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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  Freestyle Fiasco - 2005 Ford Freestyle
  By Nancy Triner - April 24 - 1:06 am

  Dumb me! Didnt take a 24 hour test drive. New engineers needed at Ford. Horrible road noise, very loud turn signals and windshield wipers, blind spots, vibration in pedals when braking, rear seats rattle, very sensitive steering. What a mistake!

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  Needs a Heart Transplant - 2005 Ford Freestyle
  By Chemazda - April 21 - 8:20 am

  This car is driven in Germany, so immediately its at a major disadvantage. Its clearly designed for American roads, where Im sure its capable and probably very comfortable. However, on European roads its lacking in acceleration, feels like a tank, doesnt fit into parking spots and feels generally out of its element. It cant keep up with cars that have half as much power on the autobahn, and makes a miserable racket trying. The engine drone under acceleration gets annoying fast. Ours is driven harder than probably any other Freestyle on the road, but it lets us know that it doesnt like it. Minor issues fixed under warranty include brake lights that stayed on and outside temp gauge.

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  So far, great car! - 2007 Ford Freestyle
  By Pete - April 14 - 9:35 pm

  We have put almost 15,000 miles on our Freestyle in less than a year. We just returned from a trip to Florida with 7 passengers (6 adult sized people plus a toddler) and luggage. Maybe it is because I dont test drive sports cars, but the pro reviewers missed the boat on the CVT and power. 25-27 mpg fully loaded and passing other cars going up the mountains. Too bad Ford dropped this powertrain for more horsepower and poorer mileage. The only problems I have heard about are the premature tire wear and rear brakes. Our tires are ok so far, and well see on the brakes. I think the writers did a disservice to this car. The Freestyle is not flashy, but does what it is meant to do.

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  Loving my Freebie! I named it "Sprout." - 2005 Ford Freestyle
  By Loving Sprout! - April 14 - 11:13 am

  I purchased my 05 Freestyle FWD SE just under a month ago. It is Titanium Green with Shale interior in cloth. I have just over 1,000 miles of trouble free fun on it so far and couldnt be happier. While many people are so quick to address the supposed "lack of power" in this vehicle, I have to disagree (slightly). From a standstill I can confirm that this vehicle is not lightning quick. However, at highway speeds theres a rush of power as the car builds speed for passing. I am averaging 20 miles per gallon which is great considering my daily commute of gridlock and "hilly" city streets. Factor in the ability to haul bundles of softball gear and passengers all at once, and Im all smiles.

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  Excellent commuter, the power is fine. - 2005 Ford Freestyle
  By Wayne - April 7 - 11:33 pm

  I purchased my Freestyle in November 2004. Since then I have driven it over 6,000 miles, mostly in Atlanta traffic. As a commuter the Freestyle has provided excellent comfort, power, and gas mileage. I keep a detailed log of my gas mileage and average over 20 mpg in an urban / suburban commute of 45 miles per day. The lowest mileage to date was 19.4 mpg on a really bad week, with a high of 25 mpg on a interstate trip to North Carolina. In my opinion the comments about the Freestyle being low on power are incorrect. The 3.0 and CVT do an excellent job keeping the car going and provide plenty of power for passing.

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  Love the car but having electrical issue - 2005 Ford Freestyle
  By alex - March 24 - 9:30 am

  I really enjoy my Ford Freestyle. It is very sharp and comfortable to drive. It definitely has plenty of room with its creative design. However, I am having some battery or electrical problems. If I do not drive it within 13 or more hours the car will not have enough juice to turn over and the dash board and gadgets go crazy. After a jump the car will turn over and run fine. The dealer has replaced the factory radio. After a month the same problem is happening again. Now they have replaced the battery. I hope that this will do the trick.

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  Free in my Freestyle - 2005 Ford Freestyle
  By Jeane - March 13 - 3:23 pm

  I have had my Freestyle since August of 2005. It is a wonderful vehicle. Comfort is number 1 and ease of handling is also superior. The name was perfect.

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  great ride - 2005 Ford Freestyle
  By rrupp - March 13 - 4:26 am

  I have only had this car for two months, and compared to the 2001 Toyota Sienna that I traded in, it is so much more fun to drive and is much quieter and smoother riding than the Sienna. The gas mileage so far is around 21 city driving and 27 highway. The driver power seat adjusts many ways to give you very good visibility. The theater style seating allows the rear passengers a much clearer view, instead of looking at the back of someones head. The CVT transmission works great. It is very efficient. I got used to it right away. You dont feel the gears changing at all, it is just super smooth. The rear seats flip and fold to create a very large flat cargo space in just a few seconds.

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  Fun Times - 2007 Ford Freestyle
  By Gerald Angerbrandt - March 10 - 1:26 pm

  My car drove very good in the mountains while on vacation. It is very good in the snow. It is a comfortable ride.

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  Freestyle very versatile - 2005 Ford Freestyle
  By Neeltje Vismantas - March 1 - 10:40 pm

  Ive only had this vehicle for a little over 4 weeks. It is fun to drive and has enough power. It has plenty of room for very tall people although when they are 6 feet 7 inches tall you might want to skip the moonroof. Most all of us in the family are tall. With AWD it handles very good in the rain and around corners which is good for me as I have never been comfortable making right turns at higher speeds. The gas mileage is better than an SUV even though it seats 7 comfortable. So far it has been a great vehicle with absolutely no problems. It is easy to get into and out and I love to drive it as do both my very tall sons who now would like to get one.