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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  Freestyle - 2005 Ford Freestyle
  By jimbo - December 3 - 6:01 pm

  I bought this Freestyle back in March. It was a demo model and it had 12,000 miles on it. Mostly I bought it for the gas mileage it gets compared to what we used to have (Dodge Durango). We are getting rid of it because we have another kid on the way and to add another child seat will make it very tight.

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  Great family truckster - 2005 Ford Freestyle
  By Rich Anderson - December 1 - 2:39 pm

  We have had our Freestyle for almost a year and a half now and still think it is wonderful. It is easy to drive, has plenty of room, and returns mileage that one does not expect in such a spacious vehicle. Yes it is a wagon, and like generations before, that is what works for families.

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  Great Car - 2006 Ford Freestyle
  By Balosc - December 1 - 9:06 am

  The car has been great all round - plenty of storage, surprisingly good acceleration (as it does not have to change gear) and amazing how much stuff you can get in the car for a road trip. Great for dog trips and hauling mountain bikes inside. Even fuel economy has been surprisingly good on long trips.

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  Great Family Car - 2005 Ford Freestyle
  By Rambler65 - November 27 - 8:26 pm

  I really wanted a wagon, but this is as close as I could get to a full sized wagon. Turned out to be a great choice, and the trips to Home Depot are a cinch with all the fold down seats. The car gets about 20 MPG around town and 25 - 26 on the highway. Not bad for a car this size. The car has been 100% reliable and has only had to return to the dealer for routine service. Im glad to hear Ford decided to keep this vehicle around for 2007 and beyond.

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  My 2005 Freestyle FWD - 2005 Ford Freestyle
  By maxdraw - November 26 - 9:56 pm

  I have 2500 miles on my 2005 Freestyle FWD and so far it is the best vehicle I have ever owned. My previous vehicle was a 98 Explorer Sport and it gave me 115,000 trouble free miles. In my opinion the Freestyle has been well engineered to have an effective balance between fuel economy and performance. I have never felt the need for more power. If I wanted a sports or muscle car I would have bought one, but this car is not gutless from a drivers perspective. My close second choice was a Honda Odyssey, but in the end I liked the overall driving experience I felt driving the Freestyle. It feels smooth, tight, quiet and responsive.

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  Freestylin! - 2005 Ford Freestyle
  By kshat - November 21 - 12:14 pm

  I have owned this vehicle for about a year, and the only problem I have noticed is the lack of power, especially on hills and inclines. The comfort of driving in this vehicle is great for our family of 4 and gives us plenty of room. It is easier to climb in and out of than a SUV or minivan. The 3rd row can be clumsy to get to, especially for adults if needed but no more so than other 6-9 passenger vehicles.

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  New Freestyle - 2007 Ford Freestyle
  By Dan - November 21 - 9:51 am

  I have found the Freestyle to be practical, roomy and fun to drive. It handles like a sport vehicle and gives a nice ride at the same time. It is very flexible in that I can quickly convert from a roomy carry all to a practical 7 passenger vehicle.

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  My favorite Drive - 2005 Ford Freestyle
  By Fran Delozier - November 21 - 6:39 am

  I really love driving this Freestyle. Easy in and out for any older person. Continuous drive train a real delight to use. Feel of an SUV, high up but really not so overbearing as an SUV. I will definitely hope to still have the availability of the Freestyle when it is time for a new automobile.

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  Happy mother of 4 - 2006 Ford Freestyle
  By Laurie - November 17 - 8:13 am

  I feel like Im riding a luxury car with all the features a Limited offers. The heated leather seats, sun roof, 6 CD changer, back up sensor and much more, all items I would have wanted in a passenger sedan but found in this 6 seater. I was tired of feeling like a soccer mom in her taxi and was ready for a change. This gives me the capacity I still needed but the feel I was looking for. Loaded with options but a price I could afford. Im very happy to have taken advantage of the family plan. Great interior layout!

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  Still love this car! - 2005 Ford Freestyle
  By ucdavisdiva - November 11 - 10:25 pm

  As a "Volvo only" car buyer I was reluctant to buy a Ford. This car has been great (I got 7 seats, leather, split 3rd row seat) and I still rave about it. This car fit all my requirements: no minivan, no SUV, good gas mileage, seats 7, fits the canoe, fits the tandem, easy to get in and out of...this car has it all! I personally find it to be fine in power on the highway, much better than the Volvo we had and weve towed a lot. This summer we loaded an 18 ft. canoe, 4 people, one large dog, a Thule box and camping gear for a week and it all fit comfortably. The gas mileage is great and I drive a lot in the city. I hope this car last 10 years cause were keeping it.