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:

• 

  Great family vehicle - 2006 Ford Freestyle
  By Stephen Butenhoff - July 30 - 3:36 pm

  We love our Freestyle! we were looking for something to hold our family (5)+ friends, go camping, carry sports gear and get through Minnesota winters. We got all this plus our 70+ year old parents can easily get in and out without a step ladder. Its quiet, comfortable and roomy and gets great mileage. I have never been stopped by so many people who want to know about my vehicle. Keep up the good work!

• 

  Great Family Car - 2005 Ford Freestyle
  By Brad Busque - July 30 - 12:01 pm

  We leased our Freestyle back in 2005 because the CVT worried me. Its now 3 years latter and time to buy or move on. After looking around at other makes, it has become apparent what a great car the Freestyle is. We always liked the car, and after shopping around for a replacement decided to buy out our lease. Even three years later there is no other vehicular the size of the Freestyle that can provide the gas mileage we are getting. With gas prices still around $4.00 a gallon we will be sticking with our 22MPG city , 27 MPG highway FWD Freestyle. The car has been rock solid, very dependable, and great for our trips to Home Depot. Per our mechanic the CVTs have been great.

• 

  Research the CVT problems - 2006 Ford Freestyle
  By katie-kate - July 28 - 8:54 pm

  This car was okay. For hauling around little kids and their junk, just get a minivan, this is not a substitute. Mileage was pretty decent and I liked the size. The interior finishes were cheap. The third row seat was alright for occasional use, but swallowed all cargo space. We had two 6 foot plus, 250 pound people in the third row and it was actually okay. However, at 40,000 miles and only 2 years old the transmission needed to have major work done, to the tune of $2,000. Not happy. Traded it in on a Honda Odyssey. I am sad to be driving my first non-ford, but this was the straw that broke the camels back. I can just feel that the Odyssey is going to be a much better long term vehicle.

• 

  A Gem in the Ford SUV Lineup - 2007 Ford Freestyle
  By abodao - July 24 - 10:47 pm

  This is the first long road trip weve taken with our new-(bought used), Ford Freestyle, automatic, 3.0 liter engine. We loaded the car with 6 adults, an 18 cubic foot cartop luggage carrier and filled the somewhat cramped luggage space in the back. This car worked flawless. A smooth, effortless ride up the mountain passes and well controlled ride with plenty of brake reserve on the downhill runs. The ride for all passengers was smooth and comfortable. When we did hit those few rough road conditions the car absorbed all but the deepest ruts and bumps. In heavy traffic we were able to accelerate, brake and move with ease in spite of our heavy load. A breeze to park and maneuver.

• 

  Well equipped, but problematic - 2006 Ford Freestyle
  By Matt Wolvington - July 21 - 12:20 pm

  I bought my 06 Freestyle new in Florida. Love driving the car, and hauling 5 kids (in carseats) in it. Only issues with car is the rubber door molding keeps falling off, the rear brakes need replacement again (replaced under warranty at 26000 mi) at 52000 miles (Front pads are original), and vehicle goes into "reduced power mode" anytime it gets a bad sensor reading. This means the RPMs wont go over 2500 and 0-60 times are around 30 sec. Last time it happened, I turned off the car and restarted it to fix. The time before that I had to replace the air filter (no, it was not the orig.) Also, occasionally, the engine will surge in reverse making it difficult to not hit something.

• 

  Freestyle is the best! - 2005 Ford Freestyle
  By Clifford McKinstry - July 21 - 8:30 am

  After 5 Windstars since 1995, the Freestyle meets all of my needs, and is a delight to drive both locally and on trips. Very comfortable and has all the power I need. The CVT is a delight.

• 

  Not all I hoped for - 2005 Ford Freestyle
  By Emwood - July 17 - 10:03 am

  Purchased this car for functionality, comfort and versatility. 3 yrs and 55K miles later, I have gone through 3 sets of tires, 4 alignment adjustments and 2 new sets of rear disc brakes. (front brakes are fine) Very happy with interior and amenities. Will always have a DVD system now as I loved this one. Ford was thinking of themselves when they built this one as you can only get wiper blades through Ford, and only Pirelli makes the necassary size tire. (not cheap!) Loved the flexibility of the 3rd row option and a great car for road trips. Would like for it to have lived up to the mpg. (average 19 and 22) Extremely disappointed with the resale value. Trading it for a used Lexus SUV.

• 

  Something new - 2005 Ford Freestyle
  By chris pierce - July 16 - 4:05 pm

  Was uncertain about the Freestyle after doing research. Issues were CVT and 1st yr. of new model. Performance is suitable--good passing little slow on take off. High points are huge carrying behind front seat. Good interior design. Design interior materials could be higher in the limited model. Also heated mirrors would help in Maine winter. Mpg is exactly as advertised 24 mpg. Highway which is 95% of driving in rural northern Maine.

• 

  Best Car Yet - 2007 Ford Freestyle
  By ADM - July 16 - 2:49 pm

  I found almost everything I wanted in a car in the Freestyle. The space, seating is perfect for family of 5 and dog. Heated seats are heavenly in the winter. Dual climate control and rear climate control is great. Gas mileage is pretty good for a larger vehicle. And I really needed the AWD, no more worries about getting home in the snow.

• 

  Ford Freestyle LTD AWD - 2005 Ford Freestyle
  By Morgan McCauley - July 14 - 7:33 pm

  Probably the most versatile vehicle I have ever driven. An excellent blend of an SUV, a minivan and a car. The people and cargo carrying configurations are excellent, the CVT is awesome and the AWD system is second to none and performed flawlessly in our snowy winter. Many claim the vehicle is underpowered but I believe that this is a misperception because of the CVT. I find the vehicle more than powerful enough even fully loaded merging onto a highway and with the CVT you get far better mileage than many others without it. I would definitely recommend this vehicle to anyone and especially for those looking for something a little different from the SUV or minivan.