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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  Pretty Freestyle - 2005 Ford Freestyle
  By MsSmiley - September 20 - 10:04 pm

  The Freestyle is a beautiful SUV I purchased the Limited AWD, but it is not very durable. With just 38,000 everything started to break. Ive had cars with over 100,000 miles and nothing broke. The car just was not designed well, especially not for families!

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  Oh! My Freestyle - 2007 Ford Freestyle
  By MyFreestyle - September 11 - 10:58 am

  Some say Freestyle is Fords best kept secret, and it is! Volvo Chassis and structure, Volvo AWD mechanism. 5stars crash protection all categories. Highlight is the CVT Transmission, silky smooth adequate acceleration with no shifting points. CVT provide great real world fuel economy better than EPA, the best fuel efficient V6 crossover in its class. Interior is so quiet like a luxury car, so is the engine. Theater seats in 3 rows, the rear passengers got great views of the road ahead. All seats are 1st class spacious, comfortable. Dash and interior fit and finish look good, the grains and soft surfaces felt fine. Exterior style slowly grew on me, "Go anywhere" look! Smooth over bumps, etc.

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  Freestyle is a perfect fit! - 2005 Ford Freestyle
  By Nomoreminivan - September 11 - 10:00 am

  I love my new Ford Freestyle, even after I was hesitant to buy an American Car. I wanted the extra seats of a mini van, but not the bulk. I also wanted the all wheel drive, but the Siennas were way out of my price range. The ride is so smooth and it manuevers like a car. It really looks and feels like a much pricier luxury car, and I could not be happier!

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  Smart Whatever You Wanna Call It - 2005 Ford Freestyle
  By Freestyle Gal - September 3 - 3:10 am

  Just bought it today to replace my Expedition. Long commute, gas prices killing me, but really needed the cargo space and occasional 3-row seating for holidays with the family. A little noisy inside at freeway speeds. Firm ride, handles great, easy to park. Lots of cool extras in the SEL for a car that costs $28K. Expected the transmission to feel different, but it is much smoother and no slipping like my 2003 Expedition. Feels zippy enough for me--my cargo is large but not heavy. Loved my humongous UTE, but was feeling guilty about it (and tired of $60 fill-ups). Sitting lower down takes some getting used to. Happy camper so far.

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  The solution for us! - 2005 Ford Freestyle
  By very happy w/ it! - August 25 - 8:08 am

  I drove a Volvo wagon for years, thinking it gave us room for our 2.5 kids and a dog on long trips. We were so uncomfortable and the car had no engine power whatsoever, which could be scary at times. We bought a used Freestyle because we wanted a "loaded" car with leather seats, DVD...the sound system is amazing. Best of all, this is the most comfortable car Ive ever been in. We can pick up the childrens friends without feeling like were driving an unnecessarily huge vehicle. When idling, sometimes I have thought the engine died because it is so quiet. As for the interior, remember, I drove a Volvo, and the interior was as susceptible to breaking/falling apart as anything.

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  A decent vehicle - 2005 Ford Freestyle
  By alexweb8 - August 21 - 10:05 pm

  My family liked our 05 Ford Freestyle for its cargo space and features. There were several safety features we liked too. We were very dissapointed in the performance and gas mileage. We took it in to service yet it still is only getting about 14 mpg! The accessibility could be a bit better like how the third row always gets stuck. It also could use more interior quality. I enjoy driving but I understand why the car doesnt sell very well. I hope Ford improves this car for 2008.

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  I really like this car! - 2005 Ford Freestyle
  By SRM - August 15 - 11:23 pm

  This is the perfect family car with practical and fun features! I recommend it to anyone not wanting another minivan or an SUV. It is the best of both with alternative, younger look and feel.

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  Great Family Car - 2007 Ford Freestyle
  By 5XY2XX - August 13 - 2:33 pm

  We have five children under the age of 9. This car is fantastic. It has more usable space than our Expedition, it drives like a luxury sedan and gets better mileage than a minivan. Why Ford does not promote this car more is beyond me.

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  07 Freestyle - 2007 Ford Freestyle
  By becky norton - August 2 - 5:32 pm

  Really like the AWD. The CVT transmission took some getting used to but satisfied with its performance. The mpg is actually better than estimates

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  Better than expected - 2007 Ford Freestyle
  By MJFDM - July 29 - 11:48 pm

  The Freestyle was a practical choice because rebate plus 0.9% financing saved us thousands over the Odyssey or the Sienna and we got AWD to boot. Wasnt expecting a great car but thats what I got! Handles like a dream, smooth ride, hugs the road on curves, fun to drive. Lots of interior room: third row comfortable even with long legs. Getting 18-19 MPG in town and 24- 25 MPG on the road. Deep well in back gives lots of room for day to day cargo and adequate space for a weeks worth of luggage for 6 of us. Has the best temp. control I have ever had in a car, both heat and AC. Set the temp you want and thats where it stays. Plenty of power for my needs, even up the mountains of central PA.