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:

• 

  IMPRESSIVE - 2006 Ford Freestyle
  By eileen - September 15 - 4:20 am

  I traded in my Honda Accord for the Freestyle. IÂ’m so happy I did. It looks great, gets the best gas mileage in its class, its roomy. And best of all, our dogs absolutely love it! We put all the back seats flat, cover with a fitted sheet (queen, fits perfect!) and comforter, roll the windows 1/2 way down & our dogs are in heaven. We cant wait to take road trips in it. I absolutely recommend it to families & active folks with kids or dogs, or sports enthusiasts. We have the SEL in white/gold trim. ItÂ’s sharp. For us, its perfect. But most importantly, the safety features, comfort, mpg & fact that it suits not only us, but our dogs, sold us on this one. Enjoy!

• 

  Gas Mileage - 2005 Ford Freestyle
  By Amie - September 15 - 12:56 am

  Good concept, but doesnt live up to my expectations. Gas mileage around town is 14-15 mpg, not much better that the 12 mpg I was getting from my 5.4 Expedition.

• 

  Freestyle the best kept secret - 2007 Ford Freestyle
  By Jaybird36 - September 14 - 10:38 am

  After a summer of driving the kids around I have to say that the Freestyle is the great family hauler. Have a 2001 Windstar and decided to see if the Freestyle would as good a hauler as a minivan but with a better ride and comfort. Well, the answer is "YES". There is not as much interior space as a minivan but I am over it. The Freesytle is great!

• 

  20000 miles & perfect - 2005 Ford Freestyle
  By Bruce - September 14 - 10:26 am

  Leased an early 2005, Jan 2005. Now have 20,000 miles. Car has been perfect. Only recall was the gas tank straps. Extended trip this spring from N MI to S FL resulted in an average mileage of 25 mpg driving 75 mph average. We get 20 mpg in town like clockwork. CVT has worked like a charm. AWD is awesome in the winter, as good or better than my 4x4 F150 Lariat. We will be leasing another in Jan 07. The dealers cant find used ones. No one is letting this car go.

• 

  LOVE IT, LOVE IT! - 2005 Ford Freestyle
  By Judey - September 9 - 5:36 am

  I love my Freestyle! The ride is outstanding, the interior is comfortable and well thought out and the exterior design is awesome. I am very impressed by Fords new vehicle and am happy I decided to purchase one. Gas mileage has been excellent so far and I totally enjoy driving it every chance I get. It handles very well in snow & on wet surfaces; I feel confident driving my car ~I have no reservations about driving long distances, in both good & bad weather conditions. There is plenty of room for whatever Im carrying & the fold down seats are a nice change from my van. I love everything about the Freestyle & look forward to many years of happy driving. I get tons of compliments on my new car

• 

  I LOVE THIS VEHICLE! - 2006 Ford Freestyle
  By Caryn B - September 8 - 9:03 am

  This is roomier and more family friendly than my Toyota RAV4 and just as much fun as my former Ford Mustang with all the quality and comfort of my mothers Volvo. Both I and my picky husband think that this is our favorite vehicle of all the cars we have owned.

• 

  Great vehicle - 2005 Ford Freestyle
  By Mrs OT - September 8 - 8:14 am

  I have leased the Freestyle for 2 years and have really enjoyed it and had few problems - even though we leased it in its first year of production. Im considering getting a second one. My husband, who likes Cadillac comfort, even likes the ride - and he hates SUVs. He thinks it is a solid/safe ride. Our elderly parents who are not in the best of health have been transported easily and comfortably. The height of the seat is just right for easy entrance and exit for them. No hopping up into the seat. And transporting walkers and wheelchairs was no problem. I recommend the Freestyle to anyone who asks about it.

• 

  Freestyle Is In Style! - 2005 Ford Freestyle
  By Ed - September 6 - 3:50 am

  I was originally going to purchase a Pacifica, but after test driving the Freestyle, I knew I had to stick with Ford (I was purchasing a replacement for my Windstar). The drive is comfortable, the inside is roomy and you can fit adults in the 3rd row - no problem. Plus the seats fold down with ease. Power is more than sufficient, it could probably benefit from some more horsepower - but no complaints here.

• 

  Pleasant Suprise - 2005 Ford Freestyle
  By Manny - September 5 - 5:53 am

  I was planning on buying a Cadillac SRX. A friend told me about the Freestyle (havent seen many out there and Ford hasnt really advertised the vehicle?). LOVE THIS CAR!. Saved $20,000 from the SRX. Great room in all 3 rows, very nice handling and CVT is very smooth. Ford really should start advertising this car cause its a great all purpose family car ... better than my previous SUVs and as functional as a minivan without the stigma.

• 

  I really like this vehicle. - 2006 Ford Freestyle
  By GlenM - September 4 - 10:54 am

  Just got my 06 Freestyle this weekend. I went in looking for an Escape but as I was walking by the Freestyle my head did one of those whip around things. Unlike some who think the Freestyles exterior is dull, I actually like its looks. Then I discovered the functionality of the interior. But, I reserved my buying decision until I test drove it. True its not going to beat a lot of similar sized vehicles off the mark, but thats not what its designed for. Ive owned mostly Chryslers, Chevys, and Beemers, but I cant think of one of them with a smoother tranny than the Freestyle. My only concern is long-term durability, but well see about that.