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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  A Diamond From Ford - 2005 Ford Freestyle
  By MPirkl - September 15 - 10:23 am

  We were in the market for a minivan and "discovered" the vehicle through Edmunds.com. We were impressed with the value of all features and have been thrilled with owning this vehicle. We opted for the AWD version and it is harder on gas than we hoped, but that is the trade off I guess. We have kids and dogs and the vehicle provides great utility. My wife also enjoys not having to climb into it as she did in our former SUVs.

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  Excellent Freestyle - 2005 Ford Freestyle
  By Kris Loewen - September 2 - 4:36 pm

  My wife and I recently purchased a Freestyle. We love the car. The door openings are large and comfortable, easy to see out; smooth and very quiet ride; nice acceleration, and no annoying jerk at the shift points. We love the car, and are satisfied with the mileage. The fold away seats are wonderful; we can pack tons of stuff in the back of this car.

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  Love our Freestyle! - 2006 Ford Freestyle
  By daire - September 1 - 7:46 pm

  Love the handling and especially like the performance of the CVT. We bought a 2006 Limited FWD with the safety package in Titanium Green with pebble interior. The suspension seems a bit stiff here at the beginning, but all in all a nice ride. GREAT mileage! We got 27.7 average MPG on our first tank. That exceed our expectations for a break in period. Love the memory seats and mirrors too. Makes it feel like a luxury car at a not so luxury price. A great value, in my opinion. Seems to have plenty of power too, although we have yet to drive it loaded up. The only minor complaint is that the LED is difficult to see in bright sun, and I wish the windshield was larger. Love the moonroof.

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  Volvo XC90 at a Ford price - 2005 Ford Freestyle
  By Dallas family - August 24 - 12:43 pm

  Looking for a family car to seat 7 - have 4 kids. Bought my wife a 2003 Suburban two years ago. Both thought that with this new vehicle purchase, having two cars in the family which can safely transport the entire family was important. Been driving my Freestyle for a week and happy with the purchase. The power issue is no issue. Don’t understand Edmund reviewers who write about a lack of power. It’s fast and capable of solid acceleration on the highway and city streets. Purchased no nonsense, no frills SE. All I really need in a car is for me and my family to feel safe, some A/C and power to get around in traffic – it has these things at a responsible price.

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  Ford Sleeper - 2006 Ford Freestyle
  By John Gonsalves - August 4 - 4:20 am

  I am 58 year old "car junkie" -- have owned over 100 cars of all makes, foreign & domestic. Until now my favorite cars were a 1965 Olds 442 & a 1994 Ford Taurus SHO MTX. My wife & I presently own a Ford Hybrid, Nissan Titan, Volvo C70 & the Freestyle. This Freestyle blew me away -- it has all the power needed, handles like a sports car, incredible in snow, good gas mileage average 23-28, versatile interior (can carry a 10 ladder inside), & a unique, attractive look. The car continues to draw attention from young & old alike.

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  Comfort and Versatile - 2006 Ford Freestyle
  By rcoogan1 - July 25 - 4:46 am

  Ive given my new Freestyle a rough beginning with freeway and city travel and using the seats to carry 7 passengers and also moving luggage and boxes while carrying 5 large passengers. This vehicle excels my wildest expectations. The power is surprisingly good, considering some of the reviews that it is underpowered. Not so, in my experience to date! The versatility is remarkable with my frequent use of the seats configurations to accommodate my every need. And the sound from the stereo is outstanding, coupled with the navigational system, I am happy to say that this cross-over vehicle is the best buy for the money, hands-down! I have a bad back and the seat comfort is the best too!

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  A great vehicle! - 2005 Ford Freestyle
  By vrod - July 14 - 11:06 pm

  It is nice to have a vehicle that has such great fuel economy and is so versatile. Ive read the review that says it lack powers but I disagree , it has plenty of power, and is a great wagon (small SUV).

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  Needs more pizazz - 2006 Ford Freestyle
  By Rick Perry - June 26 - 3:56 am

  My wife and I were looking at the Pacifica, when we stumbled across a Ford Freestyle. Until that time Ive never seen or heard of this vehicle. My wife took if for a test drive, fell in love with the handling and roominess of the interior. Admittedly I wasnt sold on the SUV until I started driving it. Now I have no regrets. The Freestyle is roomy and handles great. Impressed with the quite ride and comfortable. Im sold!

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  Value Winner - 2005 Ford Freestyle
  By Michigan - June 5 - 10:56 pm

  The Freestyle is an excellent vehicle. Our family of six took a 2500 mile road trip and it was a pleasure. The car rides and handles well. Its solid and we havent had a single issue.

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  Great Vehicle - 2005 Ford Freestyle
  By Rochester - June 1 - 11:10 pm

  What a joy to drive. Purchased the vehicle and then took an extended trip to Florida. Drove well and was comfortable. Storage space with the fold down seating was great!