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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  Its a keeper - 2007 Ford Freestyle
  By Love our Freestyle - June 22 - 11:01 pm

  Bought the Ford About a year ago, traded a gas lovin 00 Durango for it. Pretty skeptical at first never bought a Ford before, but I tell you its the best for room, looks, and CVT tranny for nice smooth acceleration. Third row seat is easy accessible for my kids. The AWD drive and traction control is very nice in snow and ice. All in All its perfect for family of six, just cant take anyone else with us.

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  Surprisingly Good & Reliable - 2005 Ford Freestyle
  By MRC - June 22 - 3:16 am

  Got this car a a second vehicle (other car a Z4) and have been surprised at how comfortable and easy to drive it is - a good compromise between an SUV and a wagon. It is simple and the fuel efficiency has been ranging in the low to mid 20s. The new gear system is smooth and once you get use to it, it make the ride smooth and comfortable. The flexibility of the seating arrangement (1-7) is great and easy to change. We were lucky to get this vehicle before a snow storm that left 16 inches behind and the Freestyle did great in the snow. The sound system is good and the temperature control system is easy to operate. Very happy so far with it.

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  A lot for he Money - 2006 Ford Freestyle
  By Mike S. - June 21 - 11:04 am

  We bought our Freestyle 2wd used with 32,000 miles on it. Needed more space than the Taurus we had to haul things. Recent trip from N. Indiana to St. Louis on interstate got 26-27 mph doing 70-75 mph. Do that with most SUVs. Real versatile with seating and hauling. Slight hesitation on exceleration (like a turbo lag), but hang on when the engine revs and the trany adjusts for the need. First trip was from N. Indiana to Mackinac Island 4 adults, 2 bikes on the back, loaded, doing 75 mph on interstate and some 2 lane driving - and got over 23 mph - super. Brakes are not a problem. Still have originals at 53000. Anyone going through them fast needs to change their driving habits.

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  Ford Freestyle - 2005 Ford Freestyle
  By Winkler - June 6 - 10:03 pm

  Excellent visibility, handling - braking in poor weather (rain, ice, snow). Dashboard is straight forward; all controls easy to operate without excessive movement. Fold down passenger seat allows carrying items as afforded by full size SUV.

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  Real Safe Car - 2006 Ford Freestyle
  By carlover - May 24 - 8:43 am

  A great car. I loved the third row seats and a cargo room is the largest of its kind. I was in a roll over accident and totaled the car however, myself and my three year old walked away with only a few bumps!

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  The Best of All Worlds - 2006 Ford Freestyle
  By Amy Mooney - May 19 - 7:10 pm

  I love my Freestyle. Its AWD, sporty, and has all the best interior qualities of a minivan. The gas mileage is about 24 mpg highway. It looks like an SUV, handles like a car, and the interior is roomy like a minivan. Its the best of all worlds.

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  Great Value - The Best 7 Passanger AWD - 2007 Ford Freestyle
  By John I - May 18 - 9:09 pm

  Just turned 49,900 miles on my 2007 Freestyle Limited AWD. This is the best 7 passenger vehicle AWD out there. It has been through mud, sand and snow and is unstoppable. Consistently gets 20-22 mpg in combined driving in New Jersey. Back and forth Florida to New Jersey a couple of times, and the vehicle is very easy to handle. Much better in crosswinds than any SUV and just as comfortable inside. The AWD drive system from Volvo in this thing is the best, and at a much lower price than a Volvo.

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  Loving my Freebie! I named it "Sprout." - 2005 Ford Freestyle
  By Loving Sprout! - April 14 - 11:13 am

  I purchased my 05 Freestyle FWD SE just under a month ago. It is Titanium Green with Shale interior in cloth. I have just over 1,000 miles of trouble free fun on it so far and couldnt be happier. While many people are so quick to address the supposed "lack of power" in this vehicle, I have to disagree (slightly). From a standstill I can confirm that this vehicle is not lightning quick. However, at highway speeds theres a rush of power as the car builds speed for passing. I am averaging 20 miles per gallon which is great considering my daily commute of gridlock and "hilly" city streets. Factor in the ability to haul bundles of softball gear and passengers all at once, and Im all smiles.

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  Excellent commuter, the power is fine. - 2005 Ford Freestyle
  By Wayne - April 7 - 11:33 pm

  I purchased my Freestyle in November 2004. Since then I have driven it over 6,000 miles, mostly in Atlanta traffic. As a commuter the Freestyle has provided excellent comfort, power, and gas mileage. I keep a detailed log of my gas mileage and average over 20 mpg in an urban / suburban commute of 45 miles per day. The lowest mileage to date was 19.4 mpg on a really bad week, with a high of 25 mpg on a interstate trip to North Carolina. In my opinion the comments about the Freestyle being low on power are incorrect. The 3.0 and CVT do an excellent job keeping the car going and provide plenty of power for passing.

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  Free in my Freestyle - 2005 Ford Freestyle
  By Jeane - March 13 - 3:23 pm

  I have had my Freestyle since August of 2005. It is a wonderful vehicle. Comfort is number 1 and ease of handling is also superior. The name was perfect.