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:

• 

  Freestyle fun 4 all - 2005 Ford Freestyle
  By ANDY MAYS - July 20 - 9:53 pm

  We shopped for a safe vehicle. One that was reliable and fun to drive. Looked real hard at a Volvo but decided the Ford Freestyle was the best bargain for our money. AWD is great and what a smooth shift through auto transmission, makes for an overall fun car/SUV to drive.

• 

  Very Happy with Freestyle - 2005 Ford Freestyle
  By Great Car - July 15 - 8:13 am

  I replaced a 96 Ford Explorer that I got 200K miles on. I wanted same amount of room but better gas mileage. After looking at a lot of different cars, the Freestyle seemed the best fit. I have the SE model with 2wd and have found that even on the basic model, Ford has included a lot of features. I have had it for a couple of months and love it. I get ~25 mpg and find it very comfortable (I drive it about 2-3 hours per day). I think the mileage is great for such a big car. I would definitely recommend this car for people who like an SUV style but want better gas mileage and do not drive off road.

• 

  It cant be a wagon! - 2005 Ford Freestyle
  By Lewis - July 7 - 11:13 am

  5 months later and were still impressed with our new Freestyle. Its roomy, comfortable and has all the features we need without all the ones that we didnt. The 2005 Freestyle is everything your ever wanted in a crossover and less. All the basics have been covered, without forcing an endless list of features we didnt need or want. Safety first, then utility and looks; this one has it all.

• 

  First Freestyle Owner - 2005 Ford Freestyle
  By Anthony - July 2 - 9:33 pm

  Driving the Freestyle has been a lot of fun. The ride is great and the transmission works well. I, the dad, could use more power, but really, the mom drives it around with the three kids and she doesnt need or want the power of a sports car. I think it is an awesome choice over a minivan or SUV. Mileage is good; we are getting 20 in the city, 26 on the highway. We have the bench seat which works well with the kids getting in and out. If you want to have the space of a SUV but want better mileage, and a car drive feeling, this is a car you must give consideration.(Had to take in to the dealer to have A/C fixed ... it seems that an O-ring went bad. No problems since).

• 

  Spring Break - 2005 Ford Freestyle
  By Ant - June 2 - 6:36 am

  We just got back from driving to Florida from Illinois for spring break (2 adults, 2 kids, 1 medium sized dog), and we averaged 25 mpg for the whole trip. We had plenty of space for everyone, including our luggage. It was also great having the different seating configurations available for everyone to spread out. I canÂ’t wait to drive it to Texas later this summer.

• 

  Wagon With An Attitude - 2005 Ford Freestyle
  By ed praul - May 20 - 3:50 am

  I like the easy entrance and exit. The ride is car like. I like the bucket seats in the second row. With two grandkids it is easy to see them with the theater seating.

• 

  Can I trust a Ford car? - 2005 Ford Freestyle
  By Jay Shults - May 7 - 2:43 pm

  Spend 30k on the Limited and you get *VINYL* seats. The perforated part is leather; the entire 3rd row is vinyl. "Low grade" materials is an accurate description. I hope Ford did not use cheap materials in the drive train. Overall, the driving experience is good--nice handling and braking. The cabin noise could be reduced, but is not too bad. This is a very functional vehicle and handles better than a minivan. We like the car for these reasons, but you have to compromise. The interior quality on other vehicles in this price range, Odyssey for example, is significantly better. I didnt even know that automakers still used vinyl. Also some frustrations with color choices and options.

• 

  Freebie Satisfaction - 2005 Ford Freestyle
  By md-freebie - May 1 - 6:13 pm

  The first three months and 3400 miles have been a joy. No issues that required a return to dealer. Build quality was perfect. Went from nearly $34,800 on sticker to $29K plus taxes. Took a little time to warm up to CVT. Now I like it. Especially at speed -- no lag in response. Ask for it and the tranny is already pulling; no down shift. More like how a manual feels at speed. Push harder and things change quickly -- RPMs willingly go to 6k with no down shift delay but pulling all the time as the ratios go lower.

• 

  Freestyle Fills a Niche - 2005 Ford Freestyle
  By SUVcritic - March 29 - 5:10 am

  We decided to purchase the Freestyle after looking at several different makes and models. After 4 months of ownership, I still marvel at the fantastic design. Its roomy enough for adults yet accessible by children. The Limited model is chock full of all the best standard equipment, and it just gets better when you add options. We specifically chose black interior to avoid the glare issues frequently described on this review site, and have had no problems at all. The lack of seat bolsters is a plus in my opinion, and I cant say enough good about the customizable seating. Ive never wanted to be an SUV or minivan driver, but this interior and exterior design makes it easy.

• 

  Great Mommy Car! - 2006 Ford Freestyle
  By Lisa Schmidt - March 27 - 6:53 am

  I love this car! Its a great mommy care without looking like a mommy car. Great pick up, a lot of room, very nice sound system .... a great car for the money. The stadium style seating is nice so all the kids can see out the window. Great safety features too. Fits all the family needs without being a minivan. Im very pleased with this vehicle so far.