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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  Cool car - 2005 Ford Freestyle
  By Kgirl - February 23 - 8:16 pm

  Really great in the Cleveland winters. Great ride quiet and roomy. Getting 21 mpg combined city and highway, with weight of AWD.

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  HEY FORD YOU DID IT AGAIN GOOD JOB !!!! - 2005 Ford Freestyle
  By BRONXBOY - February 14 - 10:00 am

  RETUNED MY 02 EDDIE BAUER EXPLOER AND TOOK THE 2005 FREESTYLE LIMITED AWD SO FAR SO GOOD IT LOOKS LIKE THE YOUNGER BROTHER OF THE EXPLOER HANDLE GREAT LIKE A EUROPEAN CAR IT HUGS THE ROAD EASY VEIW OF ALL THE CONTROLS THE CVT IS GREAT GETS SOME GETTING USE TO SINCE THERE IS NO SHIFTING OF GEARS YOU HAVE TO KEEP AN EYE ON THE SPEED OR YOU WILL GET A SPEEDING TICKET BECUASE SHE GET UP THERE FAST THIS CROSSOVER ITS ALL AROUND GREAT MOST OF ALL YOU SEE ALOT OF THE VOLVO IN THIS SUV / MINIVAN / CAR KEEP IT UP FORD.

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  Excellent FORD - 2006 Ford Freestyle
  By Maricruz Eglen - January 20 - 6:30 pm

  Ive had the car a couple of months now its my first new car and just had my first oil change. The car is great - Ive had no problems. I have two kids, a 3 year old and a 7 year old and one on the way. The kids watch their movies on the DVD player that comes with the car. Plenty of room for everybody. The third row has room for adults according to my friends who rode back there on a trip to the LA Zoo.

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  Outstanding SUV/Car/Truck - 2005 Ford Freestyle
  By volfangary - January 9 - 2:03 pm

  This car is pure enjoyment to drive! The CVT working with the engine provides good power and good MPG. Smooth and quiet ride as compared to my previous 3 Windstars and two Saturns. Seats are comfortable and lots of storage space and cupholders.

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  We Love it! - 2005 Ford Freestyle
  By Bill in Philly - November 30 - 7:46 am

  We sold an Audi A4 Avant to buy the Freestyle. The Freestyle is a much better car. I cannot believe how nice it is on the highway. The car is not as slow as people think. It just feels slow with the CVT and the tranny takes some getting used to. But after you figure it out, it is a great transmission. I have even towed a 1200lb trailer with it with not trouble. What a value!

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  Great family car - 2005 Ford Freestyle
  By Heather - November 22 - 9:33 pm

  We were a little hesitant about getting this vehicle since it was the first year for it. We love the car; it drives great, the room is unbelievable. We have the 3rd row seat and also the entertainment package. As my son said, all he needs is a soda and popcorn and its better than the movies.

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  Ultimate Combo - 2005 Ford Freestyle
  By David S - November 22 - 9:30 am

  Our car really provides the best of both worlds for my wife and me. We are either carrying numerous passengers or large items. It provides great flexibility with all of the seat configurations of the 2nd and 3rd rows. We have comfortably carried up to 7 passengers. Even the 3rd row has good leg room. We have driven over 17,000 miles with no problems. Our gas mileage has been just about as rated. Certainly, we have seen the extreme lows of 17 mpg when driving strictly "stop and go". However, we have also experienced around 30 mpg on numerous of occasions of straight highway driving. So, our average has been approximately 22 mpg. The CVT is smooth, and the AWD tracking is great.

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  from sports car to station wagon - 2005 Ford Freestyle
  By AustinMD - November 16 - 9:06 am

  With a third child in the last 4 years and a wife who manages my practice out of our home, it was clear we needed my car to be able to do some of the kid hauling. I looked for 9 months at all the options, including BMW, Lexus, Cadillac & Lincoln Mercury sedans, the Volvo XC90 (tied for my favorite with the Freestyle, but not worth the extra $20k), the BMW SUV, the Lexus SUVs, and we already owned a Ford Expedition. Many of these driven for 24 hours, and the Freestyle won out (despite my desire to avoid getting what comes eerily close to looking like my childhood Chevy station wagon). The AWD locks down on wet roads like glue, and has GREAT acceleration. It just needs better lumbar support.

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  Pleased "New User" - 2005 Ford Freestyle
  By Larry Marks - November 8 - 2:53 pm

  After our first 6 weeks we realize that we pick a winner. First tank of gas City Driving has proven 22 MPG. Rides like a dream, no squeaks and engine appears to be smooth and powerful. Highway trip is next.

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  Very Nice Car - 2005 Ford Freestyle
  By New car buyer - November 4 - 11:50 pm

  We have four young children. It is very easy for them to get in and out. They have plenty of room for their things. The DVD player is awesome. We have had vans in the past and were going to buy another until we saw this car. I thought it would be too small until looking at it. Very happy with all aspects of this car!