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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  Love it Love it Love it - 2005 Ford Freestyle
  By Maggie - January 14 - 2:56 pm

  I love the way this car rides and the large interior. The cargo space is awesome as well as the passenger space.

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  Perfect - 2006 Ford Freestyle
  By Yesenia - January 5 - 9:33 am

  I enjoy this vehicle, however, I dare not to drive it with the rear windows down alone. You might find your ears hurt A LOT!

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  Ford Freestyle ... a standout vehicle - 2005 Ford Freestyle
  By BuzzElliott - December 24 - 2:26 pm

  We have been buying Fords for a number of year; mostly Explorers. It was time to trade our older Explorer for another vehicle and we were looking at the Escape. This vehicle was not to our liking because of the hand brake appearance and location. It looked like a covered umbrella. After test driving the Freestyle; we bought one. It is a delight to drive. A smooth driving transmission,good safety features, nice appearance, and it has most of the bells and whistles we wanted. This is, without any doubt, a great automobile. We recommend it highly to families or individuals who want a well engineered vehicle. What I do not understand is why Ford does not advertise this fine auto.

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  Value Priced, Attractive and Safe - 2005 Ford Freestyle
  By PaCarBuyer - December 21 - 5:10 pm

  After suffering sticker shock at my local Chrysler dealership over the underwhelming clunky Pacifica, I arrived at my local Ford dealer and saw something really attractive in style and price. A fully loaded SEL (except) AWD, for $31k, freestyle. My wife says Ford could sell a lot more with a better name. After haggling I got a really good price. A 20 mile per gallon family car with full airbags, really is not a performance car, so who cares if it has the power of a mule, that is what it is. I bought to safely transport my wife, 2 kids and anyone elses kids that climbs in. I love the leather, key pad entry and and DVD player. It is a real buy for the price

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  Freestyle and Liking it. - 2005 Ford Freestyle
  By Bud Conner - December 11 - 12:33 pm

  This is a very comfortable and versatile vehicle. Most pundits dont seem to grasp that a 5:17 final drive ratio can get you up and going quite briskly and the handling is terrific. Great vehicle for traveling with kids - more cargo room behind the third seat than the Expedition

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  I love my Freestyle! - 2005 Ford Freestyle
  By christie - December 3 - 11:43 am

  Great vehicle. Much more room than expected, gas mileage even better than stated. Acceleration and mountain climbing is fine for my uses. Exterior and Interior styling could be upped a bit. Liftgate is heavy to work with. Would like some accessories to spruce up the exterior, grills, etc. But overall, I love my Freestyle!!

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  Freestyle: Drive yourself FREE! - 2006 Ford Freestyle
  By Donna - November 30 - 5:13 am

  This is among one of the best SUVs I have ever driven, It is so smooth on the roads and handles with perfection. It is great on the beaches; it cuts through the sand like butter. I go to the beaches in NC and I had so many compliments on the vehicle. I highly recommend this SUV above them all and I have had a few in my past.

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  Ford Freestyle - 2006 Ford Freestyle
  By Bud - November 15 - 2:23 pm

  My wife love to drive the Freestyle, she like everything about it. She drove a Freestar for 5 years SEL over 150,000. What I have a problem is the seat. I thought should be a little better. The passenger seat should be like the drivers seat. Also Im 6 foot and with the seat back theres not much room for a man behind me. Also gas mpg is not what I expected.

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  About my new Freestyle Review - 2006 Ford Freestyle
  By Paul Merithew - November 6 - 5:40 am

  I went from a Kia to Freestyle. We wanted a van, but this vehicle here has everything we need. From the power to storage space to the cup holders even has a great sound system. The bonus about this vehicle is that it got a 5 star safety award which saved me a lot on my insurance. I just want who ever is in charge and who ever designed this vehicle to know, from the bottom of my heart, Thank You. My 5 year old daughter Thanks you for all the room.

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  Happy Freestylin... - 2005 Ford Freestyle
  By tourist1234 - October 23 - 6:56 am

  The Freestyle has become the default family car for commutes to Grandmas or vacations. It has shown itself to be a comfortable car on long trips. The performance is more than adequate for extended expressway travel. At expressway speeds it is up to the task of passing even on a grade. We often transfer our elderly folks around on chores and trips. They find the Freestyle easy to get in and out of. They also find it comfortable. Our daughter loves the 2nd and 3rd row seats. The handling has been surprisingly smooth with little drift. We have adjustable pedals. Adjustable steering wheel and seats provides a lot of options for finding a comfortable driving position.