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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  brakes - 2005 Ford Freestyle
  By michael chenu - March 8 - 3:34 pm

  At 17,000 miles rear brake pads started to make grooves in rotors with brake wearing uneven. From what Im told the problem is with the brake pads. Ford will not recognize the problem.

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  Freestyle - right for my family - 2005 Ford Freestyle
  By gayla k - March 8 - 1:01 am

  I have 2 children, and I also drive long distances for work. The Freestyle gets great gas mileage compared to other SUVs, and with the folding 3rd row seat, I have room for friends and additional family. Its a roomy, comfortable ride. The only uncertainty I still have is the new CVT. Its not a typical shift, so I thought something was wrong with the transmission. I took it in to be checked, and was told thats the way this new transmission is supposed to work.

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  Better than an SUV - 2005 Ford Freestyle
  By annette - March 1 - 11:50 pm

  I finally got one and fell in love. It handles really well in the snow and rain. When I drive long distances my back is no longer sore. The roominess is terrific. It holds my family perfectly and everyone thinks it is great. The windshield is huge - great view. The back storage comes in real handy. I would recommend this to anyone who does not want an SUV or minivan. My husband loves it top and he is an F-250 man so that says a lot for this vehicle.

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  Freestyle Review - 2007 Ford Freestyle
  By Nate Admiraal - February 24 - 12:11 pm

  Was looking for a SUV crossover type vehicle for my dogs and to move furniture, etc. with ease. My final two choices came down to the Ford Freestyle and the Mazda CX-9. Both vehicles stacked up pretty comparably but Ford tagged at about $10K less than Mazda with the same features at the dealer. LOVE the responsiveness of the Ford in handling and braking. Drives better than many sedan models. Wish it had a little more kick taking off, but glad to sacrifice that for the MPG. The features are great, but the driveability is OUTSTANDING. Keep it up, Ford ---:)

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  Watch for Defects - 2005 Ford Freestyle
  By Not Satisfied - February 23 - 10:37 am

  Ford came up with an awesome design but they dont have the reliability to support it. I loved my Freestyle initially but after struggling with a number of issues including the door locks (finally fixed under recall), my heated seat going out (no longer under warranty - they wanted $500 to fix it), transmission problems (surging that would not go away and Ford service could never find on the computer) and leaking front seals I finally traded it off for a Buick. I took a beating financially but the transmission was a real concern so I wanted to get rid of it before I had to do major repair work. Bottom line? Great car but I think I got one of the lemons. Not worth $30K!

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  Nice Crossover - 2007 Ford Freestyle
  By whitesnow - February 22 - 4:58 pm

  My wife and I planned to buy a SUV since our small Corolla did not work. We went to the nearby Ford dealer. Tested Escape first, then Explorer, at last Freestyle. Escape is kind of noisy, Explorer is perfect at that aspect, however, it is kind of big for my wife. Freestyle is just perfect. It is also quiet, although it is not as good as Explorer. It is easy to drive this Crossover.

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  Awesome Vehicle - Mediocre Marketing - 2005 Ford Freestyle
  By Jackie - February 16 - 10:54 pm

  With over 43,000 miles, our Freestyle has been extremely reliable and well mannered. It can easily accommodate 6 adults with keep them all comfortable with room to spare! The seats are comfortable it has an excellent heating/AC system. The powerful factory six disc (cd & MP3s) quite simply, rocks! The seats are very comfortable on long trips and if you can keep it under 60mph you can even knock down 30mpg (24+mpg at 75mph). The Volvo chassis is VERY tight but the suspension is forgiving on rough roads. It handles curves with authority (no tip over warnings on the visors). Auto rags have criticized its performance, but the CVT affords an 8 second 0-60 with 200hp - OUTSTANDING!

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  I love it! - 2005 Ford Freestyle
  By Jennifer - February 10 - 8:38 pm

  I was looking for a small truck that would seat at least four. I found the Freestyle by accident, saw how many it seated, how the seats fold down so I can still transport bikes for our daily rides and that was it for me. Of course, my kids love the DVD player for long rides.

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  Not too shabby... - 2006 Ford Freestyle
  By schilke - February 10 - 1:13 am

  Was considering a Magnum, but when I test drove this, I knew it was the right choice. I am a bit wide in the leg department, and this is a bit cramped up front, but not too uncomfortable. Like the techie aspect of the CVT and the AWD. Well see how it performs!

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  Overall very happy with the Freestyle - 2005 Ford Freestyle
  By Sam - January 31 - 4:40 am

  I have had this suv/station wagon for almost 6 months and am very happy with it. It fits my three children with no problem. The interior design is very appealing (although coming out of our Ford Windstar, anything would have looked good to me!) I love the CVT. It drives so smoothly. My only complaint is the handle on the liftgate is awful. I cannot get a good grip on it because it is not deep enough to put my fingers in. No doubt this car is a nice combination of my old Expedition and Windstar all in one with a little sedan feeling incorporated too.