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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  throttle body - 2005 Ford Freestyle
  By Renee Owens - September 14 - 2:05 pm

  Ok so we bought this 2005 freestyle had 18 months ran perfect. Monday we are driving down the road lose all power, pull over the car is still running but gas pedal will not work. We turned vehicle off started it back ran perfect until Saturday same thing happened. We coasted into auto zone they put it on diagnostics. Diagnostics said it was tps so later that day same thing happened pulled over turned car off it started back but now engine light wont go off. I took it to ford dealer they are saying its throttle body. There was a recall but ford wont honor because they are saying it has never been serviced but the warranty on it ran out June 2 So now we have to pay 940 to ford place for throttle body ridiculous but only vehicle we have so its got to be paid

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  Never buying a ford again. - 2005 Ford Freestyle
  By aparadoski - August 12 - 7:51 pm

  We bought our freestyle off kijiji. At first it was a good vehicle but was a little suckish on gas. We liked it for room for dogs or for passengers or for easy convienvence. After about two years of ownership, we started hearing a rumbling sound when in P or N. We took the car in and they told us that it was the transmission. We will now be trying to get rid of this piece of shit for something better like a mazda cx-7 before our lemonmobile breaks down. ps never buy another FORD.

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  Wheres the recall - 2006 Ford Freestyle
  By mad_mamma - February 12 - 4:38 pm

  Nothing but trouble as soon as the warrantee expired...remove and replace, transmission, cooling system, issue after issue. I had no idea I purchased a disposable car! Un...%#%%%...believable.

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  I hate this car - 2007 Ford Freestyle
  By kshall1 - June 11 - 7:50 am

  I got talked into this car and have regretted it ever since. It has always given me problems. The surging issue being the most scary. In parking lots, at stop lights, whenever idling the stupid thing just surges forward or in reverse and Ive nearly hit people and other cars many times! My foot is completely on the break and it just takes off. It has left me stranded, and I have 3 small children. Now its not shifting out of first gear and the ABS light just came on too. I hate this car. Praying it doesnt cost me an arm and a leg to fix. Ford..you REALLY need to take this seriously and recall these issues! They are dangerous and your going to end up getting sued.

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  BAD EVERYTHING - 2006 Ford Freestyle
  By niecyx5 - April 23 - 10:37 am

  This is the worst vehicle FORD has ever made and BUYER BEWARE!! DO NOT buy the Freestyle. First, the brakes have to be replaced every 6 months, the throttle has been replaced 2X and Im still having problems, not to mention the transmission. I will buy a Nissan, Toyota, Honda, or anything besides an American made car ever again.

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  Horrible car - 2005 Ford Freestyle
  By zorazane - March 21 - 10:15 am

  After purchasing this car new, my father admitted shortly thereafter that it had been a mistake. When he passed away a few years ago, I inherited the car and have had problem after problem since, culminating in my transmission going completely out last week at 93K miles - thankfully I was in a safe place to get over to call a tow truck. Called the dealership - over $6000 to replace the trans. Suffice it to say I am not pouring more $ into it. Even the dealership admitted they have had multiple problems. Stuck riding the bus. Shame on Ford.

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  DO NOT BUY THIS VEHICLE!!! - 2006 Ford Freestyle
  By cmel1985 - January 12 - 7:39 pm

  I got my freestyle about 2 1/2 years ago the first 8 months went well then we started seeing some problems first it was some kind of ignition sensor we replaced that 3 times then the fuel rail pressure sensor went out that was a $100 dealer only part then 1week later the fuel pump went out we replaced that $400 now one month later we are haveing the same problem with the fuel rail sensor and the car is jerking like the tranny may be having some problems which after seeing this site is commen in this vehicle I tried to trade it in today still owe to much on it basicaly (FORD means Found On Road Dead) never will I ever own a Ford again I was stupid to do it this time..

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  Transmission and numerous problems - 2005 Ford Freestyle
  By cassandra1_o - November 13 - 9:22 am

  I too am having the problem with my transmission on my 2005 freestyle. I cant find one and the parts for one are outrageously high. just wondering with all the problems, why would ford still sell this vehicle, knowing the safety issues that occur.

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  Bad Tranmissions - 2005 Ford Freestyle
  By sassybob - October 18 - 3:43 pm

  Like many who have commented on this site, my 2005 Freestyle CVT transmission failed at 56, 500 mile. The dealership stated they cannot fix the transmission because Ford doesnt make parts anymore, resulting in replacing the transmission at a cost of $5800.00. Ford Corporate has washed their hands on this matter and will not accept any responsibility, so we are faced with either parking the car because we dont have $5800.00, or looking into sueing Ford under small claims action. [violative content deleted]

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  Definitely a lemon - 2007 Ford Freestyle
  By MichD - November 1 - 2:00 am

  I have to say that I have been very disappointed in this car.We had to replace the brakes and tires within 30,000 miles.Shortly after that we had a throttle body malfunction.Very expensive to fix.We just paid it off early, and it is falling apart. 55,000 miles and the mechanic just fixed the power steering problem, and told us that we need to fix both sides of Wheel bearings.$500 more. We also just found out that we need a new water pump. Another $500. Mechanic said that the transmission is about to go. Dealer said that it was strange to have so many problems for such a new car. No solution. No recalls yet. Dont buy this car unless you have thousands to throw away.