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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  Not Bad - 2007 Ford Freestyle
  By Freestylin - October 6 - 11:58 pm

  Traded in my 03 Yukon XL (lemon) and looked for a more fuel efficient wagon with 3 rows. Volvo too expensive. Pacifica close, but price/features no match. Pilot, great vehicle, but mileage like other SUVs. Since its a Ford, there is no reason why you cant get invoice pricing. Dont believe ads, its a lie, youll get about 20 to 25 mpg and there is no way youll get 500 miles to the tank, unless youre coasting downhill for that many miles. Overall, if you are looking for non SUV, non-minivan, decent room with 3 row seating, fuel economy, feature, content and price, this probably is about the only option. Too bad Toyota, Honda, Nissan had no viable option. May want to check out Mazda CX9.

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  My Ford Freestyle Experience - 2005 Ford Freestyle
  By Karen Wheat - October 4 - 10:19 am

  I have really enjoyed driving this car. It maneuvers well and has plenty of room for my family of five. We have really enjoyed the great gas mileage. We get lots of comments about it, people ask what it is and say they like it, or they say they havent seen one before. Some people say the pickup is not that great, but it has plenty of power to me. We did have a couple of minor problems that required a trip to the service department, but they were quickly repaired. Overall my Freestyle has been a great car, and I would reccomend it to anyone.

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  ultimate crossover - 2006 Ford Freestyle
  By ozthewiz - September 30 - 6:32 pm

  Very comfortable vehicle with huge interior volume. Have owned vehicle for almost a year now and have had no reliability issues whatsoever.

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  Ford steps up to the plate - 2005 Ford Freestyle
  By Dave and Jennifer - September 30 - 5:50 pm

  For years, all Ive ever heard is dont buy a Ford unless youre buying an F-series truck. With all the improvements Ford has made in the reliability of their vehicles, I think they have outdone themselves with the Freestyle. It was iffy at first when trying to convince my wife out of a Toyota and into a Ford, but when she saw and drove it, she was hooked. The ride is both a lot quieter and smoother than her 03 Toyota Matrix ever was. In addition, all 4 tires on the Toyota had to be replaced at 31K miles and a harmonic balancer on the alternator had to be replaced at 33K. Almost 7K miles on the Freestyle and problem free so far. Two big thumbs up for Ford!

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  Im Lovin It - 2007 Ford Freestyle
  By Spence - September 28 - 8:40 pm

  Freestyle even better than expected. Mileage really kicking in after about 4000 miles. 19-20 around Town and 26- 27 on highway trips. Love the Nav system. Very comfortable even for over 6 foot person. Cargo room has been great.

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  The Jury is Still Out - 2006 Ford Freestyle
  By Julie - September 26 - 7:35 pm

  Right off the bat the passenger front airbag sensor/light needed to be replaced. There is a lot of road noise in general and cabin noise is awful with back window down. Its a great ride, I love the ride in fact and the front seats are VERY comfortable. Color choices were poor. Could really use a smidge more power on hills and such. Over all I am happy so far just not thrilled and excited like I was in the beginning. I dont know that Id buy the same vehicle again.

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  I LOVE this Freestyle - 2006 Ford Freestyle
  By Mardi - September 26 - 6:31 pm

  I never dreamed I could actually enjoy a "non-performance" car so much. I bought this vehicle strictly for practical purposes and expected to find it to be ho-hum. It is so comfortable, responsive, and agile that I find myself thinking of it as a fun vehicle after all. My criteria when I bought was that it hold six passengers with some degree of comfort. With high gas prices we wanted a family vehicle that would carry our extended family without having to take two cars. We all, from my 86 year old mother-in-law to my two-year-old grandson, choose the Freestyle even when we dont need the extra room. On top of that, it converts for cargo so easily, I often use it instead of the truck.

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  0-60 in 8.3 seconds - No Problem Here! - 2005 Ford Freestyle
  By Richard Hanson - September 23 - 9:59 am

  Great vehicle. Gas mileage is incredible for a large vehicle that it is (4,000 lbs). I get 27 MPG all the time in 20% city / 80% highway driving. Traction control works great on ice/snow. Everybody says it can use more horsepower, but experts have timed it at 8.3 seconds to 60 mph -- not bad. The CVT transmission is a dream, nothing but smooth and continuous, especially nice up/down hills. Try to get this package in any other vehicle, as even smaller Subarus get worse or the same gas mileage and they dont carry near as much. And the crash rating is great.

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  Am I the only one with a problem? - 2005 Ford Freestyle
  By Trouble - September 19 - 9:36 pm

  The Ford Freestyle has given me nothing but grief beginning 2 weeks after the purchase of my car. I have already had the transmission and electrical wiring replaced within 1 month of the purchase of my vehicle. The car doors dont shut properly, many time the car wont start, or will shut off when placed in gear shortly after start up. Car constantly hesitates. Grinding noises when I cut the wheel.

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  2007 Freestyle Limited AWD - 2007 Ford Freestyle
  By lisa Fee - September 18 - 1:51 pm

  Not the greatest mileage yet. Hopefully better to come. Ok pickup and pretty smooth ride.