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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  Better than my 2003 WIndstar - 2005 Ford Freestyle
  By Doug - March 16 - 2:23 am

  This car is great. I have an 02 Explorer with 94,000 miles and I hope this will be just as good. 25 miles on the highway, only 15 in town. Transmission is straight out of a luxury car. It is very smooth. This is a car to be proud of. Why is Ford not advertising this model. People would buy this if they knew about it.

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  PERFECT FAMILY CAR - 2005 Ford Freestyle
  By Dan - March 5 - 2:20 pm

  It is the perfect family car for us. Very smooth and good handling. Low to the ground so it is easy to get in and out of.

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  Great car! - 2005 Ford Freestyle
  By lulu54usa - February 25 - 9:43 am

  Comfortable to drive, easy for kids to get in and out of. Great flexibility with 3rd row seat or fold it flat for cargo space. I love this car. I wish they had come out with this car years ago. Have had two Ford minivans and this doesnt even compare to them. Doesnt feel like a van, doesnt feel like a truck but has the capabilities of both. I honestly cannot find one thing I dont like about this vehicle.

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  Smooth ride - 2005 Ford Freestyle
  By Stylie - February 19 - 12:50 am

  I have been quite happy with my Freestyle over the last month. It drives like a car and feels very safe. The 4 wheel independent suspension offers a very smooth ride. Mileage is great. I am impressed with the acceleration and the smooth feel of the CVT. The Freestyle makes a great weekend get away machine!

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  Fun Minivan / SUV - 2006 Ford Freestyle
  By Sparky454 - December 2 - 8:03 am

  We were looking for a SUV that would give us good gas mileage and be high enough that my wife could see the traffic better. My wife is 5 and we were looking for a seat that would adjust high enough for her so that she could see. Plus we needed the lumbar support for both front seats. Ford is the only dealer that had it all. They surprised us also by giving us 0% financing for 5 years plus $1000 cash back. The whole experience was enjoyable, no pressure at all.

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  No regrets.... - 2005 Ford Freestyle
  By Gary - November 7 - 4:10 pm

  Have had very positive experiences with the car since we brought it home from the dealership. Enjoy driving it on short and long trips. Comfortable and roomy allowing for taking trips without using a roof carrier. Appears to have more room than our `97 Explorer, and is a lot more comfortable to drive. Feels more like driving a car than something much larger and heavier.

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  Love the Vehicle - 2005 Ford Freestyle
  By GAP - November 2 - 11:06 pm

  The ride is very composed in all situations. The winter driving has been very stable with good tire grip. The acceleration is not sports car quick, but the vehicle does hold its own in traffic. The MPG over the past year has been consistently 16-17 city and 25-26 highway which matches the EPA estimates quite nicely. The vehicle was purchased for the advertised versatility and it has been a real pleasure. The various seating and cargo positions are just marvelous and better than the previous minivan. The seats are comfortable and the steering is very precise and gives a good feel of the road conditions. The whole ownership experience has been better than expected.

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  Better then a wagon - 2006 Ford Freestyle
  By soccer mom - October 13 - 7:26 pm

  A very smooth ride. The pick up and go with the CVT like no other. Im glad I took this car out for a test drive, I was looking at SUVs; much more room inside. My son loves to sit all the way in the back and watch movies.

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  funstyle - 2006 Ford Freestyle
  By lucky - October 7 - 12:00 pm

  My Freestyle AWD Limited is fully loaded and such a pleasure to drive. I have owned SUVs since 1995 this is my favorite. The safety features and rating sealed the deal for me.

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  Nicest car I ever owned! - 2005 Ford Freestyle
  By Chris J - September 5 - 5:23 am

  Love it! Getting lots of looks and questions from people in parking lots, etc. Solid feel, lots of power, great comfort with all the nice "bells and whistles".