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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  Ford Freestyle--loving it! - 2005 Ford Freestyle
  By carolyn - November 12 - 8:33 am

  Just purchased a Freestyle (Ford ads where are you, I had not heard about it!). I totaled my 2002 Mountaineer 3 weeks ago and of course had to have a new vehicle. The dealer was low on choice of vehicles because of the incentives and rebates. So he suggested a Freestyle. I was looking at a new Mountaineer, since it did roll over and saved our lives, but the ride was a little rough. So the Freestyle fit the bill for AWD and comfort & plenty of room. It now has 500+ miles on it and Im Loving it....

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  Super MPG - 2005 Ford Freestyle
  By Randy C - November 4 - 4:56 am

  I was looking for something economical with some room. My last vehicle was a Liberty and before that a Tribute and I needed more cargo room. I was pleasantly surprised to find out the Freestyle actually got better mileage than my previous vehicles and was roomier with a 3rd row seat to boot!

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  Freestyle Living - 2006 Ford Freestyle
  By Del Buono Sr. - October 16 - 6:33 am

  The SE Freestyle 05 is a great basic car/SUV with the all wheel drive. The view from the roomy cab is excellent and the performance of the 6 cylinder engine is more than enough. Gas mileage is average for these tough times 21-26. The theater seating in the rear is roomy for teenagers as well as adults. They all comment on it.

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  Fine overall package. - 2005 Ford Freestyle
  By EricKnight - October 8 - 2:03 pm

  Coming from a 4-cylinder sedan, I have no concerns about acceleration of 3.0 DuraTec and CVT, nor about engine noise on acceleration. Minimal lean on cornering. Crisp steering & handling. Dash, instruments & controls well laid out. Some panel materials & switches could be more substantial.

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  In "Style" - 2005 Ford Freestyle
  By CAB - October 4 - 5:26 pm

  This vehicle not only handles terrifically and looks phenomenal but the comfort of the ride is unmatched by any and all comfort sedans. The CVT makes the handling so smooth that you barely notice bumps on the road. A year ago I waited on purchasing any other vehicle to see what this Freestyle looked and drove like. Was WELL worth the wait!

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  We love it - Presidents Week VT ski trip - 2005 Ford Freestyle
  By Tom - September 26 - 2:33 pm

  Snow experience - We just returned from a family ski vacation in Vermont where we had plenty of opportunity to test the AWD LTD Freestyle. The car was fully loaded with 2 adults, 2 kids, 2 dogs and supplies for the weeks trip. We drove up in a snow storm and by the time we entered Vermont we were driving on packed snow mixed with sand. We saw over 7 accidents but can report the Freestyle AWD performed well. Even on the snow most of the 4X4s were going 50 mph on the interstate and we had no problem at all with the Freestyle. The match of the CVT with the engine is perfect and when letting up on the gas the engine/transmission actually brake the car giving a strong sense of confidence. "Tank Like"

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  Great Ride - 2006 Ford Freestyle
  By ptrgreat - September 23 - 4:50 am

  Hey, Im a Southern California Driver and traffic bites, but this ride gets me through it. Rolling down the windows works great when you roll them all down, saves on gas also. Getting like 25 MPG mixed street/freeway, manual calculations, the computer is way wacky with that. I have no problem with hills fully loaded. I found that you have to shift into "L" and she runs with it. The blue looks good at night too.

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  Ford Freestyle - 2006 Ford Freestyle
  By gatorpa - September 12 - 10:06 pm

  Great car. Very spacious inside yet doesnt feel big when driving. Its kinda a mix between a minivan and SUV. You get the family friendly features of a minivan with the looks of an SUV. Gas mileage better than an SUV 27Hwy. This is the perfect cool family car.

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  Our Freestyle - 2005 Ford Freestyle
  By Jims6t6 - September 12 - 12:20 am

  Very comfortable to ride and drive. Rides like a car not a SUV. Very good gas mileage for its size. The only vehicle that we have purchased that actually got the advertised gas mileage.

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  Saved from a minivan! - 2005 Ford Freestyle
  By Jason L. - September 9 - 8:36 am

  A great all around family vehicle. I hope Ford decides not to discontinue it. Ill be leasing another in three years if they dont!