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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  Functional Freestyle - 2007 Ford Freestyle
  By SO Villar - June 16 - 11:25 am

  Ive owned my Freestyle for just about a year. It has met my needs nicely- providing easy access and egress for my elderly mother with severe arthritis on our many errands to doctors and social functions. Cargo space very satisfactory for road trips and for the possible need to evacuate in advance of hurricanes. Ive got the same or greater cargo capacity as I had in my Chevy Trailblazer but with more comfort for my aging mother and much better gas mileage. I also have better visibility in all directions with this vehicle. One thing I am not pleased with is the seemingly light weight construction of the ext. door panels. Very minor bumps in parking lots create very visible dimples.

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  Ford Freestyle - 2005 Ford Freestyle
  By Winkler - June 6 - 10:03 pm

  Excellent visibility, handling - braking in poor weather (rain, ice, snow). Dashboard is straight forward; all controls easy to operate without excessive movement. Fold down passenger seat allows carrying items as afforded by full size SUV.

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  Finally got rid of it! - 2005 Ford Freestyle
  By MovedON - May 29 - 3:36 pm

  Start with the positive - it never broke down, ever. We loved the space allotment and flexibility inside and some of the small touches (keypad entry, lots of storage even with the third row seat in use). But the materials inside were total junk. We had the cloth upholstry and even water left a nasty stain. They really could do better. Under the hood there was way too much electrical tape. Finally, the fuel economy wasnt near what was promised and over 3 years Ford never figured out how to improve it. Lots of highway noise, crappy, staticy radio.

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  Love my Freestyle - 2007 Ford Freestyle
  By pwf2908 - May 29 - 2:24 pm

  I was a little concerned buying domestic over import - had been a Previa driver for years, but what an awesome replacement. This baby has power, comfort and hugs the road in all conditions, including our Canadian winters which are a mixed bag. Biggest test came during superstorm last June. I hadnt realized how bad the road conditions were that night, but the Freestyle slogged through everything that storm threw at us and then some. (My Previa would never have made it - and we passed several others pulled off too.) Only thing that could be improved is my city gas mileage, but I love the power on the highway and when set to cruise, the highway mileage is great for that size engine!

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  Real Safe Car - 2006 Ford Freestyle
  By carlover - May 24 - 8:43 am

  A great car. I loved the third row seats and a cargo room is the largest of its kind. I was in a roll over accident and totaled the car however, myself and my three year old walked away with only a few bumps!

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  Never buying a Ford again. - 2005 Ford Freestyle
  By kevin - May 21 - 10:40 am

  When I purchased this thing, I soon realized why Ford is in such a financial slump. People are getting wise and not buying Fords anymore, I unfortunately was one of the few unwise and bought one. After only 15k, a new transmission was needed which Ford had the nerve to blame the failure on me. I had to take them to court the get it fixed under warranty! 5k after that the fuel pump went, leaving me and my family stranded on the side of the road during a trip (Ford refused to pay for the tow) Later my headlights would not turn on, only highbeams worked, which got me a ticket for driving with highbeams on. After 30k, I needed another new fuel pump, washer fluid pump, CD player stopped working.

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  The Best of All Worlds - 2006 Ford Freestyle
  By Amy Mooney - May 19 - 7:10 pm

  I love my Freestyle. Its AWD, sporty, and has all the best interior qualities of a minivan. The gas mileage is about 24 mpg highway. It looks like an SUV, handles like a car, and the interior is roomy like a minivan. Its the best of all worlds.

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  Great Value - The Best 7 Passanger AWD - 2007 Ford Freestyle
  By John I - May 18 - 9:09 pm

  Just turned 49,900 miles on my 2007 Freestyle Limited AWD. This is the best 7 passenger vehicle AWD out there. It has been through mud, sand and snow and is unstoppable. Consistently gets 20-22 mpg in combined driving in New Jersey. Back and forth Florida to New Jersey a couple of times, and the vehicle is very easy to handle. Much better in crosswinds than any SUV and just as comfortable inside. The AWD drive system from Volvo in this thing is the best, and at a much lower price than a Volvo.

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  Ford was no help, so had to trade it in! - 2007 Ford Freestyle
  By Love2cruz - May 12 - 12:59 pm

  Bought a Freestyle limited June 2007 and almost a year later had to trade it in. From day one we had a constant gas smell. Took it in and half a tank of gas later could find no problem. Kept driving it and smell got worse. Mpg highway was around 18, City was 15 at best. Winter was terrible because it would get stuck in 1/2 inch of snow. We had the pebble leather and it reflected in the front window very badly.

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  1st Ford Ive been unhappy with - 2005 Ford Freestyle
  By Tam - May 6 - 9:40 am

  This is the 6th Ford weve owned. Loved the others, cant stand this one! There is a new rattle every day, the speakers are shot, and now the engine is making this horrendously loud whine that no one can figure out. They say it may be the alternator - not covered by the powertrain warranty, and costs upwards of $700 to replace! It does have lots of room, handles nicely, and gets decent gas mileage. But I dread getting in it every day because of all the rattling and whining. I would trade it in in a heartbeat except the resale value is pathetic. Its worth about a third of what I paid for it just 2 years ago. Ford, you really disappointed me with this one!