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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  Freestyle? - 2006 Ford Freestyle
  By wmuguy - May 10 - 5:00 pm

  Bought the car after driving 14 different models from cars to minivans. This was one of only 2 cars that that my head didnt hit the ceiling in. Im 6 4". Impressed with the build quality and utility of the vehicle. Performance lacks a little but more than a trade off for the mpgs (currently 24 mpgs overall). Got an incredible deal from the Ford dealer. Over $5,000.00 off of sticker. Definitely the right choice since I drive over 45,000 miles a year for work.

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  2005 SE - 2005 Ford Freestyle
  By Ben99GT - April 24 - 8:16 pm

  The best family car on the market today. What other vehicle today matches the Freestyles combination of seating flexibility, ride comfort, car like handling, roominess, SUV-like appearance, and 25+ mpg fuel economy? The Chrysler Pacifica falls well short of the Freestyle in every category and is much slower to boot. A case could be made for one of the better minivans, such as the Honda Odyssey, but then youre behind the wheel of a minivan.

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  Great Vehicle - 2005 Ford Freestyle
  By MFreedman - April 15 - 7:06 am

  Pros:This is a wonderful vehicle. I came from a Ford Explorer and have more room than a vehicle that looks bigger. Great features like audible beep when backing up (the radio actually reduces volume) and a very smooth ride. I am completely satisfied with the pick-up and performance of the CVT transmission. Con: The automatic climate does not seem that responsive. When I lower the temp it still blows hot for a period of time. I need to bring it in. The CD player acts a bit crazy at times. Occasionally skips to next track befor song finishes and speeds up as if it senses a skip that isnt there.

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  1st 1000 miles. - 2005 Ford Freestyle
  By Phil - April 12 - 9:03 am

  Absolutely the best value on the market. After the 1st 1k, including an ice storm, I love this vehicle. More than enough power for me, and I traded an LS V8 for the Freestyle. The AWD is fantastic on ice, and saved me from an accident last week. Suprisingly well appointed interior with handy features and easy to use "flip down" seats for more cargo space. From all remarks I have seen on this vehicle, (and the Ford 500), I cant imagine why the reviewers (including Edmunds) keep harping on the lack of power.

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  Buy One - 2005 Ford Freestyle
  By Ron - March 26 - 2:23 am

  I just got my new Freestyle SEL and I am delighted with everything about the vehicle with one exception. The styling turns heads and I have been asked many times about what kind of car it is, and how I liked it. The exterior design beats a lot of the high price competitors, namely the foreign competitors, and the interior is well laid out, comfortable and stylish. I like the rear A/C vents, the unlimited number of cup holders, and the added optional features such as the computer, the storage areas and the simplicity of design. I opted for the six passenger version with the center console. My only complaint is the noisy transmission, which whines in at low speeds. Buy one.

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  Great Car! - 2005 Ford Freestyle
  By Gary Hickerson - March 9 - 5:13 pm

  I recently took this car on its first trip across country. I went from Nashville TN to Columbus Ohio and back. The car only had 1,000 miles on it when I started out and upon my return to Nashville I had 2,500+ miles on it. During the trip I averaged 26.8 MPG. Not bad considering it had very low mileage. The ride was even better than I thought it would be. I am a big guy at 300+ lbs and I had plenty of room and seats were comfortable. Ride was smooth and the CVT transmission worked great. I especially loved how how smooth it was going up and down hills. In a normal automatic you have that sudden gear change with high RPMS. Not with this car. So smooth!

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  Ford Designs a Winner - 2005 Ford Freestyle
  By Jim N - March 8 - 8:43 am

  Ford has designed a winner in the Freestyle. It is a very comfortable ride with the features of a SUV. I own a Explorer and Freestyle and I would not go back to the Explorer. The back seats provide as comfortable ride as the front. There is great storage space and fuel mileage on the highway has been great at 23mpg. The storage and drink holder areas are numerous and convenient to the driver. You do not get tired driving this vehicle on long trips. I have found nothing I do not like about this vehicle. I drive over 1,500 miles a week in this vehicle.

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  1 year with a Freestyle Limited AWD - 2005 Ford Freestyle
  By Bob - March 4 - 4:03 am

  AWD was great after we got about 20 inches of snow! Very comfortable ride on long trips. Handles potholes and road joints with ease. I like the car and my wife, who drives it most likes it better than any minivan we owned. Now for the down side. PLEASE find a bigger motor for this otherwise great product. Around town its not bad, but try to pull into traffic or pass on the highway and its like old style turbo lag. The back hatch should have a remote power lift assist for the money spent. I would defiantly recommend this vehicle even without the needed improvements.

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  My Freestyle - 2005 Ford Freestyle
  By cardlady - February 25 - 7:40 pm

  I love my new car. Ive owned Fords since 1990, and this equals or surpasses my car experience. Its fun to drive and perfect for my needs and style. I would recommend a Freestyle to anyone.

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  Love the Car but...... - 2005 Ford Freestyle
  By duecer - February 19 - 9:30 am

  I have very near 3,000 miles on the vehicle and have few complaints with the exception of the fuel mileage. Ive read the previous reviews which speak of 20 and more miles per gallon and Im just not getting that. My best so far was 17.5 mpg on the highway. I purchased the Freestyle to replace my beloved SportTrac because I needed the cargo space and the Freestyle comes through. Plenty of space and comfort to boot! No problems getting used to the CVT and although there is some road noise it is acceptable. I have read the reviews of the interior style being plastic, but think it is modern and stylish, I like it!