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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  2006 Freestyle ... skip the minivan - 2006 Ford Freestyle
  By RealHawker - May 26 - 10:46 pm

  Limited Black leather interior is great looking. Layout and NAV system are nice features. I wouldnt get this car in anything but the Limited style. Get the captains chairs in the 2nd row if you have 2 or more car seats. You can scoot between the rows, if you take out the console, or you can climb over it easier than taking out the car seats to get in the back.

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  Almost 2 years later - 2005 Ford Freestyle
  By freealfas - May 11 - 10:42 am

  Has been a great vehicle. I find it to be the best balance of value, economy, space, advanced technology, safety, and style avaiable. It is perfect for hauling our child and all of her stuff and when the grandparents come to town it lets us all ride in comfort and safety. You cannot go wrong with the purchase of a FS and will enjoy every mile.

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  Great Family Car - 2006 Ford Freestyle
  By Jym McNamara - May 6 - 2:03 pm

  Im just in love with the car. For the price I couldnt get anything better. It has plenty of space and is fairly comfortable. The engine runs smootly and it handles awesome.

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  Always purchased GM, but so far we like - 2005 Ford Freestyle
  By Young Grandma - April 25 - 5:27 pm

  Attracted to the sporty look and high reviews on saftely. Husband liked the idea that Volvo chassis was used. Have had a couple recalls, but fixed. Girl rear-ended me causing $2800 worth of damage to rear bumpers and sensors. Car gets 22 mpg around town and have gotten as high as 31 mpg on trips. Easy handling, plenty of room for grandchildren and a large Lab who loves sticking his head out the sunroof. Rear climate control package keeps everyone comfy. I have a problem when traveling in the back seat, but with the theater seating can ride in back and not get sick as a dog from motion.

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  Sure Winner! - 2006 Ford Freestyle
  By Born Free - April 22 - 8:06 pm

  It does not make sense to me why people have to buy a more expensive SUV like a Benz when they can get a Ford Freestyle. My 2006 Freestyle SEL has got everything I need to drive in comfort, safety and economy. This CUV is recommended by the Consumers Reports magazine and its reliability rating is way better than a those CUV with double the price. It has a very pleasing exterior design. Not too aggressive like a Murano, and not too dull like a Honda Pilot. It drives like a small car and the view is like a penthouse on the road. People complain about the dashboard reflection issue but not really a problem. A bit noisy like a tiger when climbing up the hill but I like it like it is.

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  Great Family Car! - 2006 Ford Freestyle
  By Chris & Abby - April 16 - 12:53 pm

  For a family of four with two car seats this car is great. The car offers ample passenger and cargo space in all configuations. Additionally changing seating/cargo configurations is very quick and easy. Its a great cross between a station wagon and SUV without sacrificing comfort, road handling, or visibility. In addition it has great fuel economy for its cargo and passenger capacity. If you have a fairly big family and dont need to tow much weight this is the an excellent choice.

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  not bad at all - 2005 Ford Freestyle
  By jrs - April 7 - 2:13 pm

  Have 400 miles on new SE AWD freestyle. These are my thoughts: 1. Very well built, some of best fit and finish I have ever seen on American car 2. Drives tightly and very nice with some Volvo there--excellent drive doesnt really feel underpowered as some complain--I think the CVT takes a little getting used to but now I prefer it 3. A little too large--making a smaller version (mini me)might be worth it and sell well 4. Well designed interior, very, very nicely done 5. blank spots where I did not get extras on dash and wheel are unsightly but this is very minor--overall very sweet

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  Happy Driver - 2005 Ford Freestyle
  By GUS - April 4 - 2:34 pm

  Ive had this vehicle going on two years. Im very pleased and glad I purchased it. I have made three long trips and they were comfortable and fun trips. Good mileage considering the room and passenger capabilities. No regrets having it.

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  Underrated AWD Wagon - 2005 Ford Freestyle
  By Freestyle Fan - April 4 - 2:06 pm

  I have been driving this vehicle for several months now and have been delighted with its overall performance and utility. As a user of SUVs for the last 15 years, I have found the ride, handling and accessibility of this vehicle to be outstanding. I have used this vehicle multiple times for hauling large quantities of lumber and the fold-down front seat has been very beneficial. The only change to my original vehicle order that I would make would have been to put a tire with a little more aggressive tread on it for winter driving, although Im sure part of the better ride is attributable to the current tires used on the vehicle. This vehicle should be getting much more notice than it is.

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  Fords Best Kept Secret - 2006 Ford Freestyle
  By Central Virgina - April 4 - 8:35 am

  I was at the dealership looking for an Expedition or Explorer when the salesman pointed out the Freestyle, and I am glad he did. I bought the last 2006 the dealer had, it was on the showroom floor. Mine has AWD, extra airbags, safety and security option, rear AC, 60/40 middle seat, individual climate controls up front. It is dark Pearl Blue with a pebble interior. The car has a low center of gravity and is fun to drive and handlles really well.