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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  Great Car! - 2006 Ford Freestyle
  By Jim - November 29 - 6:05 am

  Back in 2005 when these first came out we test drove one, and loved it. But at that point there was no reason to get rid of my 1997 Chevy S10 Blazer. Then we started having trouble with the Blazer and it was time to replace it. We test drove multiple other cars, to see if we found something we liked better - but could not. For the price and the sized vehical it was a awsome deal. I would recommend this vehicle to just about anyone with a family. We just got back from a trip from Michigan to Buffalo, NY - and it was awsome both ways! Had 6 people in the car and had plenty of power for everything.

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  I love this car! - 2006 Ford Freestyle
  By freestyin momma - November 28 - 4:22 pm

  This car is great for moms. Ive got 3 rugrats and the Freestyle has enough space for all of us and our stuff. I love this car. the design, handling, and performance are great. The in city mpg is a little disappointing. But this is generally a great car! Way to go Ford!

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  I love my Freestyle - 2007 Ford Freestyle
  By sgoodwin - November 25 - 10:55 pm

  Ive had my car since April 07, have gone across country and back, driven in the pouring rain (I dont worry as much about hydroplanin, and love my car. Its big enough for my 64"-15 yr old son, my daughter and our 4 dogs. So many bells and whistles for a price you cant beat. Ford just doesnt know a good thing when they have it.

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  Not missin the mini-van! - 2005 Ford Freestyle
  By ridgerider - November 21 - 9:52 am

  Ive run up 62,000 trouble free miles on our 05. This is a good "trip car", with flexible seating/cargo options and highway fuel economy in the mid to upper 20s. Comfortable and quiet. The Freestyle is a bit sluggish from a dead stop, but acceleration is decent after that. Weve taken vacations and moved kids to college handily with this vehicle. The disappearing third row seats are easy to use and are not too bad to sit in. The roof rack is pretty stout, a solid platform for a bike rack or rooftop carrier.

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  Awesome ride - 2005 Ford Freestyle
  By shane - November 19 - 12:11 pm

  Me and my wife have gone through quite a few vehicles over the past year and none compare to our Freestyle. It is so fun to drive, very dependable, lots of storage space, hardly any complaints, but I do have two. I would like a little more room in the passenger seat up front, and our biggest problem is what to call the darn thing, when we are leaving we dont know what to tell the kids to go get into, the car, the suv, the van , talk about confussing. But other than that we love it its the best driving and best made car, suv, van oh what ever we have ever had

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  Swiss Army of Cars - 2005 Ford Freestyle
  By Peter - November 18 - 6:53 pm

  After owning this car for a little over 2 weeks, I havent been this impressed with the versatility of any car before. You get good looks, great use of space, good gas mileage, great safety features and above all a pleasure to drive. If you have a family with kids, this is the family car you should look at seriously. The only thing it cant do is haul things like a pickup could, but really, how often do you do that in a family vehicle. Only negative so far is a loose DVD player that rattles but will be corrected by the dealer. I really enjoy this car.

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  Ford Freestyle - 2005 Ford Freestyle
  By Hank York - November 15 - 7:40 am

  I live in the foothills outside Denver Colorado at an elavation of 8600 feet, commuting to Denver. This car is great no matter the driving conditions. I have had to drive thru snow that came up on the hood to get to my house. It gets good gas mileage, drives great and is very comfortable.

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  The Real Freestyle - 2005 Ford Freestyle
  By ainslie eden - November 10 - 3:16 am

  After having read the reviews on the Freestyle, Im wondering if we are driving the same car. In the first 6,000 km I have had the transmission fail, the tie rod end rubbing when I make a tight turn; something the dealer said is being looked into. So my review is dont buy one until all the bugs are out of this car.

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  Freestyle Favs and Frustrations - 2005 Ford Freestyle
  By khkocher - November 5 - 7:36 am

  I like my vehicle because it has enough room for a group, the mechanisms are easy to use, and I do like the extra cup holders. We did not like the upholsetry. It is so hard to clean. If you spill water, it leaves a wet ring. That has been my biggest frustration.

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  The Unknown Ford - 2005 Ford Freestyle
  By peterz_98 - October 28 - 9:10 am

  We enjoy driving this vehicle. It is nicely laid out inside and attractive on the exterior [I really like how it looks}. It has more than enough power on the highway and is a pleasure to drive about town. The ride is smooth and steering tight. We care for an elderly parent and getting her in and out of the vehicle was a major concern. Entry into the vehicle is aided by a well positioned handhold and generous legroom. It is also a good height for her, not to high or to low. The seating is comfortable and the rear third row is accesable with minimal effort. We have had no issues mechaniclly with our Freestyle. The Freestyle is almost unspoken of by Ford. We feel like we got winner