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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My Freestyle - 2005 Ford Freestyle
By cardlady - February 25 - 7:40 pmI love my new car. Ive owned Fords since 1990, and this equals or surpasses my car experience. Its fun to drive and perfect for my needs and style. I would recommend a Freestyle to anyone.
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WE LIKE IT - 2005 Ford Freestyle
By JAWAJ - February 17 - 5:56 pmWe were looking for a 6 passenger vehicle but not an SUV. When the CUVs came out we became interested. Did a lot of reading and testing. The car has performed very well. The "lack of power" question is not a problem because the vehicle is not to be a race car. Ramp entry speed has been there, starting in traffic is good. The sound system is great, the fold down seats are very functional. The AWD has been smooth. I dont know why the Limited package is not offered in FWD? The getting in and getting out is very nice as the car is just the right height. Handling is very good, there is no body sway, it holds the road well. We like it.
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Best of the Crossovers - 2006 Ford Freestyle
By FRtyme - December 3 - 9:26 pmResearched many vehicles, Crossover/SUVs, but for the price could not beat the Freestyle. Interior does not look plastic. It is finished off nicely. Very comfortable and roomy. Power is more than adequate and handling is superb. Fun to drive. Only drawback I have found, there is a reflection of the dash in the windshield during the daylight hours. I can live with it. Great car, Ford should push it more then they do. They have a winner here.
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great car - 2005 Ford Freestyle
By linda mulvaney - December 1 - 5:53 amOnly been driving it for about 6 months but so far I love it. I will let you know more after I see how it handles in the snow and ice. It is every thing I wanted in a car and what I really love about it is that it is not a car nor a truck. It is a little bit of both. I get compliments every where I go with it. It drives nice, looks nice and is just nice. Seems to hold the road great. I can fit so much in it. It sits nice and high to see the road but not too high. One of the reasons I bought it was because of all the safety features it has. I would recommend this car to everyone; in fact I have.
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Retired Person - 2005 Ford Freestyle
By Charles Cooper - October 26 - 11:23 pm30 days doesnt give a good review. I like the way it handles, the comfort and it carries my golf equipment with ease.
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FORD GOT IT RIGHT - 2005 Ford Freestyle
By Team Young - September 20 - 8:16 amWe trade SUVs every year; have had Yukons, Expeditions, Tahoe & Toyotas. Thought with rising gas prices and one less family member (son at college) we would try a cross over type. Looked at all of them, Chrysler, Subaru, Acura & Nissan. The Freestyle is the best overall bang for the buck. We have already put on 19K and it has been excellent. The Limited is loaded and it is very comfortable to drive on long trips. Small lack in power is not that big of deal. The CVT tranny is great and the room for the 2+2 in the back to rows is great. Good head room in all seats. Ford got it right this time.
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A Diamond From Ford - 2005 Ford Freestyle
By MPirkl - September 15 - 10:23 amWe were in the market for a minivan and "discovered" the vehicle through Edmunds.com. We were impressed with the value of all features and have been thrilled with owning this vehicle. We opted for the AWD version and it is harder on gas than we hoped, but that is the trade off I guess. We have kids and dogs and the vehicle provides great utility. My wife also enjoys not having to climb into it as she did in our former SUVs.
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Excellent Freestyle - 2005 Ford Freestyle
By Kris Loewen - September 2 - 4:36 pmMy wife and I recently purchased a Freestyle. We love the car. The door openings are large and comfortable, easy to see out; smooth and very quiet ride; nice acceleration, and no annoying jerk at the shift points. We love the car, and are satisfied with the mileage. The fold away seats are wonderful; we can pack tons of stuff in the back of this car.
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Love our Freestyle! - 2006 Ford Freestyle
By daire - September 1 - 7:46 pmLove the handling and especially like the performance of the CVT. We bought a 2006 Limited FWD with the safety package in Titanium Green with pebble interior. The suspension seems a bit stiff here at the beginning, but all in all a nice ride. GREAT mileage! We got 27.7 average MPG on our first tank. That exceed our expectations for a break in period. Love the memory seats and mirrors too. Makes it feel like a luxury car at a not so luxury price. A great value, in my opinion. Seems to have plenty of power too, although we have yet to drive it loaded up. The only minor complaint is that the LED is difficult to see in bright sun, and I wish the windshield was larger. Love the moonroof.
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Volvo XC90 at a Ford price - 2005 Ford Freestyle
By Dallas family - August 24 - 12:43 pmLooking for a family car to seat 7 - have 4 kids. Bought my wife a 2003 Suburban two years ago. Both thought that with this new vehicle purchase, having two cars in the family which can safely transport the entire family was important. Been driving my Freestyle for a week and happy with the purchase. The power issue is no issue. Dont understand Edmund reviewers who write about a lack of power. Its fast and capable of solid acceleration on the highway and city streets. Purchased no nonsense, no frills SE. All I really need in a car is for me and my family to feel safe, some A/C and power to get around in traffic it has these things at a responsible price.
