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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  Improve gas mileage - 2005 Ford Freestyle
  By Roy - October 22 - 6:23 am

  Traded In our Windstar for the Freestyle In hopes of better gas mileage. Didnt work. Mixed driving shows 16 mpg. Drivers seating Is cramped. Im 64" and my right knee rests against the console. After 15 minutes or so of driving my right knee Is getting sore. Imagine a long trip.

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  Nice New Vehicle - 2005 Ford Freestyle
  By Donnie - October 3 - 11:56 am

  We purchased this vehicle as a Demo from dealership, so it was a very nice price to begin with. I was a little uneasy about the possible gas mileage, and the unknown CVT transmission, but I have been really surprised by how well I like this vehicle. First tank of gas got us 26 miles to the gallon in very hilly country driving, which is as good as my car. Very comfortable to drive. We haul a lot of material in the back, and the CVT transmission works fine, and holds the cruse control just perfect. I have really not found anything to fault with this wagon.

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  It just works - 2005 Ford Freestyle
  By c25sailor - October 1 - 10:56 am

  Have put more than 40,000 miles on my 2005 Freestyle. It is comfortable, versatile and convenient. I have averaged more than 22 mpg in combined driving. The CVT is impressive -- good response and performance. I have not experienced the lethargy that some reviewers have complained of. It will run as fast as you want and passes well on the highway. Reliability has been excellent -- nothing beyond routine maintenance. Insurance is reasonable and overall I would describe this vehicle as excellent. For the money and the utility it doesnt get any better. You can pick nits that the plastics could be better (but wait -- I paid$25K for this -- not $40k) but the vehicle is great.

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  Great Vehicle - 2005 Ford Freestyle
  By Goldsboro, NC - September 30 - 12:06 pm

  A very comfortable vehicle with plenty of acceleration, yet excellent gas mileage for a vehicle of this size and capability. It has easy to use multiple configurations that make it truly versatile. I have yet to find a use/configuration that did not exceed my expectations.

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  I love my Freestyle - 2005 Ford Freestyle
  By Romana Primus - September 3 - 6:20 pm

  I havent really loved a vehicle for 2 decades! My Freestyle drives beautifully. The CVT transmission is great - you dont feel it shifting. We had two snow storms in the past 5 days, and my AWD enables me to drive effortlessly over the snow; I drove easily through my unplowed driveway yesterday, over 5-6 inches of snow. The seats fold down with a simple tug on a wide, clearly marked loop at the back of the seat. I can do it with one hand, while holding packages in the other. The 3rd row seats are slightly higher than the front seats, so people sitting there have good visibility. All that and the Volvo safety cage body! I also like the storage module on top of the dash

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  MY SEL - 2005 Ford Freestyle
  By Robert Marion - August 25 - 6:00 am

  I traded in an Explore Eddie Bauer V-8 because I drive 19,000 to 35,000 miles a year and the gas mileage on the Explore V-8 was not good. I have had the SEL for one month and have driven it 2,851 miles. I have averaged about 25.9 miles per gal. The seats fit me (I am 64" tall) better than my Explorer and the feel of the car is good. I do miss seating higher up but I am still higher up than a car. Over all I like the Freestyle SEL and it is fun to drive.

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  It is Just Okay - 2005 Ford Freestyle
  By DJG - August 17 - 10:56 pm

  We traded in an Excursion for it. Hard to give a 100% unbiased review. I miss my Excursion; this just doesnt compare (I know it isnt apples to apples) but I wish I hadnt made the trade.

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  Love my Freestyle - 2005 Ford Freestyle
  By Dorothy - August 17 - 5:13 pm

  I just love my Freestyle. It is fun to drive and I get a lot of compliments on the style of the car. It gets good gas mileage and is very comfortable to drive.

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  Just what I was looking for - 2005 Ford Freestyle
  By Ivette - August 17 - 12:56 am

  This car has definitely met my needs. Originally, I was looking for a car with a roomy enough interior (for our growing family), not too wide of a body (easy to park) and flexible enough to fit 7 adults comfortably. One of the most important things I wanted is that I did not want to feel as if I was driving a huge truck and I did not like the feel of minivans. I did my research and felt that this was the car for me. It has not had any mechanical problems so far and Ive owned it for 1 1/2 years. I like the smoothness of the CVT. Overall, I absolutely love my car!

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  Finally, a solid American car - 2006 Ford Freestyle
  By Eric - August 16 - 11:26 am

  There is just nothing we dont like about the car. Comfort on trips is great. Plenty of power, unless you want a gas guzzler. Passing response is excellent, CVT is smooth and seamless.