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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  Edmunds reviewer is batty - 2006 Ford Freestyle
  By james burkes - May 13 - 11:55 am

  Im commenting to mostly straighten out a misconception. The Freestyle is not slow, with a bad motor. It is fast, with a proven reliable motor. Edmunds review of the same year Chrysler Pacifica says "Acceleration is a little soft from a standstill, but once the 3.5-liter V6 gets its wind, the vehicle moves out quickly." "Moves out quickly"?!?! The Freestyle beats this car in acceleration, yet the Edmunds review of the FS says that its major downfall is power. If you press the gas all the way down on this car, hang on! I dont have to do that hardly ever, as the power is fine for anyone not used to driving muscle cars. Get real edmunds.

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  LUV IT, LUV IT, LUV IT - 2006 Ford Freestyle
  By Freestyle Queen - May 4 - 3:56 pm

  I am a die hard van lover but my beautiful Freestyle has changed my mind! I am thrilled w/ my 05 Freestyle. It is so comfortable, even on long trips. It handles great, I feel very safe in my car whether driving on high speed interstates or just around town. The styling is very sporty and I didnt have to spend a fortune for style, fun and safety. Even my husband & kids love it ~ I no longer drive, as they would say, a clown mobile =:). My daughter (23 yrs old) cant wait to get her hands on the wheel; my husband finds it a pleasant relief from his work truck and my son (26 yrs old) enjoys "borrowing" my Freestyle.

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  Great, Safe Family car - 2005 Ford Freestyle
  By Freebie05 - April 28 - 11:35 pm

  No problems after 40K miles. Two repairs in the three years we have owned it: oil pump gear for the AWD mechanism, electronic sensor for the transmission went out. This is one of the safest vehicles on the road. I would only say the CVT is a little noisy around town. Acceleration is OK. It is a versatile family car that seats 7 passengers comfortably.

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  fun-fasti-car - 2007 Ford Freestyle
  By Funfasticar - April 28 - 3:38 pm

  We purchased our 2007 freestyle, fully loaded, leather, sun roof, 5 disk cd- mp3 player,key less entry, security alarm,dvd,GPS-love it,and much more,in aug.08.got an outstanding price 15,280 (talked them down about 3,000 and got the warranty extended from 36,00 to 75,000) w/ 26,000 miles on the car. So far so good. pleanty of room for our family of 4. Kids love the seatsand that how they recline and roomy space, the car is comfortable, (lots of leg room too) for short and long trips.

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  No more vans since I found the Freestyle - 2005 Ford Freestyle
  By Michelle - April 26 - 10:20 am

  I like this vehicle, It is good alternative to a minivan or SUV. The visibility is good and with the adjustable drivers seat it makes it easy for even a height challenged person to drive comfortably. It has a smooth ride and it is very easy to drive. You have to keep an eye on your how fast you are going because with the smooth CVT transmission you can easily exceed the speed limit. The leg room is quite good even in the third seat. And the ability to fold down the seats makes this a all purpose vehicle. Good work Ford; I hope this vehicle is a real success. I am glad I waited to purchase my new vehicle until I found the Freestyle.

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  Follow up to April 08 Review - 2007 Ford Freestyle
  By PRGR - April 19 - 6:08 pm

  I wrote a review a year ago about how great the car was in the winter and on a trip to Florida.In April 09,I still like the car, but the rear brakes needed replacing at 28,000 mi.Dealer said my car was not in the recall period.My response:"I am not paying for new brakes-period."Ford would not cover them, even though I had the same problem as others.The dealer saw my 8 years of having vehicles serviced and paid for them.The infamous Continental tires were done at 34,000.I replaced with Triple Treads.I am not sure if I will buy another Ford.I really like my Freestyle,but understand why people buy foreign .

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  Crossover - 2005 Ford Freestyle
  By acmpam - April 17 - 9:30 am

  This vehicle replaced our 02 Expedition. We have doubled our fuel mileage and seem to have gained room for the occupants. Shopping can now be accomplished without folding down the third row seats (Expedition). Living in a hilly terrain the engine size is just right (not the fastest on the road but considering mpg just right). Ford has a winning vehicle with the Freestyle which we feel is a better buy than the Cadillac SRX .

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  8000 miles down - 2005 Ford Freestyle
  By dad2dlj - April 15 - 6:20 pm

  After 8000 miles in 3 months, I continue to be truly pleased with my Ford Freestyle. Gas mileage has been very good (20 mpg with very heavy stop/go traffic); comfort has been great in all seats on long trips; and absolutely no problems/defects/issues experienced to date.

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  What a suprise - 2005 Ford Freestyle
  By steviegood - April 11 - 8:13 pm

  It was time to get better fuel economy what with 30-35k miles a year. I never buy a car the first year out but convinced myself to try this one. GREAT ride, above the average mileage for the size, about an average of 23 overall, 26 in the highway. Cheaper parts and finishes are more then made up for in the great smooth ride. Size is more than my past SUVs. Ease of fold down great. All in all a great new product.

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  Ford Got This One Right! - 2005 Ford Freestyle
  By David Broadwater - April 10 - 6:40 pm

  I think Ford got it right on this one! I do not know what vehicle the review people drove, but I found more than enough power on the highway for passing, climbing hills or just taking off from the toll both. I do agree about the substandard cloth used on the seats. Other than that, the Freestyle has either lived up to or surpassed all expectations. The engine noise could be a little better, but its not nearly as noisy as my Windstar was. The handling is good and braking is good, and the most important things is that my wife likes it.