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 the perfect blend - 2005 Ford Freestyle
  By Chris - March 18 - 5:23 pm

  My wife and I had to find a family car - Mustangs just dont take car seats. The roominess inside is great, even 3rd row. Excellent cargo capacity while lacking that soccer-mom image. Our first choice. The Pacifica didnt even compare - overpriced, no room inside, seats didnt look like they went down. Every time we test drove the car it just felt right, even after driving a Honda Odyssey with all the creature comforts. Would definitely recommend it to anyone looking for a family car.

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  Got it the other day... - 2005 Ford Freestyle
  By FreestyleSilvah - March 13 - 3:50 pm

  Just got a Ford Freestyle, SEL, its niiice! :) Superb size/capacity, pretty good on gas, especially hwy, comfort and style, LOTS of "technological doo-dads." Well worth it to get the extras, especially with the family deal Ford is running. Also they give $1000 extra off; a $30,000 dollar vehicle for a $23k or so price :) Very, very happy.

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  Great mini SUV - 2006 Ford Freestyle
  By George - March 3 - 10:53 pm

  The seating arrangements are fabulous, the size is great, the ability to fold all the seats down , make it an excellent carrying vehicle. Just an overall great car, like it better than the Windstar. All the "bells and whistles" make it NO.1 in my estimation.

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  Smooth - 2005 Ford Freestyle
  By M Krebs - March 3 - 1:23 pm

  Third row is hard to access when the optional 2nd row bench is ordered. Car averaging 25 mpg in mixed driving; not bad for 7 passengers with A/C on. Ride is butter smooth, not a squeak or a rattle, CVT transmission very smooth. Car rides very much like a Volvo for quite a bit less money. Great brakes. I would recommend driving the Freestyle before purchasing a competitors offering. This is the best Ford yet.

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  Love It! - 2005 Ford Freestyle
  By Marianne - March 3 - 12:46 am

  Traded our monster 03 Expedition in for the Freestyle. We could not be happier. Since kids we have had three vans, the Expedition, and now the Freestyle. The Freestyle is our favorite by far! You have all the room - without it being a minivan or a hard to park, gas eating large SUV. There is more room behind the back seat for strollers, groceries, etc. than in my Expedition. I also like how easy it is to get everyone in and out. Access to the rear seat is easy, with lots of leg room for our 6 foot tall, 14 year old son. I have had no trouble with acceleration at all. I use I-95 several times per week, and the merge is always easy - up to speed in no time, without flooring it.

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  Back to a Ford - 2005 Ford Freestyle
  By Roger Wheatley - February 28 - 6:16 pm

  Its been 5 years since my last Ford product (other than controlled company, Mazda). The Freestyle was a compromise between an SUV and sporty sedan. For its size, it has a great combination of ride and handling. With the CVT, the engine seems more than it really is, getting the best out of it.

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  Best Family Van Alternative - 2005 Ford Freestyle
  By Dadto3 - February 19 - 11:36 am

  This is hands down the best car we have ever owned. With 3 young kids in car seats we needed space and functionality but we did not want to sacrifice performance and style. This was the best alternative to a dreaded minivan. We tested several other brands but found no other better value, performance, and gas mileage for our money. I will most definitely recommend the Freestyle to anyone with young kids that does not want to be stuck in a soccer mom minivan.

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  Mr. - 2005 Ford Freestyle
  By Bill Burton - February 18 - 8:13 pm

  I live driving at a higher seat level. I can carry my electric scooter in the rear area of the car. I like the idea of having four air bags. I like very much not feeling the gears shift; continuous drive. There is ample power when it comes time to pass another vehicle. The power drivers seat is a good option. I havent used the two fold-a-way seats in the rear, but it is good to know they are there. On the whole, I am very pleased with my purchase of this vehicle.

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  Great ride - 2005 Ford Freestyle
  By as350b2 - February 5 - 3:10 am

  This is a great car that more people should discover. It has all the attributes we were looking for in a vehicle. Stable, handles well, not too small, roomy, good fuel mileage, modern technology, smooth ride, quiet. The CVT transmission is amazing. It is a fun car that is way bigger than it appears.

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  My Freestlye - 2005 Ford Freestyle
  By Shirley Howard - January 29 - 4:36 pm

  I have had a lot of different autos in the last several years. I love my Freestyle; it has so much room and it is fun to drive. It also is a very sharp looking sporty car. I plan on keeping this one awhile.