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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  Read before you buy - 2005 Ford Freestyle
  By Dimattei5 - September 25 - 9:54 am

  I have owned a 2005 Ford Fresstyle since last year and now it has been in the shop for a Throttle body issues. The car revs up and shuts down. This part is on Backorder and will not be available until Jan 2010. I have been withour my car for 70 days now. Ford is not helpful an supporting the customer. No one will call me back. BUYER BEWARE....

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  Ford Freestyle 2005 - satisfaction - 2005 Ford Freestyle
  By Jan - September 21 - 1:53 pm

  I was skeptical about trying the Ford Freestyles 1st year out, however, at this point I am glad that I did. So far I am very happy with it and the ride is smooth and the comfort is great. I had the Explorer years ago and I loved it and the Freestyle reminds me of the ride and comfort of the Explorer only better on gas. I would definitely recommend this car to everyone. I am often stopped and questioned about it. The climate control is great as is the sound quality of the radio and CD player.

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  LOVE THIS CAR THING - 2006 Ford Freestyle
  By LOVIN IT !!! - September 20 - 11:19 am

  The good thing that I personally love about this car is, well every thing it has enough power,room,dvd player,even climate control. I have driven over 60,000 kms and still have 4% on the front and 7% in the rear.Now, all my tires are worn more than the other but its not an alignment problem its how much I haul more weight in one corner.

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  Finally getting it right - 2005 Ford Freestyle
  By wheaties99 - September 18 - 10:00 am

  I must say after being extremely dissapointed with the Explorer,Ford seems to be on the right track. Im 6 2" and have never had more room in any vehicle. Acceleration is good. gas mileage is excellent for a vehicle its size and the trans is extremely SMOOTH. It feels very funny to not feel it shifting. It is also reasonably priced while being loaded up with a lot of goodies. Definately a good buy.

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  Excellent Vehicle - 2007 Ford Freestyle
  By cbce1pjb - August 30 - 9:37 am

  I bought a used 07 Sel FWD In April 09 with 21,000 miles. I can not find anything I do not like. This vehicle has great interior room,and the footprint is the the same as the 98 Taurus wagon with 150K miles on it that I retired. It is the easiest car I have ever changed oil on. The gas mileage is outstanding. 21/22 normal everyday driving. With 5 adults on the Interstate at 70 mph the computer indicated 28mpg. I did not believe that number and did my own calculation and the result was 27.The third row seat is fine as long as your not going too far. The front and second row seats are great. No mechanical problems , but I have not driven that many miles.Enough power for me.

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  Freestylin - 2006 Ford Freestyle
  By Ronald Scinto - August 21 - 4:36 am

  The car is great in the snow ... a champ! More comfortable than my previous car a Lexus LS470. More practical and better fuel economy. What was I thinking to buy that gas guzzler? Shame on me. Thanks to Ford for building such a great vehicle. BTW this is my first Ford. I also have an Infiniti M45 and an Audi A4 Convertible; well the Freestyle is my favorite. I believe this is Fords best kept secret. I found the car when I considered an Explorer and saw this lonely fellow sitting by himself in the showroom. One look and I was hooked; two test drives and I fell in love. Seriously consider this vehicle.

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  Quite satisfied! - 2006 Ford Freestyle
  By Deb - August 18 - 2:49 am

  We replaced our 1994 Aerostar with the 2006 Freestyle SE in 2007 and have not been disappointed at all. It offers a very smooth, comfortable, and quiet ride. We average 20 mpg in town and about 22-24 on the highway. The steering is tight, but can turn on a dime. The only problem we have had is with the second row seating getting stuck and not always wanting to fold flat. Overall we are very pleased with the performance and absolutely love the CVT transmission! The vehicle had 32,000 miles when we bought it and now has 41,000. To those reviewers who say the vehicle has no power I am at a loss as to why because it moves when you want or need it to and it doesnt hesitate.

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  Ford Freestyle Review - 2006 Ford Freestyle
  By Ronald Franz - August 16 - 3:23 am

  The vehicle has exceptional handling and acceleration. The continuous variable transmission (CVT) gives excellent acceleration especially on hills in ski country. The handing with AWD has also been excellent in driving in snow covered roads. The look of the vehicle is comparable to much more expensive competitors. The storage space and flexibility of the interior is outstanding.

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  Bad Tranny - 2005 Ford Freestyle
  By ripped off - August 12 - 3:52 pm

  I bought the second freestyle available at our local dealership. It was roomy and looked sharp.I enjoyed it with the exception of transmission problems. Took it to dealership and they replaced transmission which I paid for would not help.New tranny at 50k give me a break. Drove 1 mile and turned around it was exactly the same problem. They diagnosed the catalytic converter was the problem and replaced that still charging me for the misdiagnosed tranny. 115k new transmission again. Dumped it cant wait to be Ford Free once my F-150 is gone.

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  Come On Ford Fix Transmission - 2007 Ford Freestyle
  By Rhonda - August 11 - 2:16 pm

  I am an avid Ford owner but am extremely disappointed to learn that at 54000 miles I am being told that yes they know there is a problem with the transmission (CVT) and they recognize the risk it poses to citizens but they are not willing to repair at their expense. I really dont want another car but cannot justify repairing this one.