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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  Not at all happy - 2005 Ford Freestyle
  By H. Huber - April 3 - 8:59 pm

  Our Freestyle has been a bit of a disappointment. Ive been a Ford guy for 30 years, but not when it comes to crossover SUVs. With 15mpg in town and 22 highway miles, the fuel economy stinks. The doors sound cheap when you close them and I hate the CVT. On the highway at 70mph the RPMs are way to high for decent fuel economy. And we have to have both rear disc rotor replaced at 10k miles because they wore out and couldnt be turned. Apparently, this is common on the Freestyle and Ford 500. I have 90k on the rotors of a Nissan and only had to turn them once.

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  The Rear Brakes are Not Fit For Purpose - 2006 Ford Freestyle
  By allanedgar - April 2 - 9:56 pm

  The rear brakes are not fit for purpose. After only 30,000KM the rear brakes started grinding. The pads were finished and the disks were scored. What a joke! My last car, a Honda Accord needed front pads only after 100,000KM and rear pads after 160000KM. No rotors changed. Is Ford going to recall this car and fit rear brakes which are Fit For Purpose

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  Be careful with rear brakes - 2005 Ford Freestyle
  By Rick Martinez - March 29 - 8:30 pm

  I had to have the rear brakes replaced on this vehicle at 20,000 miles. I have also read on other forums where people are having to replace them over and over. Ford will not help with this because brakes are only covered for 12,000 miles. If you do not know, rear brakes should not fail at anywhere close to that mileage level. Original tires are also almost shot at 25,000 miles.

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  2nd only to my 66 Mustang - 2007 Ford Freestyle
  By Richard Hewitt - March 28 - 9:34 pm

  Our Freestyle is the 19th Ford weve owned. (Started with a 60 Falcon wagon). Still own 7 Fords, including our 66 Mustang convertible. Took the Freestyle on a 4,100 mile road trip five days after purchase! Went through two major snow storms in Colorado. When a F350, 4WD was stuck, we drove around it! Went up on over the Rockies without hesitation. CVT is the best thing ever seen on a mountain pass! The added AWD cant be beat. Interior is comfortable beyond compare. A 7 hour day behind the wheel is hardly noticeable. Everyone who rides in it (including the 3rd row) comments on roominess and visibility being outstanding. Too bad Ford is dropping it.

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  I LOVE THIS CAR! - 2007 Ford Freestyle
  By Jessica - March 28 - 11:49 am

  When I first saw the car I did not like it. Once I drove it and looked at all the safety features and options for my family I fell in love!

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  Im trading it in for a Honda/Acura - 2005 Ford Freestyle
  By nothappy - March 25 - 12:58 pm

  Ive owned this for less than two years and Im negotiating a trade-in for an Acura MDX. This car is a great idea, but poorly designed/engineered. Some of my issues include: Seatbelts that constantly tangle (Ive had it into the dealer numerous times), rear brakes that were worn out at 20k miles (dealers were notified about issues, but NOT consumers!), various electrical issues, and a dealer/manufacturer that doesnt stand behind their products. Im tired of the dealers telling me that "its a design issue that were aware of, but Ford is not doing anything about it." Rather than fix the problem, they charge me to repair it!

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  I fought my husband for this car - 2006 Ford Freestyle
  By Shogrl6 - March 24 - 5:36 pm

  I fought hard for this car - I do enjoy it but after 3 months I had to buy 4 new tires. I am on my third cracked windshield and they are not cheap! My biggest complaint is the interior - I cannot keep it clean. Any moisture stains the cloth! Im going crazy with this.

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  Excellent Family Car - 2005 Ford Freestyle
  By Alex - March 22 - 7:03 pm

  It is an excellent car to take my family and relatives to go out or even on a short trip when they are in town because of its capacity for 7 passengers plus luggage.

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  Excellent - 2007 Ford Freestyle
  By E.Ruppert - March 21 - 12:02 am

  The Freestyle has been the most pleasing vehicle I have ever owned. I can not find anything to complain about. I have been congratulated by other Freestyle owners for purchasing a vehicle they also love to drive. I feel like I belong to an exclusive club.

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  around town winner - 2007 Ford Freestyle
  By rebel yell - March 19 - 7:40 am

  We bought this for my wife to drive around town. She loves the way it drives and is very easy for her to park. I appreciate the amount of room in the passenger seat for when I go with her. We have an Expedition that we use for long road trips, so its great for her and her local use.