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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  WE LIKE IT - 2005 Ford Freestyle
  By JAWAJ - February 17 - 5:56 pm

  We were looking for a 6 passenger vehicle but not an SUV. When the CUVs came out we became interested. Did a lot of reading and testing. The car has performed very well. The "lack of power" question is not a problem because the vehicle is not to be a race car. Ramp entry speed has been there, starting in traffic is good. The sound system is great, the fold down seats are very functional. The AWD has been smooth. I dont know why the Limited package is not offered in FWD? The getting in and getting out is very nice as the car is just the right height. Handling is very good, there is no body sway, it holds the road well. We like it.

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  Freestyle; Home run for Ford! - 2006 Ford Freestyle
  By mudhen - January 17 - 8:30 am

  Just purchased the Freestyle, what a car! I was truly impressed with the great value it offers. I am not a huge Ford fan, but I was very impressed with the overall quality, comfort, and features this car offered at this price point. Score one for Ford, They did a great job. A terrific "minivan" alternative.

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  After 7500 miles - 3 weeks for repair - 2005 Ford Freestyle
  By Klaus Meyer - December 18 - 7:10 pm

  I took delivery in October 04 and my wife and I like the car overall. Good car like ride, spacious interior, enough power, AWD and traction control. Noise level at 70 mph very low. We sold our 1996 Jeep LTD with 57,000 miles on it (nothing but problems ). Our Freestyle has been in the repair shop for 3 weeks now. While we were driving on the freeway at 60 mph the dash lights would come on and show us symbols like: Brakes, ABS, Traction, and the speedometer needle would drop to zero while you are driving at 60 mph. This happened 4 times to us. The dealership could not repeat the problem while in the shop. The whole dashboard electrical cluster had to be replaced. Will see whether they fixed it .

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  Kudos to Ford - 2005 Ford Freestyle
  By OBX1 - December 13 - 4:20 am

  Very satisfied with style and performance. We have a family of 5, and this fits our needs quite well. Used it on the beaches in NC, and am looking forward to a snowy winter.

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  Best of the Crossovers - 2006 Ford Freestyle
  By FRtyme - December 3 - 9:26 pm

  Researched many vehicles, Crossover/SUVs, but for the price could not beat the Freestyle. Interior does not look plastic. It is finished off nicely. Very comfortable and roomy. Power is more than adequate and handling is superb. Fun to drive. Only drawback I have found, there is a reflection of the dash in the windshield during the daylight hours. I can live with it. Great car, Ford should push it more then they do. They have a winner here.

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  great car - 2005 Ford Freestyle
  By linda mulvaney - December 1 - 5:53 am

  Only been driving it for about 6 months but so far I love it. I will let you know more after I see how it handles in the snow and ice. It is every thing I wanted in a car and what I really love about it is that it is not a car nor a truck. It is a little bit of both. I get compliments every where I go with it. It drives nice, looks nice and is just nice. Seems to hold the road great. I can fit so much in it. It sits nice and high to see the road but not too high. One of the reasons I bought it was because of all the safety features it has. I would recommend this car to everyone; in fact I have.

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  Great Vehicle - 2005 Ford Freestyle
  By Tom Mikulski - November 18 - 1:46 am

  This vehicle has not received a lot of publicity and I dont know why. It has been, in the short time Ive owned it, a solid vehicle with better than average fuel mileage, comfort and performance. We are getting ready to take it on a 1200 mile trip and I look forward to the ride.

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  Dashboard reflection - 2005 Ford Freestyle
  By Roman - October 27 - 2:40 pm

  On sunny days, extremely annoyed with windshield reflection coming from the drivers side instrument gauge dash hump, the dash compartment, and the drivers side airbag all reflect back at you in bright sunny weather. Either the tint needs to be looked at or an anti glare modification is needed. This is a 2006 model and Ford should of found out about this problem already. This is a safety hazard.

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  Retired Person - 2005 Ford Freestyle
  By Charles Cooper - October 26 - 11:23 pm

  30 days doesnt give a good review. I like the way it handles, the comfort and it carries my golf equipment with ease.

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  FORD GOT IT RIGHT - 2005 Ford Freestyle
  By Team Young - September 20 - 8:16 am

  We trade SUVs every year; have had Yukons, Expeditions, Tahoe & Toyotas. Thought with rising gas prices and one less family member (son at college) we would try a cross over type. Looked at all of them, Chrysler, Subaru, Acura & Nissan. The Freestyle is the best overall bang for the buck. We have already put on 19K and it has been excellent. The Limited is loaded and it is very comfortable to drive on long trips. Small lack in power is not that big of deal. The CVT tranny is great and the room for the 2+2 in the back to rows is great. Good head room in all seats. Ford got it right this time.