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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  Freestyle is the best! - 2005 Ford Freestyle
  By Clifford McKinstry - July 21 - 8:30 am

  After 5 Windstars since 1995, the Freestyle meets all of my needs, and is a delight to drive both locally and on trips. Very comfortable and has all the power I need. The CVT is a delight.

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  Something new - 2005 Ford Freestyle
  By chris pierce - July 16 - 4:05 pm

  Was uncertain about the Freestyle after doing research. Issues were CVT and 1st yr. of new model. Performance is suitable--good passing little slow on take off. High points are huge carrying behind front seat. Good interior design. Design interior materials could be higher in the limited model. Also heated mirrors would help in Maine winter. Mpg is exactly as advertised 24 mpg. Highway which is 95% of driving in rural northern Maine.

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  Best Car Yet - 2007 Ford Freestyle
  By ADM - July 16 - 2:49 pm

  I found almost everything I wanted in a car in the Freestyle. The space, seating is perfect for family of 5 and dog. Heated seats are heavenly in the winter. Dual climate control and rear climate control is great. Gas mileage is pretty good for a larger vehicle. And I really needed the AWD, no more worries about getting home in the snow.

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  Ford Freestyle LTD AWD - 2005 Ford Freestyle
  By Morgan McCauley - July 14 - 7:33 pm

  Probably the most versatile vehicle I have ever driven. An excellent blend of an SUV, a minivan and a car. The people and cargo carrying configurations are excellent, the CVT is awesome and the AWD system is second to none and performed flawlessly in our snowy winter. Many claim the vehicle is underpowered but I believe that this is a misperception because of the CVT. I find the vehicle more than powerful enough even fully loaded merging onto a highway and with the CVT you get far better mileage than many others without it. I would definitely recommend this vehicle to anyone and especially for those looking for something a little different from the SUV or minivan.

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  Love this car - 2007 Ford Freestyle
  By JDee - July 11 - 1:36 pm

  This car is good to drive. Easy to get in and out of with a bad back (for me). Easy to put items in and out and the center console in the second seat is an asset to passengers. Good air flow throughout the car. Enjoy the small compartment on the dash

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  CVT Forever - 2007 Ford Freestyle
  By John - July 10 - 2:49 pm

  I traded an 05 Freestyle w/ only 30,000 mi in order to get the CVT which was phased out in the Taurus X! Usually drive machine to 100,000 to 150,000 mi! An hr of expressway driving with the six spd AT after getting used to the small efficient 6 w/ CVT made me take the depreciation hit! My 07 has had no issues mechanically and the fit & finish is excellent! I enjoy getting away from the stoplites faster than most and no hunting for gears as the RPMs stay up and then come down to cruise. Very comfortable vehicle for 6 adults!

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  The best Ford - 2005 Ford Freestyle
  By Jstroh - July 8 - 10:26 pm

  The Freestyle is fun to drive for both long and short trips gets; great gas millage and is very comfortable.

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  Love my Freestyle - 2005 Ford Freestyle
  By Vcar2o - July 8 - 5:16 pm

  I drive 30,000 miles a year and I needed a good reliable car. I am very pleased with the quality and performance. At a steady 65mph I get 27 to 29 mpg. I traded a 1998 Explorer XLT with 164,000 miles that had been exceptional in my view (never had any major problems). This is a much more economical and quieter vehicle, although not as powerful, but if I had wanted a truck I would have bought one.

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  American Quality - 2005 Ford Freestyle
  By elibruno - July 7 - 8:30 pm

  Too bad Ford doesnt know how to advertise and promote this vehicle; no crossover within $8K has its attributes; we traded in a BMW 3 series sportwagon (5 grandkids now!) and dont miss it all. Utility is beyond belief.

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  A wonderful car. Thanks Ford. - 2007 Ford Freestyle
  By Mr. Engineer 74 - July 1 - 6:31 pm

  I bought this car new and it now has 30,000 miles. It has been 100% trouble free and everything works like new. Other than oil changes and tire rotations, the car has not needed any repairs of adjustments. It gets great mileage, even better than on the EPA sticker. I get 21 to 22 MPG in town and 28 to 29 on trips. The car is extremely plesant to drive and is very comfortable, even for tall drivers. The fit and finish are superb, rivaling the Mercedes and Infinity cars I have owned before. The leather seats have very good lumbar support and adjust to very comfortable positions. It will haul large loads with the seats folded down and will pull my 16 boat with ease at 75 mph. A great car