vehicle - 2007 Ford Freestyle
  By tool22p - June 22 - 3:44 am

  Purchased this vehicle a week ago and it is great. There is nothing to complain about so far, rides and corners great. The engine is then same engine as our 2004 6 cylinder ford mustang had and sounds and acts exactly the same. Enjoy the beefy sound while accelerating. Was told by a Volvo tech that the chassis was the same as the Volvo chassis,as Volvo is owned by Ford this is not a surprise, awesome vehicle..

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  2005 Ford Freestyle SEL - 2005 Ford Freestyle
  By Greg - June 1 - 3:30 am

  Replaced brakes after 34,000 miles, and had the intermittent cluster display circuit board replaced at a whopping $980.00 Ive always bought Ford vehicles in the past, but this is the last time I buy anything from Ford. I dont know how Ford managed to stay away from the bailout, because their vehicles are total garbage, except for their line of Trucks.

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  Been very good - 2006 Ford Freestyle
  By Eric - May 12 - 2:52 pm

  Weve had one problem, the throttle body, which has been somewhat common. Had to wait on the part because of the collapse of the auto industry. This has been the only issue we have had with the car. The problem only existed when we idled for long periods and when it was hot outside. It is very reliable and comfortable on trips. I have four kids and we all fit with comfort. It is about as safe as a car can get, and all-in-all a great purchase. Too bad no one else figured out how good these cars are. May not be beauties, but they are great for families that need space.

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  Versitle hauler - 2006 Ford Freestyle
  By Bob Gervais - May 3 - 7:41 pm

  Bought this car new. Traded an 2005 Caravan which was a huge disappointment. The Freestyle is the most versatile vehicle I have ever owned. It converts from a comfortable people hauler to cargo hauler in seconds. Very comfortable road car. Decent gas mileage. After 70K+ miles, only on second set of tires and they have pleanty of tread left. No problems whatever with this car. Comfort, ride and power is more than adequate. Climate control system controls are small and hard to see and adjust while underway. Living in Maine, the AWD is a necessity and works great. There is no stopping this vehicle in snow. CVT has worked perfectly with no issues. This is a great car.