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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Great Ski Car - 2005 Ford Freestyle
By JimfromSanClemente - July 11 - 9:23 amWe bought this car primarily to take on ski and bicycle trips. We are extremely satisfied with how the Freestyle handles in snow and ice. On one day last winter in blizzard conditions, and with no chains, we had no trouble navigating up a steep driveway that no other car in the lot, including a Hummer, could manage. Very comfortable, roomy, and well designed interior. Zero mechanical problems to date.
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Great for Dogs and Kids and Friends - 2007 Ford Freestyle
By freestylin - June 27 - 3:33 pmI bought in 1/2008 w/12k miles. I have only put 12k miles on it but I love it. Kids take it on long trips with friends and love it. Great hwy mileage. Short commute (and lead foot) keeps mpg quite low. Capital Ford/Raleigh just replaced front/rear brakes for free. I love them, too! When was the last time you said that about your dealer service? I have no complaints about the power. Performs well in NC mountains.
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New Ford is Fun! - 2005 Ford Freestyle
By AGMG - June 27 - 1:46 pmI have nothing to complain about with this car. My wife owned a 95 Ford Taurus for 10 years and 182,000 miles prior to our purchasing this car. When we compared it to the 05 Taurus, Expedition and Explorer, it was obviously the best choice for our needs and dollar. Although the CVT takes a little time to get used to because youre used to hearing the car shift, it doesnt lack in performance as many of the auto magazines writers have claimed. Its not a hot rod sports car, but it will get up and out of its way ... you just have to know how to make it do it. We love it and hope they last for another 10 years ... maybe well buy another one then!
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Love this car - 2006 Ford Freestyle
By Love this car - June 20 - 12:47 pmJust hit 55,000 miles with no major problems. Love taking this car on weekend road trips or even drove cross country a couple of times. Second row seat gets stuck sometimes. Love how the third row seat flips up or down depending on what i am hauling. 3.0 engine is just good enough, but a little more would have been nice.
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Freestyle - Freewheel - 2007 Ford Freestyle
By Mick Reeves - June 3 - 12:29 amI echo everyones comments here, but I have one piece of advice to up your fuel consumption. As Im from the UK but live in the USA and we have gas selling at almost $8 a gallon we have to find ways of driving to save or stretch gas as far as we can. So, first off, get a light foot. Second, dont race to the next set of lights if they are red. Third, Dont excelerate from a stop to fast, be gentle with the pedal, back off once you reach the speed you want. Forth, When you have a good hill to go down, knock the thing in to neutral and coast, slot it back into drive when you need to. Fifth, try to drive without using the brakes to much, braking costs energy. Last, use cruise, always, everywhere
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06 AWD Freestyle - Great Car - 2006 Ford Freestyle
By Gary - May 22 - 4:46 pmPurchased and drove the vehicle about 1400 miles in two days. Very comfortable car. Rear air is handy for kids in very back - without it, they get warm. Fuels economy 26 @ 70 mph; 23 @ 75 mph and 21 @ 80. I was a bit disappointed with the fuel economy at 80. CVT transmission works wonderfully, and the vehicle rides as quiet as a Lexus.
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family hauler - 2006 Ford Freestyle
By garryone - May 15 - 7:49 pmno problems in 18,000 miles smooth dependable power,this is not a race wagon but will get you up to highway speeds once you learn how the cvt trans works. City fuel milage at 24.4 summer 22 in winter and highway 27.5-33 mpg.
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Edmunds reviewer is batty - 2006 Ford Freestyle
By james burkes - May 13 - 11:55 amIm commenting to mostly straighten out a misconception. The Freestyle is not slow, with a bad motor. It is fast, with a proven reliable motor. Edmunds review of the same year Chrysler Pacifica says "Acceleration is a little soft from a standstill, but once the 3.5-liter V6 gets its wind, the vehicle moves out quickly." "Moves out quickly"?!?! The Freestyle beats this car in acceleration, yet the Edmunds review of the FS says that its major downfall is power. If you press the gas all the way down on this car, hang on! I dont have to do that hardly ever, as the power is fine for anyone not used to driving muscle cars. Get real edmunds.
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LUV IT, LUV IT, LUV IT - 2006 Ford Freestyle
By Freestyle Queen - May 4 - 3:56 pmI am a die hard van lover but my beautiful Freestyle has changed my mind! I am thrilled w/ my 05 Freestyle. It is so comfortable, even on long trips. It handles great, I feel very safe in my car whether driving on high speed interstates or just around town. The styling is very sporty and I didnt have to spend a fortune for style, fun and safety. Even my husband & kids love it ~ I no longer drive, as they would say, a clown mobile =:). My daughter (23 yrs old) cant wait to get her hands on the wheel; my husband finds it a pleasant relief from his work truck and my son (26 yrs old) enjoys "borrowing" my Freestyle.
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fun-fasti-car - 2007 Ford Freestyle
By Funfasticar - April 28 - 3:38 pmWe purchased our 2007 freestyle, fully loaded, leather, sun roof, 5 disk cd- mp3 player,key less entry, security alarm,dvd,GPS-love it,and much more,in aug.08.got an outstanding price 15,280 (talked them down about 3,000 and got the warranty extended from 36,00 to 75,000) w/ 26,000 miles on the car. So far so good. pleanty of room for our family of 4. Kids love the seatsand that how they recline and roomy space, the car is comfortable, (lots of leg room too) for short and long trips.
