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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  Lemon - 2005 Ford Freestyle
  By D. Anderson - September 8 - 10:13 am

  Trouble 35 days after purchase. Poor MPG, not as advertised, transmission leaked & completely went out, repaired, a/c unrepairable, vehicle surge (dangerous), front steering went out, could not turn left. Brakes recalled and replaced at 7500 miles, body not attached to the frame properly, computer malfunctions, wiper fell off, emblem fell off. 14 service calls in 1 year. Vehicle looks good, but has huge glare front windshield, dashboard red KLM cannot be read in daylight, dash board lights intermittent. In a tunnel lights goes out when they should light up. Always opposite of normal function. BBB Auto Line investigation. Would not advise anyone to purchase a Freestyle.

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  Enjoyable - 2005 Ford Freestyle
  By Tony Jones - September 2 - 7:36 pm

  I have driven a Ford Explorer for several years and had a Ford Windstar as the family wagon for several years also. With 3 children, one still in a car seat, the Freestyle has plenty of room. We have as much room in it for seating as the Windstar van. Drives so much better than the van. Fuel economy has been a nice surprise. Average 22.5 or so overall, but gets around 27 to 28 on open highway at 65-70 mph. Professional reviewers thought this vehicle lacks power. Although it is not a Mustang or other sports car, it accelerates very well and moves quite briskly. I have had the Explorer V-6 in past models and found it to be quite a dog. Kids love the DVD system.

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  Ford Freestyle Freefall - 2007 Ford Freestyle
  By sully320 - August 28 - 9:41 am

  My fiancee wanted another Explorer, even though she had numerous mechanical problems with her previous Explorer. She was talked into buying the Freestyle, partly because of the CVT. The car is noisy, sluggish and cramped. The capper? The vaunted CVT failed after 50,000 miles. The price tag? $7,000. Ford disavows the possibility that it was a defect. Have you driven a Ford lately? Good Luck brother!

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  So happy with new car - 2006 Ford Freestyle
  By traverse city mi - August 27 - 1:55 pm

  We just bought our 2006 Freestyle about two weeks ago and I have been so happy with it! We have two small children and the captains chairs in the second row are great to keep them seperate. There is a center console for all their stuff and to stash diapers as well. I really like the memory seating for the drivers seat. It also remembers where your mirror were as well. Seating is sooo comfortable and the six disc CD player rocks! Great speakers!

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  Perfect replacement for gas guzzling SUV - 2005 Ford Freestyle
  By Kaehlerpie - August 25 - 9:16 pm

  Couldnt be happier with this crossover vehicle. Traveling with the family is more fun than ever.

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  Techie Ride - 2006 Ford Freestyle
  By e.r. churilla - August 25 - 12:46 am

  Cant wait for the snow to fly. We bought this vehicle over a minivan and did not sacrifice much in the way of roominess - AWD, traction control. the CVT and its Volvo lineage were the big selling points. The constantly variable transmission took a little getting used to, but the vehicle has decent acceleration traits and the engine settles down to 1800 or so RPM at 70 mph on the highway. The middle row folds away quite easily to allow fairly decent access to the third row, and two adults can sit comfortably in the 3rd row. The seating system is well engineered and is a very sturdy platform when in cargo mode. The stereo features a 6 disk MP3 player.

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  Best family transportation - 2005 Ford Freestyle
  By Ed - August 24 - 4:02 pm

  I bought a 2005 Freestyle with 23,000 miles. Leather seats are real nice. I read some peoples issues with the CVT trans and the lack of power but I find the power fine loaded up with 6 pass and I average 28 to 29 mpg highway and 24 on country roads. With 4.00 a gal. milage would win over pwr.In Freestlys case it has both. Why Ford is going in 09 to a bigger motor and back to a 6 speed trans to lower milage to 15 to 20 mpg is a mistake. Plus all the seats including the pass seat fold flat to fit all kinds of material in it is a big plus. Family mover, material mover, nice looking, lots of room 29 mpg hwy their is nothing out their that offers so much. Buy a good used one now SEL or Limited

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  Inside Needs Help, Rest Beautiful - 2005 Ford Freestyle
  By Willie - August 22 - 5:30 pm

  This is really a great automobile! If Ford would do a little domestic change on the inside it could stand up to anybodys car/SUV! Drive, turning radius, comfort, etc. is wonderful. It is fun to drive. I would highly recommend the car, but would tell Ford to fix the plastic inside. This is A WINNER with a few changes.

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  Thank you Freestyle for 3 great years - 2006 Ford Freestyle
  By R.L. Scinto - August 11 - 8:15 am

  My lease is up on my 2006 Freestyle. I found the Freestyle while shopping for a smaller alternative to my Lexus 470 (yes Lexus). I have loved this car everyday. There is nothing and I mean nothing you cannot fit in it within reason. It has been comfortable beyond belief, reliable as ever, my Infiniti M45 had more electrical problems even turning off at 55+ mph. I am now patiently waiting for my new Flex to arrive. I trust and love Ford for building such a great car. It makes me sad to give up my old friend Freestyle. I hope it goes to a good home to someone who will love and embrace it like I did. But with the loss I am gaining what I think will be the most exciting Ford now offered.

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  I love it! - 2005 Ford Freestyle
  By Susan - August 3 - 9:00 am

  I love my new Freestyle. I was driving an Explorer but wasnt very happy ... until I drove the Freestyle! Its a dream to drive and its beautiful to look at. For once Im excited to own a new car!