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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  Excellent Freestyle does not Disappoint - 2005 Ford Freestyle
  By Kris Loewen - May 10 - 4:03 am

  My wife and I love our Ford Freestyle. Cant figure out the poor reviews in Consumer Reports. No problems after 6k; The car drives smoothly and is wonderful to get in and out of. I like the CVT, I can see out easily and the seats (leather) are supportive and comfortable. I love the rear folding seats and the huge amount of storage space available in the back. It is ridiculous how much space there is back there. The Freestyle is a dream in the snow and ice, it doesnt even know there are bad conditions. You can literally drive normally and have no worries at all. Does not get the mileage claimed (we are at 17mpg in town and maybe 22 on the highway in the AWD SEL model).

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  Why I like my Freestyle - 2006 Ford Freestyle
  By BILL WAECHTER - May 1 - 10:40 am

  First and most importantly, I have had no complaints from my wife about this vehicle. It is great to have a seven passenger vehicle with plenty of cargo room and seating versatility that will get close to 30 mpg on the highway with out being some Japanese car.

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  Fords Surprise Winner - 2006 Ford Freestyle
  By BenS - May 1 - 12:00 am

  The Ford Freestyle is our first-ever American car. My wife chose it over the Pilot, Outback and Freelander. This car is the 21st century vehicle that fills the gap in the market left by Volvo years ago when they discontinued the 240DL wagon and moved upmarket. The Freestyle is well-built, sensible, spacious, stylish but not flashy, and yes, boxy. Despite the unassuming profile, strangers check it out and friends ask *lots* of questions. We love this car so far. Gas mileage is good. 3rd row seat is spacious and comfortable. The ride is great-good stability, nice brakes, smooth transmission. Even the dog appreciates the low trunk after jumping in & out of an SUV for years.

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  Excellent - 2006 Ford Freestyle
  By Gilliann - April 28 - 4:43 pm

  This is my first car, and I love it, it handles beautifully, very smooth.

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  Better than you might think - 2005 Ford Freestyle
  By Shawn - April 25 - 4:06 pm

  We own one as company vehicle so it sees a lot of highway miles. And that is where it shines on the open road with 4 people and a ton of stuff out back. The rear-seat is actually more comfortable than the front passenger. The car is more comfortable than a truck based SUV yet has a third row seats, car like handling and very good fuel economy. The 3.0 and CVT wont win many races (how often is this relevant) but it is a very effective set up and would cruise at 100 mph all day if you could get away with it! The cars finishes and materials are ok and in line for a car of this size and capability for the money. Recommended!

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  Grandma loves this car - 2005 Ford Freestyle
  By Sue D. - March 28 - 9:30 am

  I am an empty nester with grown children, grandchildren, and a dog. This car is perfect for the two car seats and a seat for the dog. I love being able to get in and out without climbing up or stooping down - a big plus for the over-55 group. Last week the seats were down and it was hauling mulch and flowers. I can get my bike in there with no trouble too when I want to go ride with the grandchildren. This car has all the versatility that this barely senior citizen loves.

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  Ford Has a Winner! - 2005 Ford Freestyle
  By Cathie B - March 5 - 11:53 pm

  I am a Realtor in Nova Scotia. I looked quite a while before finding the Freestyle. I drive in all kinds of weather and I live on a hilltop. I am sold on my Freestyle. My clients rave about it too. Its better looking than a van and has all the room of my former 87 Grand Marquis wagon with more comfort & AWD.

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  An Unproclaimed Gem - 2005 Ford Freestyle
  By Jack Hammond - March 4 - 6:40 pm

  Never saw an ad, but we did see the Freestyle on the highway. Went to a dealer to see close-up and walked out owning a new Freestyle. We are very pleased with this SUV and cannot understand the lack of promotion from Ford, it seems to be almost invisible. However, we think almost with out exception, this SUV is one of the best buys on the mid-size market. Our other SUV is a 2000 Yukon XL and this Freestyle replaced an 1998 Jeep. You would do well to spend some time with this vehicle before you buy.

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  Still discovering - 2005 Ford Freestyle
  By Marie - February 19 - 4:23 pm

  I just bought the car in July, so I have some things to discover. But my overall first impression is great. I sold my 1997 Explorer to buy this 2005 Freestyle. The Freestyle takes a little getting used to how it drives. My Explorer would coast down in speed rather quickly. The Freestyle will coast forever and lose very little momentum, thus in the beginning I was having to brake hard quite a bit. The brakes work great, and the ABS is not super sensitive. I have checked out the 7 passenger seating filling it to capacity with adult men. All fit comfortably. The ride is quiet. However when the auto AC is set, the blower can be quite loud.

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  My almost 1 year old Freestyle - 2005 Ford Freestyle
  By Cathy M - January 16 - 4:43 pm

  I love driving my Freestyle. It drives like a larger car but doesnt have the truck feel. We just moved our daughter using it and it fit a lot of her things, including our grandsons toddler bed. It had a recall and that was taken care of without a problem by a dealer other than where we bought it.