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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  Better than you think - 2005 Ford Freestyle
  By Cysfans - June 21 - 8:42 pm

  We have put 40,000 miles on in 2 years. The ride is superb, handling is excellent for a near 4,000 pound vehicle. 2nd row seats actually hold adults comfortably. Very good cargo capacity. The 3.0 liter engine is adequate or better for the job. Rated at 27 hiway/20 city MPG, on a 3900-mile trip from the midwest to New England and back, we averaged 28.2 MPG, including 2- lane mountain roads in Vermont and New Hampshire. It was loaded with 2 weeks of stuff. My wife drives this vehicle daily and at every chance she says she loves it!! The sunroof helps with ventilation.

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  Best car with the third row! - 2007 Ford Freestyle
  By sue - June 15 - 10:58 am

  I bought this car a week ago, and I already love it! It isnt too big, and it still has a third row seat, and a lot of room! I like the styling because its not too soccermomish!

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  Freestyle fan - 2005 Ford Freestyle
  By Brooklyn123456 - June 13 - 11:26 pm

  I have the vehicle less than a month, however in that short time I have driven it extensively and really love it. I really like the styling, its a step up from the traditional mini-van. All the neighbors love it and people on the street ask about it. Good performance and handling.

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  Freestyle Problems - 2005 Ford Freestyle
  By goracegirl51 - June 12 - 1:52 pm

  Would own more Freestyles if it were for the interior. The exterior maintainance problems are terrible. Needed new tires at 11,500 miles, and now again at 23,000. Also needs new back brakes now. Also needs new windshield because its scratched by current windshield wipers.

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  Very happy owner - 2005 Ford Freestyle
  By freealfas - June 8 - 8:42 am

  24 months in we are very happy with our purchase and find it to be the best value in the market to date. Safe, economical, performs great in any and all situations. Glad we bought FWD instead of AWD to minimize the potential for issues in the future with the extra mechanicals and it helps mileage.

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  Johns Review - 2005 Ford Freestyle
  By John Blevins - June 4 - 9:19 pm

  I have owned this car for two years and have not had a minutes trouble with it. It avrages about 22.5 mpg and is a fun smooth ride. There is plenty of room to haul grandkids and their junk. I would buy another one.

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  Freestyle economy - 2007 Ford Freestyle
  By Rawson Mordhorst - June 4 - 12:37 pm

  On a 700+ mile trip across WA to Idaho and back we observed 27.4 and 28.3 average mpg with 60 set on the cruise control. This includes mountain driving/passes. Best observed cumulative average was 31.2 mpg on level ground west of Spokane to central WA. Exceeds expectations since EPA highway is just 24 mpg for AWD. Freestyle allows chains that are required to be carried here in NW going over mountasin passes in winter with AWD/4WD even if you dont have to put them on. One reason we bought the car was because of needing to drive over the mountains in the winter. The GM Acadia owners manual says no to chains, probably the same for the Outlook and Enclave.

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  Its ok, not too bad - 2007 Ford Freestyle
  By Jr - June 1 - 2:47 pm

  A Little noisy when driving , the AC is giving me a lot of problems, the interior is kinda noisy as well

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  What a change three kids makes - 2005 Ford Freestyle
  By Scott - June 1 - 1:43 pm

  Wow...just five years ago we had a Saab 900 Turbo, and a VW Cabrio (ragtop). Three kids later we are a Ford family, with an Expedition and now a Freestyle. The Freestyle is GREAT; hauls all of us plus friends easily around town and on the freeway, with more comfort in the third row than our Expedition, at 150-175% better gas mileage!

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  Great car - 2005 Ford Freestyle
  By Trod1 - May 28 - 7:58 pm

  We have had the car for 2 years and only problem has been the CD player. We are on number 2 now and waiting for 3. The car still looks great, inside has worn well, although it would be nice to have more leather and less vinyl on the seats.