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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  versatile and fun - 2005 Ford Freestyle
  By timo - April 5 - 11:46 pm

  Excellent vehicle in this class. Competent in many different roles and more fun to drive than we expected it to be. Very good handling (18 inch wheels and Pirelli tires) and brakes. Very comfortable and roomy. Mileage better than book - 20-26 mpg. Terrific a/c system, but wish for a pure fresh air vent system.

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  Freestyle SEL - A good purchase. - 2006 Ford Freestyle
  By Phil - March 21 - 8:16 am

  So far, so good. Replaced a van with this vehicle and much more enjoyable to drive. Better fuel economy than the van and CVT trans makes for a smoother ride (no shifting). Very comfortably designed drivers seat with plenty of legroom left over for rear passengers. Would highly recommend this vehicle to anyone who asks.

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  Never thought Id buy a Ford - 2005 Ford Freestyle
  By NewOwner - March 16 - 5:50 pm

  Ive always preferred foreign cars but Ford came up with something to convert me. We didnt want an SUV or minivan but wanted more room than a sedan. Tested Subaru but felt cramped. There is so much space inside the Freestyle & the ride is just great. Ive had the car two months and every time I get in, I think "I love this car"!

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  Decent! - 2006 Ford Freestyle
  By diveduo - February 25 - 11:26 am

  Overall a good, useful and fun to drive vehicle. Wish it had more HP for better acceleration, but like the fuel economy vs. the capacity and existing power. Nice interior layout. The one thing I dont like is the excessive glare and reflection of the instrument panel in the windshield in daylight hours.

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  great family car and its not a minivan - 2005 Ford Freestyle
  By dan - February 17 - 8:36 am

  I did not want a minivan or large SUV but still wanted the room. This car fits the bill. So much room inside. Weekend trips are now a pleasure instead of packing nightmare. I got the bucket second row instead of 60 40 split. I would suggest it because the middle armrest is a great place to keep all the things you need having kids. Wipes toys etc. (you do lose a seat but with a third row it did not matter to me.) Only have 1000 miles but I have yet to discover any problems. Could use a little more power but with the price of gas, what is under the hood does a good enough job.

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  I love my Freestyle - 2005 Ford Freestyle
  By Happy Camper - February 14 - 6:53 pm

  Ive only had my Freestyle since the end of December, but I love it already. Ive seen some complaints about a lack of power but there is plenty there for me and I love the way it corners - like its on rails. Every time I get a tank of gas, someone compliments its looks. The good news is that I dont have to fill it up that often. Its gotten in the mid 20s since I got it. When its time to get rid of my wifes Odyssey, Id consider getting another one of these.

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  Enjoying my new ride - 2006 Ford Freestyle
  By charlieclaudia - January 15 - 12:43 am

  I had been researching and test driving various SUVs for over one year. I was looking for something with the comfort and versatility of a minivan, good gas mileage and not too big. Also didnt want to spend too much. The Freestyle is a great option. The ride is firm. I can easily get in and out of the car. The seats are the right proportion fit for me - much better than the ones in our F350. The glare on the windshield is very annoying. Polarized sun glasses are needed!

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  Many areas for improvement. - 2005 Ford Freestyle
  By Chris - January 10 - 4:36 pm

  It handles well, is roomy and attractive in appearance. Lacks the quality I am used to in other Ford vehicles I have owned.

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  Good Alternative to SUV or Minivan - 2006 Ford Freestyle
  By Nikko - January 10 - 6:10 am

  We purchased the Freestyle in April of 2005. We have found it to be a comfortable and easy to drive vehicle with plenty of cargo room. The CVT is a wonder. Good amount of responsive power with smooth handling.

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  Good Family Vehicle - 2005 Ford Freestyle
  By lyons - December 30 - 6:06 am

  Weve had our Freestyle for about 6 months now and love it. It is exactly what we wanted and my wife loves to drive it. We have used it as a daily driver around town and on trips into the mountains, always with great enjoyment. The all wheel drive worked great during our last storm that went through. As for the engine, we knew when we bought it that it wasnt a sports car, but once you get used to the transmission its great.