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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  New owner pleased - 2006 Ford Freestyle
  By C. J. Gianakaris - October 19 - 12:00 am

  As a brand new owner of a 06 Ford Freestyle (Limited AWD), I can verify that the vehicle possesses numerous highly desirable attributes, i.e., seating that can accommodate grandkids, abundant comfort in its seat, sufficient get-up-and-go, splendid handling, and welcome elevated driver-seat height. Except for carping about need for more horsepower, everything most auto magazine critics write has proven accurate. Those claiming the Freestyle is not acceptable without more horses must be speed freaks. There is enough available power for most "regular" drivers.

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  2006 Ford Freestyle - 2006 Ford Freestyle
  By Haig - October 18 - 9:24 am

  Very nice car which I am replacing with a TaurusX. We have had no problems with this vehicle since leasing it in 2005. It is comfortable, well designed and gets very good gas mileage for such a large vehicle. It has plenty of pep once it gets going but a little slow when accelerating from a stop.

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  Fords Stealth Steal! - 2007 Ford Freestyle
  By prairie dog - October 12 - 2:10 pm

  I really searched and researched before I bought this car. I wanted a car that would do everything and I got it! It carries people and cargo like a champ. (Even my mountain bike without having to take off the front wheel!) It handles great and I love the CVT - really great on hills, stop and go traffic whatever you hand it. Plenty of Power. I love the cargo well in the back and the way I can flip and realign everything in a flash, on the go, no matter whatever, or whomever, comes up. The versatility is the best I have seen. This car replaces a full sized van and a Taurus and does it with style. We still have the Explorer, but more and more, we keep taking the Freebie. I love this car!

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  Strong value. Weak engine. - 2005 Ford Freestyle
  By CGM - October 9 - 11:40 pm

  Overall experience has been great. I have had the car for over a year. I have gone on two family vacations and I have not wanted for more cargo room or passenger room yet. The ride is smooth, and the level of amenities you get for the price is tremendous. The engine compartment needs a little help in the form of a stronger engine, but overall very satisfying for an everyday family vehicle.

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  Freestyling - 2006 Ford Freestyle
  By ec - October 8 - 3:54 pm

  Great car, not a luxury car but much more suited for people with children and grandchildren. Comfortable,great gas mileage, handles like a dream fun to drive. Much better looking than a van, better gas mileage than the Jeep Grand Laredo I traded in for it. I was hesitant about trading my Jeep in on the Freestyle, even felt guilty about it. But the extra room and the great gas mileage have made me glad I made the switch even though the Jeep never gave me a problem in all its 150,000 miles. Here,s to getting 150,000 miles or more out of my Freestyle

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  Love my Freestyle! - 2007 Ford Freestyle
  By crazyoverit - October 7 - 11:02 am

  I bought the dealership owners demo model and from the first time I rode in one, I knew I had to have one. Dealership uses the Freestyle for their courtesy cars and I thought I might try to buy one of those but this became available and knowing it had the best of care, I said, "Yes!" Smooth transmission so very comfortable and beautiful inside and out. Ive only had it a week but wouldnt part with it.

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  Freestyle Fun and Free to Go In Style - 2007 Ford Freestyle
  By Mary Dixon - October 6 - 11:31 pm

  I have had the Freestyle only a couple of weeks but I can already see that I made the right choice. It drives good in torrential downpours, it handles well on very curvy roads, it hauls 6 family members ages 5-81 nicely and goes onward through the fog without any trouble. The fuel economy hasnt dropped below 20 mpg in city/highway driving which is a plus considering it hasnt hit 1000 miles yet. This crossover should have stayed on the market longer. I really think Ford made a bad decision by dropping it after just 3 years.

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  Still seems new after 3 years - 2005 Ford Freestyle
  By Shron - October 6 - 10:06 pm

  I have 3 teenage grandkids and we love to take family trips in this vehicle. Its comfortable, roomy, and looks sharp

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  AWD Freestyle - 2007 Ford Freestyle
  By becky norton - October 3 - 5:03 pm

  Love the AWD. The varable transmission took some getting used to. Really like how it handles

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  Everything I had hoped for and more - 2007 Ford Freestyle
  By essienc - September 30 - 11:46 pm

  I did quite a bit of research before buying my new car. In fact, I used Edmunds and the consumer reports as my guide. I liked the Freestyle right away. It had everything I was looking for and then some.