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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  Mr - 2006 Ford Freestyle
  By BayAreaStyle - June 8 - 12:06 am

  Clean exterior styling, massive cargo space in a mid size vehicle, peppy CVT transmission. Freestyle doesnt stand out on a spec sheet but it does the things I purchased it for really well. Carrying a family of four and lots of outdoor gear in comfort in all conditions. We have been in Sierra blizzards, carried the in laws (with the extra 2 seats in the back), hauled 3 kayaks with camping gear and have been happy with the performance. Fuel economy in cruise is around 22 mpg which is pretty good for an AWD that weighs 5000 lbs

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  Not bad - 2006 Ford Freestyle
  By Charlie - June 4 - 10:19 am

  It is going on 3yrs and about 30,000 miles and no major problems. New brakes as others have mentioned were replaced (covered by Ford). The tires need to be replaced soon. Gas mileage okay (about 18-20 city). Ride is good with plenty of room. Wondering if extended warranty is good idea as with any vehicle.

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  Freestyle - Freewheel - 2007 Ford Freestyle
  By Mick Reeves - June 3 - 12:29 am

  I echo everyones comments here, but I have one piece of advice to up your fuel consumption. As Im from the UK but live in the USA and we have gas selling at almost $8 a gallon we have to find ways of driving to save or stretch gas as far as we can. So, first off, get a light foot. Second, dont race to the next set of lights if they are red. Third, Dont excelerate from a stop to fast, be gentle with the pedal, back off once you reach the speed you want. Forth, When you have a good hill to go down, knock the thing in to neutral and coast, slot it back into drive when you need to. Fifth, try to drive without using the brakes to much, braking costs energy. Last, use cruise, always, everywhere

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  1,300 miles 5 people + Luggage= Review - 2005 Ford Freestyle
  By Iceman - June 2 - 8:36 am

  This is my wifes car. I own a Fusion that I love dearly. We took a weekend trip to St. Louis for a funeral. Over 1,400 miles in one weekend with 5 people + luggage. I drive fast (around 90) and still got over 20 mpg for the trip. I could easily see 23-24 mpg fully loaded driving say 65 or 70. Not the fastest vehicle in acceleration but adequate for a family vehicle. Very stable in turns at expressway speeds. Change your tires which we just recently did from the original Continentals. New Goodyears are a huge improvement. This is a great family vehicle that is good on long trips. Ford hit a homerun again. These are cheap buys on the used market.

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  Overall very good but... - 2005 Ford Freestyle
  By Juli - June 2 - 5:53 am

  I purchased my Freestyle AWD Limited in January and have 8K on it. I love the interior layout and overall design. But, it is definitely an American car. You can see the fit/finish on the interior is not quite as polished as a Japanese vehicle. Already a piece on the corner of the window has popped out of place. Plus the heated seats only stay on for 10 minutes at a time. I am still happy with the vehicle though but I think they can improve upon it. The CVT takes a while to get used to, the cruise control has a difficult time keeping an even speed on hills and the engine kicks on very high RPM going uphill if you try to maintain speed.

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  Most Unreliable Car ever owned. - 2005 Ford Freestyle
  By NeverbuyFordAgain - May 31 - 11:39 pm

  Drive the Car about 3000 miles per year, the vehicle has 18000 took it into the dealer because of a noise comming from the tranmision the same day the the engine light came up. After the dealer diagnosys, the car need new cylinder #5 new valves new head and a new Torque conveter for the tranmission about $5100.00 dollars later no word from Ford since the vehicle is out of warranty of course after the first 3 years called everyone at ford to try to get some type of help, no response Ive had 5 fords in my life time, this is the last one I will ever owned, they lost me as a customer.

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  Transmission is out! - 2006 Ford Freestyle
  By Tammy - May 27 - 9:57 am

  I bought this car to get away from the high gas prices of my Ford Explorer. The car has great room. It seats 7. Comfort level is ok. I do not think of this car as stylish. However, it does fine on gas for the size. I WONT buy this car again because my TRANSMISSION is now having to be replaced. Absolutely ridiculous for a 3 yr old car with 57k miles. Since Ford had the 3yr/36,000 warranty, I am having to pay for the repairs myself. I will not buy another Ford car again.

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  06 AWD Freestyle - Great Car - 2006 Ford Freestyle
  By Gary - May 22 - 4:46 pm

  Purchased and drove the vehicle about 1400 miles in two days. Very comfortable car. Rear air is handy for kids in very back - without it, they get warm. Fuels economy 26 @ 70 mph; 23 @ 75 mph and 21 @ 80. I was a bit disappointed with the fuel economy at 80. CVT transmission works wonderfully, and the vehicle rides as quiet as a Lexus.

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  Dont walk away from this car...RUN! - 2005 Ford Freestyle
  By HateMyFord - May 15 - 10:49 pm

  Replaced brakes prematurely twice, tires before the first year of ownership was up, driver seat heater is broken, stereo goes out, car is now at dealership saying the CVT will need to be replaced. Buyers beware w/this car! Not worth it. Car is worth less than we currently owe. We are up-side-down with this car and it is no longer driveable. Ford has known about this problem but hasnt recalled or acknowledge it. It is not only a pain financially, it is also a safety issue for drivers and their families.

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  family hauler - 2006 Ford Freestyle
  By garryone - May 15 - 7:49 pm

  no problems in 18,000 miles smooth dependable power,this is not a race wagon but will get you up to highway speeds once you learn how the cvt trans works. City fuel milage at 24.4 summer 22 in winter and highway 27.5-33 mpg.