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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  Still love this car! - 2005 Ford Freestyle
  By ucdavisdiva - November 11 - 10:25 pm

  As a "Volvo only" car buyer I was reluctant to buy a Ford. This car has been great (I got 7 seats, leather, split 3rd row seat) and I still rave about it. This car fit all my requirements: no minivan, no SUV, good gas mileage, seats 7, fits the canoe, fits the tandem, easy to get in and out of...this car has it all! I personally find it to be fine in power on the highway, much better than the Volvo we had and weve towed a lot. This summer we loaded an 18 ft. canoe, 4 people, one large dog, a Thule box and camping gear for a week and it all fit comfortably. The gas mileage is great and I drive a lot in the city. I hope this car last 10 years cause were keeping it.

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  06 Freestyle - 2006 Ford Freestyle
  By Harold - November 3 - 3:46 pm

  I never expected such a big, comfortable car to be so economical. 22mpg city, 29 highway. Handles great and its built like a bank vault. Solid and rattle-free after 20K miles. I am completely satisfied.

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  Love the All wheel drive - 2006 Ford Freestyle
  By ASA203 - October 27 - 4:00 pm

  I have never owned an all wheel drive vehicle, but this car has shown me how great they handle in poor conditions. Last winter was mild, but it is great to be able to pull out on wet roads without spinning. The ride is wonderful and with plenty of room for 6. I recommend this vehicle for families. It compares to the Volvo XC90 but at a much lower price.

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  Great Family Car! - 2006 Ford Freestyle
  By Pugliese Family - October 27 - 11:47 am

  We have only owned this car for about a month. We did not see many on the road where we live and were wondering why Ford didnt advertise more about this great vehicle. Thank goodness for customer review sites like this one. We were shopping for a 6-7 passenger vehicle but did not want a big SUV or a van. When we were in Italy this year we rented a 6 passenger wagon and we were hooked. As soon as we got back to the USA we started shopping for a 6-7 passenger wagon. Ford Freestyle offered a spectacular car. It is easy to park and drive and seats 7 very nicely. The gas mileage is much better than my Explorer.

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  Ford better idea - 2005 Ford Freestyle
  By dave - October 25 - 5:26 pm

  Ive driven it for 1 year. Ford did a bad job advertising this one. Weve made trips; Mobile, AL, Nashville,TN, the mountains of PA. The car handles great. The selling point for us was the seven people seating. You can actually put seven tall people in this one. Handle great in snow rain and sun weather. Weve done them all. The cvt tranny works great, but not advertise well. Car has good power. I set speed at 70; it will do it over hill or level. It works very good back home in the hills of south western PA.

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  Great Vehicle for families - 2006 Ford Freestyle
  By Rob Bartholomew - October 22 - 6:22 pm

  This vehicle is a blast to drive. My wife and I stumbled across this model as I hadnt even known about them. We have no regrets and would recommend this vehicle to anyone on the SUV/CAR market.

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  So far I like it - 2006 Ford Freestyle
  By Michael - October 18 - 5:15 am

  I have had my Freestyle for a little over 9 months now, and I love it. There are some things that could be better... engine noise for example. But the room I have and the fuel economy are better than I hoped for. The kids no longer fight about whos touching who. Sure, some people ask me if it will ever grow up to be REAL SUV, but thats not why I got it. ROOM! plus fuel economy. I think I got both... now lets hope the reliability is good. I am concerned about this new CVT.

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  My Ford Freestyle Experience - 2005 Ford Freestyle
  By Karen Wheat - October 4 - 10:19 am

  I have really enjoyed driving this car. It maneuvers well and has plenty of room for my family of five. We have really enjoyed the great gas mileage. We get lots of comments about it, people ask what it is and say they like it, or they say they havent seen one before. Some people say the pickup is not that great, but it has plenty of power to me. We did have a couple of minor problems that required a trip to the service department, but they were quickly repaired. Overall my Freestyle has been a great car, and I would reccomend it to anyone.

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  ultimate crossover - 2006 Ford Freestyle
  By ozthewiz - September 30 - 6:32 pm

  Very comfortable vehicle with huge interior volume. Have owned vehicle for almost a year now and have had no reliability issues whatsoever.

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  Ford steps up to the plate - 2005 Ford Freestyle
  By Dave and Jennifer - September 30 - 5:50 pm

  For years, all Ive ever heard is dont buy a Ford unless youre buying an F-series truck. With all the improvements Ford has made in the reliability of their vehicles, I think they have outdone themselves with the Freestyle. It was iffy at first when trying to convince my wife out of a Toyota and into a Ford, but when she saw and drove it, she was hooked. The ride is both a lot quieter and smoother than her 03 Toyota Matrix ever was. In addition, all 4 tires on the Toyota had to be replaced at 31K miles and a harmonic balancer on the alternator had to be replaced at 33K. Almost 7K miles on the Freestyle and problem free so far. Two big thumbs up for Ford!