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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  I Love My Freestyle - 2005 Ford Freestyle
  By SuzyQ - April 10 - 12:06 am

  All I can say is I love my Freestyle. We are in the construction business and so it is great when I have to load up the car with anything from paint to 2x4s. We also need to haul our daughter & her friends everywhere. It hold 7 easily and they actually love to ride in the very back seats. The DVD player is great for those long trips. We have taken several trips and we get 27mph on most trips. We live in the mountains and it gets 19mph most weeks but 17mph if I am going to work up on the mountain.

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  6 months of Driving - 2005 Ford Freestyle
  By Jerre53 - April 7 - 7:13 am

  We have owned the Freestyle for 6 months and love the gas mileage; 22 in town and 29 highway. We have gotten as much as 36 mpg at 55 miles per hour. The leather seats are great and very comfortable. Love the air conditiong system, the CD player/radio and speaker system. The backseats fold down flat and we have hauled furniture, lumber, plants etc. from the DIYS stores. You have to get used to the CVS transmission, but it is great for the gas mileage. Great legroom in the backseat and the controls for A/C in the backseat are great for the kids or other adults.

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  My Love went Sour - 2006 Ford Freestyle
  By Kris - April 7 - 1:17 am

  I really loved the car. We bought this car used with 31,000 mi on it. 2 months after purchase the battery light went on and a new alternator is being installed- at 32,000 mi! I wish it was the breaks! Now Im waiting to see what will happen next after reading the reviews!

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  Brakes are EXPENSIVE to replace - 2006 Ford Freestyle
  By Luce - April 3 - 2:27 pm

  This car was great because I didnt want to get into a minivan! It had plenty of room for the kids and their things. The brakes have been replaced 4 times and the routers 3 times! Almost every inspection I have failed because I needed new breaks! They have been recalled, but there is no permanent fix! Very frustrating! Also the power steering fluid has been "leaking" I have already gotten it fixed twice, but it seems to keep having a problem. It sounds like a remote control car turning corners!If they could fix that i would be very happy with my car.

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  Great Family Car! - 2007 Ford Freestyle
  By jbanks - March 29 - 1:30 pm

  I purchased this car used with 5,000 miles in the fall of 2007. It has gone through two Buffalo Winters like a charm. The AWD is awesome in the snow and on wet road conditions. There is plenty of room for a family of six. We load the car often for family get a ways and drives like a champ. This is agreat alternative to minivans. Many adults compliment on the room and comfort of the back seats. The kids have plenty of room to claim their own kingdoms with enough closeness to make alliances and enough distance when diplopmatic relationships are on the brink of all out war! If you are in the market for a great family car, look no further. I would recommend this to any family.

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  Great family vehicle - 2007 Ford Freestyle
  By jbanks - March 28 - 3:09 pm

  test

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  A/C overcharge - 2006 Ford Freestyle
  By A/C Antics - March 17 - 6:56 am

  After purchasing our Freestyle and driving it for a couple of months we noticed an A/C problem. After sitting a few days, when starting it would make a noise under the hood that I wasnt familiar with. To check it out I watched the engine while my wife started the car. The noise and a green spray emanated from the A/C compressor. The spray evaporated quickly leaving nothing to show dealership mechanics. Taking the car to the dealership I explained what was happening. It turned out to be a pressure relief valve releasing an over filled A/C charge. After a pressure check and correcting the over fill everything works fine.

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  Excellent car! - 2005 Ford Freestyle
  By Ericonline - March 16 - 9:36 pm

  We bought this vehical because we did not want the "stigma" that a mini-van had - mini-vans scream KID-MOBILE - but we wanted the 3rd row seating. It has turned out to have alot of great features I wasnt even looking for. For instance it gets great gas millage, is extreemly comportable to ride in and has great leg room. Ive had passangers comment that the second row of seats is more comfortable and roomy that their Chevy Suburban! Very sure-footed on the highway in varried road conditions and VERY nice AWD for those snow difts.

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  Free - 2007 Ford Freestyle
  By chillz - March 14 - 4:36 pm

  Rides comfortably. when first taking off has a loud noise, doesnt take off fast enough.

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  freestlye - 2005 Ford Freestyle
  By j dolby - March 13 - 5:44 pm

  bought new have had nothing but trouble with and the dealer did nothing for us brakes went bad at just over 10000 miles dealer said nothing they can do. did the job my self after going on the internet to find rotors that were 35.00 cheaper then the dealers and have lasted for along time.funny part about this when i talked with the dealer he told me i didnt know what i was talking about.but yet i work for the plant that builds the axle and knew first hand what was wrong.