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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  I love my 2005 SEL Freestyle! - 2005 Ford Freestyle
  By Jackson - February 7 - 3:43 am

  The Ford Freestyle is the most versatile vehicle Ive ever encountered. Its a combo of car, minivan, SUV & in my opinion Fords best kept secret. The ride is fun, smooth, responsive & handles solidly. The amount of room and storage in this car is amazing! The seating is comfortable, and spacious for 6-7. We recently went to a soccer tournament in UT; our Freestyle just zipped up and down the mountains with plenty of passing power. Not sure why others say theirs are sluggish? Was not sure the cargo space behind the 3rd seat was big enough but was pleasantly surprised. A full size cooler, soccer gear, luggage & a shopping trip to Costco fit with little effort. Ford Family Plan awesome!

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  Nice Mix of Size, Function, Fun - 2005 Ford Freestyle
  By NC Dad of 3 - February 4 - 7:03 am

  The Freestyle is well-positioned between and traditional station wagons and SUVs. I needed a 4-door car to carry around my three sons and all their sports gear, but at the same time be economical for an everyday commute. The Freestyle has the room we need (including good storage behind the third seat) but is still rides and drives like a car. The fold down third seats are great, very easy to flip. Second row and front passenger seat fold flat for almost 10 feet of space. The 3.0L engine has plenty of pep, including with 5 passengers. Im averaging 20 MPG in the city. The only drawback I see so far is the "plastic- y" interior on the SEL, and a mediocre quality sound system. Great car.

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  nice all around vehicle - 2005 Ford Freestyle
  By David - January 16 - 6:40 am

  10" longer than a Explorer; you can see the difference in interior room (leg room front and back noticeable bigger). Gas mileage 19 to 20 city, 23 to 24 highway. If you have a heavy foot the city mileage runs 17 to 18. No problems at all. The ride and handling is better than a minivan. Very little body lean around 90 degrees turns.

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  This is a great vehicle! - 2005 Ford Freestyle
  By jrtexas - December 13 - 10:50 am

  We were very fortunate to get a great deal on this Pueblo Gold SE FWD. After 2 weeks of ownership we are thrilled with the comfort, interior roominess, style and ease of driving. Gas mileage looks like its in sync with the EPA estimates. Acceleration and power is great; no problem with the engine or CVT drive. Whats not to like?

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  Best Family Vehicle Ever! - 2005 Ford Freestyle
  By Mojeecat - November 27 - 10:30 pm

  I love this car! I went to the dealership looking for an SUV or minivan & the salesman suggested this. I never even knew they existed. I have elderly parents & small children. This vehicle has plenty of room & is easy for them to get in and out of. The CVT was strange at first but I LOVE it now. I have about a 30 mile commute every day & it rides great in stop & go traffic. You can really feel the difference. Not quite ready to go to a minivan, so this was a great alternative. We recently went on a 5,000 miles road trip through the mountains and the car handled beautifully through all the curves. Not to mention it held 4 adults & 2 kids with all their stuff. Go out & get one today!

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  The new SUV - 2005 Ford Freestyle
  By ken - November 21 - 11:30 am

  After years of driving Big SUVs, this is the ticket. Great mileage, plenty of room, great fold down rear seats, more leg room for the kids. We are very pleased with this vehicle. The Volvo inspired safety features were a real selling point. Ford has a great 2 year lease on these, I couldnt beleive how affordable it was. I would like to have the sedan (FORD 500) as my everyday company car.

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  My car - 2005 Ford Freestyle
  By webnoc - November 10 - 1:00 am

  This car is everything I had hoped it would be. The transmission is so smooth - you dont notice that it never shifts, power is constant.

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  No Compromises Crossover - 2005 Ford Freestyle
  By DerwoodTom - November 2 - 6:20 am

  Just got the Freestyle this week, and people ask what it is - and I respond a great vehicle. Plenty of features, leather seating, DVD, Moonroof, seats six (middle row buckets), and thoughtfully built. Nice features such as outside perimeter lighting, auto-dimming mirror for night driving, drivers side on door keypad is multi-functional. Drives great, plenty of pep around town, great passing from 50 - 70, at just over $28K, a great value compared to the few others with all these features and similar size. Tried looking at Toyota Highlander, Buick Rendevous, Honda Pilot, or another mini-van, but after 19 straight years of minivan life, this is a great change, even compared to our two sedans.

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  Minivan? We Dont Need No Stinkin Van! - 2005 Ford Freestyle
  By New Car Owner - October 31 - 2:46 pm

  Thank you Ford for giving us a good alternative to the minivan. We get all of the benefits of a van, without having to purchase a SUV that would never see a dirt road. Performance is acceptable, once you figure out "jamming the accelerator to the floor" to pass. The CVT does fine, although it takes some getting used to its lack of shifting. The vehicle is not a sports car, but it serves its purpose well, and is quite comfortable. It has the same handling characteristics as a van, but is very predictable in panic type maneuvers. Braking is consistently good, but some fade is noticed on long downhill situations. We average 25 MPG in mixed driving. So far we are pleased with our purchase.

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  THE BEST EVER! - 2005 Ford Freestyle
  By MARE MCGILL - October 23 - 4:03 am

  I have driven Expeditions since 1997, in fact I have owned 3. I replaced my last Expedition with the Freestyle. What a great car! The performance with the CVT transmission is unbelievable. Fuel economy is better than I expected. I just cant say enough about how wonderful this car is.