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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  Love This Car-2006 Freestyle Limited AWD - 2006 Ford Freestyle
  By 9CLINE - November 29 - 12:13 pm

  Love this car, traded in my 98 Lincoln Navigator for it. We travel a lot and haul bowling balls too, so I am surprised at the room and ease to load and unload the vehicle when comparing to my SUV. This was a wise and fun choice. Doesnt feel as small and tight as a car; rides and sits higher too. I like to feel like I am higher so this suits the bill. Great car.

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  Freestyle "Freedom" - 2005 Ford Freestyle
  By Clifford McKinstry - November 28 - 1:53 am

  The performance is outstanding. I had three previous Windstars, and the Freestyle exceeds them in comfort, economy, ease of handling, and price. The CVT is an outstanding transmission, it is quick off the line, and really performs. Very comfortable seating, and tracking is effortless while on long trips.

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  Great car - 2007 Ford Freestyle
  By merlin07 - November 25 - 2:53 pm

  Ive been wanting one of these since I first saw it and traded in a 1996 Plymouth Breeze to get it. Love the car, excellent comfort, great in the winter, has heated seats!!! Even a year later I still grin like an idiot, yes I know its a mommy wagon (and me with no kids) but I just think this is the best car Ive ever had.

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  Ford Freestyle - 2005 Ford Freestyle
  By lani contreras - November 18 - 2:56 am

  I love my Freestyle. I love the AWD.The only complaint I have is that I wish it had a bit more pick up from the take off. The gas mileage is ok not great, but it sure is better than a SUV. Even though it isnt a SUV, it acts like one to me with the AWD. The interior is very comfortable. Very people friendly when it comes to having chldren under the age of ten. I feel very safe and comfortable in my Freestyle just by the fact I sit a bit higher in my car. It is a fun car to drive whether you have to drive far, or just around the corner. All around I feel safe, and I have fun driving my freestyle.

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  Freestyle is fun, utility, and economy - 2007 Ford Freestyle
  By Jim Kinney - November 7 - 1:19 pm

  This has been a surprising vehicle. I wanted a simple, run-around truck to use mostly in town. I found myself looking for reasons to drive it on long trips. The mileage easily averages 27.5 mpg at turnpike speeds. The power is adequate, and the hauling capacity is amazing. The 6-7 seats are handy, too. Its been to North Carolina, St Louis, central Texas and Colorado. I live in northern Oklahoma.

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  Great Anti SUV - 2005 Ford Freestyle
  By SteveO255 - October 24 - 10:56 pm

  Very nice Car... or Suv.... Or Wagon. What ever you call it it is a jack of all trades. It does everything well! Weekend road trip 350 miles and Avg 26mpg

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  Best Car Ever!!! - 2006 Ford Freestyle
  By lovemyford2 - October 18 - 9:46 pm

  I love my Freestyle!Nothing but luck with Fords! Bought brand new after my husband convinced me to test drive it when I was determined for an Explorer! I dont understand how people can say this car has no go! I am surprised I have not gotten a ticket! It rides so smooth that you look down and realize you are going 15 over the speed limit. Roomy for 6 adults & we use it all the time for camping!Features are great!My husband is a mechanic and checked with other mechanics at the dealership to see if there were major issues. To date we have 47,000 mile with just regular maintenance.Commute 70miles to wk avg 23-25 mpg in stop-go trafficRound town avg 19-22 mpg Long distance hwy 24-27mpg!

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  Love It! - 2006 Ford Freestyle
  By carnaby - September 28 - 1:55 am

  Had our 2006 Freestyle 2wd for a year now. Bought used in 2008. Very reliable after driving it from 24k miles to 46k miles. Takes the family everywhere in comfort without being so bulky as a minivan. Second row seats 6+ adults very comfortably. Third row offers plenty of leg room, and seats 58" adults comfortably. Decent in snow, in spite of being 2wd. Nimble enough off road. Rugged compared to crossover SUVs. Excellent vehicle, would recommend.

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  Ford Freestyle 2005 - satisfaction - 2005 Ford Freestyle
  By Jan - September 21 - 1:53 pm

  I was skeptical about trying the Ford Freestyles 1st year out, however, at this point I am glad that I did. So far I am very happy with it and the ride is smooth and the comfort is great. I had the Explorer years ago and I loved it and the Freestyle reminds me of the ride and comfort of the Explorer only better on gas. I would definitely recommend this car to everyone. I am often stopped and questioned about it. The climate control is great as is the sound quality of the radio and CD player.

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  LOVE THIS CAR THING - 2006 Ford Freestyle
  By LOVIN IT !!! - September 20 - 11:19 am

  The good thing that I personally love about this car is, well every thing it has enough power,room,dvd player,even climate control. I have driven over 60,000 kms and still have 4% on the front and 7% in the rear.Now, all my tires are worn more than the other but its not an alignment problem its how much I haul more weight in one corner.