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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  No regrets.... - 2005 Ford Freestyle
  By Gary - November 7 - 4:10 pm

  Have had very positive experiences with the car since we brought it home from the dealership. Enjoy driving it on short and long trips. Comfortable and roomy allowing for taking trips without using a roof carrier. Appears to have more room than our `97 Explorer, and is a lot more comfortable to drive. Feels more like driving a car than something much larger and heavier.

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  Love the Vehicle - 2005 Ford Freestyle
  By GAP - November 2 - 11:06 pm

  The ride is very composed in all situations. The winter driving has been very stable with good tire grip. The acceleration is not sports car quick, but the vehicle does hold its own in traffic. The MPG over the past year has been consistently 16-17 city and 25-26 highway which matches the EPA estimates quite nicely. The vehicle was purchased for the advertised versatility and it has been a real pleasure. The various seating and cargo positions are just marvelous and better than the previous minivan. The seats are comfortable and the steering is very precise and gives a good feel of the road conditions. The whole ownership experience has been better than expected.

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  Ford Freestyle by Kendra - 2005 Ford Freestyle
  By Kendra - October 23 - 8:00 am

  I love my Freestyle however... It had 24 miles on it when I purchased it and the transmission blew at 6700 miles. They installed a new transmission -- free of course but now that one is leaking fluid. The first transmission had a hole in it the size of a softball or a little bigger! I had no warning; it just happened and dumped 12 qt. of fluid in a parking lot. Could not drive it. Beware of this new transmission. I hate the thought of possibly needing to get rid of this car -- Ive only made 2 payments on it! I do love the car, just not the transmission at this point.

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  Freestlye- First Impression - 2005 Ford Freestyle
  By Siberian - October 16 - 10:00 am

  We were out looking at a replacement for my wifes 2002 Escape as we want a vehicle with more fluff. We drove the Explorer and also the Cadillac SRX. The SRX was a nice car but the finish work on the in side was poor for the high cost. We drove the Freestyle as an after thought and were very pleased. It had a lot of power with the new CVT transmission and the SEL model had everything we wanted plus it was $15,000 retail less then the Cadillac. So far we are very pleased and it is easily accessible for an aging parent with support handles in the ceiling and on the front dash.

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  Better then a wagon - 2006 Ford Freestyle
  By soccer mom - October 13 - 7:26 pm

  A very smooth ride. The pick up and go with the CVT like no other. Im glad I took this car out for a test drive, I was looking at SUVs; much more room inside. My son loves to sit all the way in the back and watch movies.

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  funstyle - 2006 Ford Freestyle
  By lucky - October 7 - 12:00 pm

  My Freestyle AWD Limited is fully loaded and such a pleasure to drive. I have owned SUVs since 1995 this is my favorite. The safety features and rating sealed the deal for me.

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  Nicest car I ever owned! - 2005 Ford Freestyle
  By Chris J - September 5 - 5:23 am

  Love it! Getting lots of looks and questions from people in parking lots, etc. Solid feel, lots of power, great comfort with all the nice "bells and whistles".

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  Excellent cross-over - 2005 Ford Freestyle
  By wklee88 - September 3 - 10:00 am

  Ive been driving a minivan for years and recently switched to a Freestyle. I was amazed to see the interior space. My sister who is 25 years old can sit in the 3rd row very comfortably. Performance is also great. I dont know why 3.0 engine is complained by people. I didnt feel any short of power not to mention acceleration. Its a wonderful car. I love it.

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  MM - 2006 Ford Freestyle
  By madid - August 11 - 7:32 pm

  do not buy this car ,it has a lot of problem : transmission dies fast , i drove only 20,000 miles and the transmission broke i took it to the dealer and he wanted to charge me 7,000 dollars plus $4,000 for labor.this it happened to my friend too .this car has a lot of sensors problem.its comfortable inside and it has very nice look every body like it but when you buy it you will face the truth.if you want to waist your money and all your saving money buy it. its baaaaaaad car.

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  Fun Freestyle - 2005 Ford Freestyle
  By Willaim Clough - August 1 - 4:33 am

  I love my Freestyle. It is fun to drive and comfortable. We live in MA so we get snow and it performs really nice in the snow. It has plenty of get up and go. The sound system is really good. I like the room that it has for getting things home that I couldnt in a regular car. All and all I love my Freestyle.