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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  Pleasant Suprise - 2005 Ford Freestyle
  By Manny - September 5 - 5:53 am

  I was planning on buying a Cadillac SRX. A friend told me about the Freestyle (havent seen many out there and Ford hasnt really advertised the vehicle?). LOVE THIS CAR!. Saved $20,000 from the SRX. Great room in all 3 rows, very nice handling and CVT is very smooth. Ford really should start advertising this car cause its a great all purpose family car ... better than my previous SUVs and as functional as a minivan without the stigma.

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  I really like this vehicle. - 2006 Ford Freestyle
  By GlenM - September 4 - 10:54 am

  Just got my 06 Freestyle this weekend. I went in looking for an Escape but as I was walking by the Freestyle my head did one of those whip around things. Unlike some who think the Freestyles exterior is dull, I actually like its looks. Then I discovered the functionality of the interior. But, I reserved my buying decision until I test drove it. True its not going to beat a lot of similar sized vehicles off the mark, but thats not what its designed for. Ive owned mostly Chryslers, Chevys, and Beemers, but I cant think of one of them with a smoother tranny than the Freestyle. My only concern is long-term durability, but well see about that.

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  A Perfect 10 - 2007 Ford Freestyle
  By Jerry - September 4 - 1:15 am

  Purchased this vehicle after having a Mercury Monterey minivan. Wife thought she would like something a little smaller so we drove the Freestyle Limited and we both agreed that this was the car for us. We like everything about this vehicle with one exception...we had heated/cooled seats on the minivan and have only heated seats on the Freestyle. Dealer advised me that cooled seats are not an available option. Living in Arizona cooled seats do make a difference.

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  Freestyle Hits the Mark - 2005 Ford Freestyle
  By Kevin - September 3 - 8:33 pm

  Our kids are now as big as us! We needed a car (not a van) that would fit all of us and occasionally more. We traded in a large 4-Door Chevy pickup that had plenty of room, but the V-8 was gobbling up more than the kids and it REALLY rode like a truck (well, duh!). We bought the AWD Limited with everything on it. All the automotive reviews moan about how underpowered the Freestyle is, but I can tell you it has plenty of power, especially in the 50- 70 passing range, when you really need it. The CVT tranny is incredibly smooth and the AWD keeps you glued to the road. I dont know if any car can truly be all-purpose, but this comes close. For those who want more acceleration - Buy a Mustang GT

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  Superb, under appreciated vehicle - 2006 Ford Freestyle
  By RichardK - August 31 - 12:00 pm

  I bought a fully loaded FWD Limited and have driven 1500 miles with it. The ride is great and responsive; I get 29.5 miles/gal while doing 55/60 mph. There is loads of room for 7 passengers and having the DVD is great. For a fully loaded car that performs like this at $27.5K, this is a superb! I could not want more in a vehicle. I hope it lasts forever. I love it!

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  Wow, the best of the suv world - 2006 Ford Freestyle
  By Tim - August 30 - 12:48 am

  Fords only problem with this vehicle is that it doesnt have the ad budget that Ford puts on its other vehicles. We drove a lot of suvs and crossover vehicles. The first thing we noticed is the ease of getting in and out of the vehicle. You dont climb in, you just get in. Ours has every option I could dream up. If you have kid, get the dvd option, it makes long trips much more bearable. I did a lot of research on this vehicle before we bought it, the only real comparative/negative that I could find was it was under powered compared to other crossovers, (Buick Rendezvous, and Chrysler Pacifica). We drove those. With the Freestyles CVT transmission it doesnt need 245hp. Passing is scary fast.

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  Great Alternative to SUV - 2006 Ford Freestyle
  By Jim Marentette - August 21 - 12:07 pm

  I think the Freestyle is a great alternative to a SUV since I do not go off road or need to tow. It is very comfortable and the smooth AWD is just what I need here in the mountains in Durango, CO. I recently took a 5,000 mile trip throughout the mid-west and the vehicle performed marvelously. I do not understand the knock on the engine I find the power quite adequate on the highway and in the mountains. 23 miles/gallon is much better than 15-18 on an SUV, and we must start thinking of conservation. I think the Freestyle is a Volvo in disguise with perhaps less power and craftsmanship.

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  Fun Vehicle - 2006 Ford Freestyle
  By Victoria - August 16 - 9:00 am

  I just love my 2006 Freestyle. Its a fun car to drive and the CVT makes for a smooth and pleasant ride. There is tons of room with plenty of seating options. Great for someone with kids, pooches and/or travelers. Gas mileage is very good, interior features are convenient, AWD gets you easily out of mud or snow, higher seating makes for better visibility. It makes driving fun again. If you can afford it, get the GPS system which I find myself using not just for trips but also local travel. If you are looking for a fun and practical vehicle, I highly recommend the Ford Freestyle.

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  New owner - 2006 Ford Freestyle
  By coastie72 - August 14 - 8:12 pm

  I am very pleased so far. We had an Explorer before but this is a neat vehicle that would sell more if Ford would advertise it more.

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  My favorite car - 2005 Ford Freestyle
  By S. Mailman - August 10 - 8:20 am

  I studied this car for 8 months. The style caught my eye, its sleek and much larger inside than it appears to be outside. I had an Explorer and was tired of the low gas mileage and slowing down through curves on the expressway. Yes, I know it was a truck and thats how I drove it. I love the CVT transmission,so smooth! I am getting about 4-5 more mpg than with my other car. The seating is extremely comfortable, there are almost no blind spots, the windshield is big. Touring in this car is wonderful. The ride is smooth and as you increase the speed its amazing to me that all of a sudden youre cruising at 70mph. I have received many compliments. Folks need to know about this!