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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  Just what I was looking for - 2005 Ford Freestyle
  By Ivette - August 17 - 12:56 am

  This car has definitely met my needs. Originally, I was looking for a car with a roomy enough interior (for our growing family), not too wide of a body (easy to park) and flexible enough to fit 7 adults comfortably. One of the most important things I wanted is that I did not want to feel as if I was driving a huge truck and I did not like the feel of minivans. I did my research and felt that this was the car for me. It has not had any mechanical problems so far and Ive owned it for 1 1/2 years. I like the smoothness of the CVT. Overall, I absolutely love my car!

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  Finally, a solid American car - 2006 Ford Freestyle
  By Eric - August 16 - 11:26 am

  There is just nothing we dont like about the car. Comfort on trips is great. Plenty of power, unless you want a gas guzzler. Passing response is excellent, CVT is smooth and seamless.

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  Freestyle fun 4 all - 2005 Ford Freestyle
  By ANDY MAYS - July 20 - 9:53 pm

  We shopped for a safe vehicle. One that was reliable and fun to drive. Looked real hard at a Volvo but decided the Ford Freestyle was the best bargain for our money. AWD is great and what a smooth shift through auto transmission, makes for an overall fun car/SUV to drive.

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  Very Happy with Freestyle - 2005 Ford Freestyle
  By Great Car - July 15 - 8:13 am

  I replaced a 96 Ford Explorer that I got 200K miles on. I wanted same amount of room but better gas mileage. After looking at a lot of different cars, the Freestyle seemed the best fit. I have the SE model with 2wd and have found that even on the basic model, Ford has included a lot of features. I have had it for a couple of months and love it. I get ~25 mpg and find it very comfortable (I drive it about 2-3 hours per day). I think the mileage is great for such a big car. I would definitely recommend this car for people who like an SUV style but want better gas mileage and do not drive off road.

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  It cant be a wagon! - 2005 Ford Freestyle
  By Lewis - July 7 - 11:13 am

  5 months later and were still impressed with our new Freestyle. Its roomy, comfortable and has all the features we need without all the ones that we didnt. The 2005 Freestyle is everything your ever wanted in a crossover and less. All the basics have been covered, without forcing an endless list of features we didnt need or want. Safety first, then utility and looks; this one has it all.

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  Spring Break - 2005 Ford Freestyle
  By Ant - June 2 - 6:36 am

  We just got back from driving to Florida from Illinois for spring break (2 adults, 2 kids, 1 medium sized dog), and we averaged 25 mpg for the whole trip. We had plenty of space for everyone, including our luggage. It was also great having the different seating configurations available for everyone to spread out. I can’t wait to drive it to Texas later this summer.

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  Wagon With An Attitude - 2005 Ford Freestyle
  By ed praul - May 20 - 3:50 am

  I like the easy entrance and exit. The ride is car like. I like the bucket seats in the second row. With two grandkids it is easy to see them with the theater seating.

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  Great Mommy Car! - 2006 Ford Freestyle
  By Lisa Schmidt - March 27 - 6:53 am

  I love this car! Its a great mommy care without looking like a mommy car. Great pick up, a lot of room, very nice sound system .... a great car for the money. The stadium style seating is nice so all the kids can see out the window. Great safety features too. Fits all the family needs without being a minivan. Im very pleased with this vehicle so far.

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  Out of the SUV! - 2005 Ford Freestyle
  By Frank Higgins - March 21 - 10:30 am

  This is really a good car. It is versatile for the family. We sold our Toyota Sequoia and Toyota RAV4 to use one car for around town and on trips. The Freestyle fits the bill. The price is fair too!

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  I love my Freestyle! - 2005 Ford Freestyle
  By Ltclassy - March 2 - 4:36 am

  I didnt even know the Freestyle existed until I went out looking for something different. Boy did I find it! I just cant buy the same thing that everybody else has!