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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  interior fit and finish needs work - 2005 Ford Freestyle
  By mark hatmaker - May 24 - 2:56 pm

  We replaced my wifes 01 Volvo S-40 with the new Freestyle. we strongly considered an XC-90, but considering the cost and features, and the maintenance costs of the Volvo, excessive to say the least, the Ford won us over, being based off the S 60 platform. Ford has a winner this time around, although not without some areas that could be improved. The interior fit and finish could be better, IÂ’ve noted several gaps in the dash panel, A-pillar area, switchgear, especially the power mirror switch on the top left of the drivers door; looks like a last minute addition, plus it takes too much reach to safely adjust while driving. And IÂ’d prefer a hand operated emergency brake. Overall the interior looks cheap.

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  Goldilocks of SUVs - 2006 Ford Freestyle
  By theaba - May 12 - 10:26 am

  This is just the right car between a station wagon and a SUV. It did a great job of moving our students load to the college dorm. My other car is a sport car. So, I drove the car in a spirited fashion and I was very impressed by its handling. The CVT gear works very nice. We made sure to get side air bags. This is not a standard feature but an option. You need to insist on it. Two other important factors in our purchase decision was its #1 rating in roll-over test (above Acura MDX), and its top ranking in crash testing (based on Volvo cage).

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  I love my new Ford Freestyle - 2005 Ford Freestyle
  By Donna - May 11 - 6:56 am

  Very comfortable and very spacious. Lots of leg room in second row seating for my 64" spouse. Love the theater row seating. Captain seats make it easier to get from the second row to the third row of seats. DVD a big plus. Cargo space is great - plenty of room for our dog to travel with us. Sound system is good. Love the exterior look. Rides more like a car than an SUV or minivan. Gets better gas mileage than previously owned SUV and minivans.

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  Too small - 2006 Ford Freestyle
  By Claudius - April 18 - 11:53 pm

  Like all SUVs and derivatives, built for small people. Center console (much too wide) seriously interferes with drivers legroom and knee. Maybe not a problem if you are 5"2, but it makes the car plain uncomfortable on longer drives for tall people. Seat comfort is mediocre, acceleration is poor (especially with 4 people in the car and/or any weight in the back). Needs more powerful engine and less clutter (get rid of the center console for a start).

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  I love my Freestyle. - 2006 Ford Freestyle
  By Moore - April 13 - 10:23 pm

  I feel safe in the vehicle. The ride is firm but very comfortable. I moved from an Explorer and an Expedition but I dont feel cramped in this vehicle. I travel from San Francisco area to Phoenix every two months so I am in my car for long periods of time. I am getting approximately 90% of the advertised mileage. I dont travel at the speed which would allow me to get what is published on the sticker. Manufacturers tend to advertise mileage attained at speeds much lower than what is actually experienced therefore a buyer of any vehicle should realize they will get slightly less. Overall my wife and I are very pleased with our purchase and believe we received what we expected.

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  First Ford - 2006 Ford Freestyle
  By Ray Gasiorowski - April 7 - 10:33 am

  What a nice vehicle to choose for your first Ford. The Freestyle is a good handling vehicle, sturdy, quiet and has good performance. We found that the visibility while driving is excellent and the amount of head room is good especially when sitting in the rear area. The front driver & passenger area is a comfortable layout and controls are within reach. All seating in this vehicle are well designed and give max comfort while driving.

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  FORD FREESTYLE SEL FRONT WHEEL DRIVE - 2005 Ford Freestyle
  By 2005 ford freestyle - March 30 - 5:56 am

  If youre looking for interior space without having to take the seats out, this is the car. Very comfortable, folding front seat is a plus. Im getting 22.3 mpg average. The CVT trans gets a little getting use to. The "coasting" after you attain your speed is different in that you dont have to keep your foot on the gas to maintain your speed. Can go over the speed limit quite easily. Good car!

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  A great Car - 2005 Ford Freestyle
  By Ron - March 28 - 8:13 am

  Great mileage, plenty of room and really a pleasure to drive. On a long highway trip I got about 25 MPG. The CVT transmission is amazing, almost feels like you are driving an electric car.

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  Best car Ive owned! - 2005 Ford Freestyle
  By webbcam - February 15 - 9:13 pm

  Ive owned Explorers, Expeditions and various Mazdas. This car is near perfect. Great handling, good pickup, smooth, and comfortable. I cant believe that Im getting 21 mpg driving in the city. The third row with the theater style seating is perfect for the kids and the availability of the safety canopy that protects all three rows is vital.

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  Ford Freestyle - 2005 Ford Freestyle
  By Becky - February 10 - 5:20 am

  I love my new Ford Freestyle. It rides & drive very smooth. I really like all the features that are standard, and the CVT transmission is exceptionally nice. I highly recommend this vehicle.