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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  Another bad tranny. - 2005 Ford Freestyle
  By susanh48 - November 29 - 11:04 pm

  Ive had my 2005 freestyle 2 years. Its miles 112,000. When stopped it would lunge forward. Had mechanic look at it but he couldnt get it to lunge. Then the rear traction light came on. Tried to take it to mechanic & was fine. A few more days go by and then the check transmission light comes on. Again go to mechanic and it runs fine. This time I had it looked at & was told it had 5 transmission codes, none of which he could fix. Drove it for weekend made an appt to take to tranny shop, told it needed a new tranny $4500 plus labor of $1500 and backordered 90 days. I am like others and stuck making payments while it sits. This will be my last Ford.

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  Watch out - 2006 Ford Freestyle
  By mae52 - November 19 - 7:36 am

  Bought used 6 months ago a 2006 Ford Freestyle SE AWD with CVT. Power steering pump went I had it replaced. Two weeks later rack and pinion steering making noise, took it in to have it looked at and he said the following, the front sub frame on your car is completely rotted out and is unsafe to drive. The sub frame was replaced at a cost of $1000.00 plus labor (used sub frame). The rest of the frame is strong. The sub frame must have been rotted for years. This is a six year old car! All I can say congrats to the drunk or stoned UAW workers who put this car together. You must be happy, you must have had a good laugh. By the way, the front brakes needed replacing and a caliper was seized.

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  Perfect Family Car, 100% Recommended - 2005 Ford Freestyle
  By freestylin - August 22 - 10:40 pm

  This car has been nothing but a pleasure to own. I have the SEL FWD model with leather and sunroof. The proven 3.0L engine is extremely reliable and gets great gas mileage. My Freestyle has 175,000 kms and runs like a charm. We will definitely be buying another crossover, but since Ford didnt keep the design style of the Freestyle and went with the Flex instead, we might be forced to go with a Journey. Overall a job well done by Ford on a safe, economical, practical, and reliable family car.

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  FORD FREESTYLE IS A PIECE OF JUNK - 2005 Ford Freestyle
  By trishaiam1 - July 21 - 10:56 am

  Purchased this car from a auction 6 months ago. The freestyle has a smooth ride but not kid friendly at all. Easy to get dirty. Ive had transmission problems since. I took it to a transmission mechanic and he said he just replaced one 6 months earlier and the lowest transmission he found was 3k used, a new one is 6k. Ive emailed Ford because I am driving a Ford and not a Lexus. If I could afford a transmission that cost 3 or 6k I wouldve bought a Lexus. Ive emailed Ford and Dan responded that hes glad I purchased the freestyle, sorry for my problems and good luck. So they are not standing behind their junk....Im stuck with a piece of JUNK. Please dont buy this car.

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  Love this car!! - 2007 Ford Freestyle
  By jessiccamiller - June 21 - 10:56 am

  I bought my 2007 Freestyle about a week ago with 79,000 miles. So far it is an amazing vehicle. It runs great, I have had no issues with surging and it has really good pick up. I know it has only been a week, but I am completely satisfied. It has tons of room for my kids and two large dogs. I absolutely love it!!

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  Seems to be a great car!! - 2005 Ford Freestyle
  By trixiegirl - June 14 - 10:35 pm

  I have had this 2005 Freestyle for 1 yr it now has 108,000 mile have not had any problems. I get oil changed every 3,000 miles and due transmission when it needs to be done. I really hope I dont have the issues others have had with this type of car.

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  I hate this car - 2007 Ford Freestyle
  By kshall1 - June 11 - 7:50 am

  I got talked into this car and have regretted it ever since. It has always given me problems. The surging issue being the most scary. In parking lots, at stop lights, whenever idling the stupid thing just surges forward or in reverse and Ive nearly hit people and other cars many times! My foot is completely on the break and it just takes off. It has left me stranded, and I have 3 small children. Now its not shifting out of first gear and the ABS light just came on too. I hate this car. Praying it doesnt cost me an arm and a leg to fix. Ford..you REALLY need to take this seriously and recall these issues! They are dangerous and your going to end up getting sued.

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  BAD EVERYTHING - 2006 Ford Freestyle
  By niecyx5 - April 23 - 10:37 am

  This is the worst vehicle FORD has ever made and BUYER BEWARE!! DO NOT buy the Freestyle. First, the brakes have to be replaced every 6 months, the throttle has been replaced 2X and Im still having problems, not to mention the transmission. I will buy a Nissan, Toyota, Honda, or anything besides an American made car ever again.

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  Horrible car - 2005 Ford Freestyle
  By zorazane - March 21 - 10:15 am

  After purchasing this car new, my father admitted shortly thereafter that it had been a mistake. When he passed away a few years ago, I inherited the car and have had problem after problem since, culminating in my transmission going completely out last week at 93K miles - thankfully I was in a safe place to get over to call a tow truck. Called the dealership - over $6000 to replace the trans. Suffice it to say I am not pouring more $ into it. Even the dealership admitted they have had multiple problems. Stuck riding the bus. Shame on Ford.

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  $6000 transmission - 2006 Ford Freestyle
  By car_vent - March 2 - 6:55 am

  Bought the car used from the person who drove it off the lot new. It had been maintained exceptionally well. Started lunging in reverse about 5 months after we got it. A few weeks later I got in the car and it was making a horrid sound, felt like I was trying to drive in first and it was dragging. First part needed isnt available anymore. Mechanic - rightfully so - doesnt want to buy a used or reconditioned transmission as it seems to be such a chronic issue with these cars - so Ford and their service department will be getting $6000 to replace the bloody thing. Thats more than half what we owe on the car. Im absolutely sick about it. I have never had such a money pit.