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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  A manly station wagon - 2005 Ford Freestyle
  By Mark - February 21 - 9:43 am

  I am a 48 year old male driver who thinks an SUV is overkill. I want a versitile vehicle that can pull a utility trailer for trips to the home improvement store, hold a roof carrier for beach trips, and comfortably take the family of four on a trip and still have room for Grandma. I bought this vehicle out of frustration of not being able to find a mini-van without a DVD-entertainment system but still had stuff like ABS. It has grown on me. Even though it is the base model, this "car" has all the features I wanted, and after driving it for a couple of years, I can say I still like driving it. If I had to replace it right now, Id probably buy another.

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  2005 AWD Limited - 2005 Ford Freestyle
  By Phil - February 15 - 10:46 am

  So far I love everything about it. It handles like a small car and offers space of a minivan. It is a very classy car and the CVT transmission is very smooth and responsive.

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  I really like my Freestyle - 2006 Ford Freestyle
  By Dallas Ranger - February 9 - 7:30 am

  I traded an Excursion (which I loved!) for the Freestyle. I did not think I would like it being smaller than what I was used to. I have driven an Excursion for 7 years and also Ford F150s for 10 years and also customized vans. But, I was surprised! I do not feel undersized at all.

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  Freestyle Rocks! - 2005 Ford Freestyle
  By Bar10Jen - February 3 - 6:06 am

  I LOVE my Freestyle and I was a Chevy girl. Its built on a car platform with SUV roominess without the SUV gas guzzling. I think everyone should at least test drive a Freestyle no matter what you are shopping for. I certainly wasnt looking for a vehicle in the wagon category! I put loads of miles on my car and wanted room and comfort with gas mileage to boot and I got it all.

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  My Style - Freestyle - 2005 Ford Freestyle
  By tgardn - February 3 - 12:23 am

  This is a great all around multi-purpose vehicle. It gives me the versatility of an SUV with the driving manners and afFORDability of a sedan. I have been averaging about 27 mpg city/highway combined with most driving in the city. She rides higher than a car for better visibility. Everything to date (nearly 6,000 miles) has been flawless with no defects or poor workmanship noted. Shes built solidly and with purpose in mind. The ride is very smooth with little if any exterior road noise seeping into the cabin. Handling is great, especially compared to SUVs that like to tip and lean over on corners like my previous Highlander. Best SUV wagon under $50,000. No regrets whatsoever!

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  Land Rover to Freestyle - Better Choice - 2006 Ford Freestyle
  By Kelly Dolmanet - February 1 - 5:16 pm

  I found only 1 problem with the Freestyle and that is cabin noise when one window is open. The quick fix is to keep another window on the opposite row open a crack. This eliminates that awful sound.

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  Spacious and solid wagon - 2006 Ford Freestyle
  By cawfebug - January 14 - 8:21 am

  With about 10,000 miles, we havent had this into the dealership for anything other than oil changes. Coming from a 01 Honda minivan, this AWD wagon feels much more secure and quite. The third row seat is a great alt to a minivan, fairly easy exit/entry. 3rd row can fold flat for hauling. CVT trans is fine with me, not sure why people complain about it, it gets good MPG for such a large vehicle. Highly recommended.

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  Best ever Family Cruiser - 2005 Ford Freestyle
  By Tim G - January 14 - 5:30 am

  This is an awesome vehicle. I get most of the versatility of an SUV, the ride and fuel efficiency of a sedan and the roominess of a minivan. My whole family loves this vehicle. It has outstanding ride and handling characteristics that far out-perform minivans and SUVs. I also enjoy the 5 star safety rating in all areas (even without the optional side impact air bags), great rollover resistance and it also maxes out the IIHS safety tests too. The Freestyle is also handy at Home Depot because all the seats, except the drivers, fold flat. I traded in an Explorer on lease and now save about 40% gas due to the smaller motor and CVT transmission. It has by far the best third row seats available.

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  Satisfied - 2006 Ford Freestyle
  By satisfied - January 13 - 10:02 am

  We have been very pleased with the ride and comfort of this vehicle. Handles great in the snow. It had plenty of power to get us through the mountains of West Virginia cruising easily at speeds of 80 miles per/hr. The lay out of the third seat accomodates adults as well children and has the added safety of head rests and side curtain air bags. Did get 24 mpg on high way

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  Real World 1yr Review - 2005 Ford Freestyle
  By leeman - January 6 - 10:33 am

  I never liked the straight 9s and 10s in most reviews, as no car is perfect or even near perfect. This is a real world 1 year of ownership review. This vehicle should make most minivan owners extremely happy with its space, performance & lack of stigma. The Freestyle should also make SUV drivers that dont use their SUVs as off road vehicles happy since performance is better and in most cases there is more space. This vehicle has been fantastic in its first year with no hint of my experience souring. I have traveled with 2 adults, 3 kids, 2 dogs for a 2 week vacation. Granted I had to use a cargo bag as the kids are still small & require more stuff. Drove great & fuel economy was an A+.