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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  Poor durability of door weather strip. - 2006 Ford Freestyle
  By Gallen - January 2 - 4:07 pm

  Since buying my Freestyle in June 06, I am now taking it in to have the door weather stripping replaced on the passenger side for the second time. I bought this vehicle to accommodate my three kids. They get in and out of the passenger side daily. It has been two months since the first replacement of the weather stripping. Now were back again. The stripping cracks and then pulls away from the frame. If this vehicle is supposed to be durable for kids, Ford needs to go back to the drawing board to address this issue.

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  Flexible Comfort - 2006 Ford Freestyle
  By Patrick Colbeck - December 26 - 9:53 am

  My wife and I do not have any kids, but we do have a dog. The fold flat 2nd row bench works out great for us when traveling with our dog. We have also had no problems transporting up to seven friends and family in comfort. The leather seats heat up quickly during the Michigan winter and stay rather cool during the peak of summer. It has been a very enjoyable ownership experience.

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  First Time Owner of Freestyle - 2006 Ford Freestyle
  By Geof Bashioum - December 21 - 8:37 pm

  The more I drive my Freestyle the more I like it. Lots of room and smooth ride.

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  Jeckyl and Hyde Car - 2006 Ford Freestyle
  By Neil Edmonds - December 20 - 3:55 pm

  Family loves the car and its features but this car just isnt performing as I had hoped. Quality issues have been plentiful. Improper alignment from the factory caused both front tires to wear after 12k miles, speedometer head had to be replaced at 5k miles (took 5 days and had to have a rental), brake light sensor has been replaced twice and rear door trim continually came loose. Gas mileage is also far from Fords claim. We get about 15MPG with mostly city driving. Our 2001 Highlander gets almost 20MPG city.

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  SUV Lite - 2007 Ford Freestyle
  By Adam - December 19 - 9:30 pm

  Great ride. Wanted an SUV, but not the mileage. Freestyle gives the space of an SUV, but has sedan-like mileage. While aesthetics are not the greatest, this is a practical vehicle for people who need the space. Would recommend to anyone considering an SUV.

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  Excellent Minivan/SUV replacement - 2006 Ford Freestyle
  By dzdncnfzd - December 14 - 1:31 pm

  We have had our Freestyle for over a year now and we are still loving it. With the exception of the rear brakes wearing out prematurely we have had no issues. There seems to be a lot of negativity regarding the amount of power the engine has but I have not had any complaints in this regard. Ill be honest its no sports car but then again this is a family car not a bachelor/mid life crisis mobile. The calls for a larger V8 engine in my opinion would kill one of this cars strongest points, its gas mileage. I challenge anyone to find a vehicle with as much interior space as this one that gets as good of gas mileage.

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  Good MPG and Luxury - 2006 Ford Freestyle
  By Marc - December 12 - 5:49 pm

  Originally I was going to wait for the new engine and 6 speed automatic, but I needed a vehicle and Ford was giving them away with 0% financing. Not disappointed, the MPG is at least as good as the Escape we have and if you do a lot of driving on relatively flat roads while using the cruise, the engine computer seems to fine tune the rpm to the engine load and the MPG is great. The rest of the vehicle is very good, although we are still getting used to the front and rear automatic climate control. Havent read the manual yet to fully understand it.

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  Love This car. - 2007 Ford Freestyle
  By Adam Nathan - December 10 - 10:27 pm

  This is a great car. I got the base model with 4wd and this car is loaded with very nice features. Ford put a lot of thought into how the driver uses the car and the interior works great. Bose stereo is great! The interior is better designed than most Japanese cars. This car is deceptive in how much room there is inside. It has more room than my minivan. It rides great and handles well. Great brakes. Engine is low on horsepower. Got a great deal. Comes with 3 year bumper to bumper and 5 year engine warranty which is great.

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  Volvo Replacement - 2006 Ford Freestyle
  By Steve - December 9 - 3:50 pm

  We started looking for a 7 seater replacement for our aging V70 - kids getting bigger. Have not owned a domestic vehicle for 10 years and it took some doing to look at Ford. Reviewed all the usual competitors including XC90. It is very functional and versatile, a real 7 seater with ample interior room. Comfortable, firm ride, quiet with no squeaks and rattles. Handles the road imperfections really well. Ford has done an excellent job on this car from design to execution. If you are looking for this type of vehicle and overlook the Freestyle you are making a mistake.

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  My Freestyle - 2006 Ford Freestyle
  By Janice - December 5 - 12:16 am

  Im enjoying this car! It feels comfortable and drives well. Highway driving is very smooth. The inside design is smart. I like the safety features. The third row seats are very roomy, better than any other vehicle that we tested. The stadium seating is appreciated by my kids who can see out of the windows well. Although I am supposed to be getting 19/24 miles per gallon, I am getting approximately 15 for mostly city driving. My husband appreciates the CVT. Overall, this car is very practical if you are looking for a car that seats 6 or 7 and you dont wish to drive a huge SUV.