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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  Ford Mom - 2005 Ford Freestyle
  By julie - October 5 - 6:10 pm

  As a two time Taurus wagon owner, I can honestly say that I love my Freestyle. Thanks Ford for coming up with a great crossover vehicle. I just couldnt see myself in another wagon or minivan. The Freestyle was sporty enough to catch my eye. The only glitches that I have found are: gas cap keeps unthreading from holder, driver auto down window just stopped working and rear tire well is peeling inside. Wish I had gotten leather seats, tan interior is filthy from use. Overall, its a great car.

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  Kind of disappointed - 2005 Ford Freestyle
  By sharon - October 5 - 2:33 pm

  I like most everything about the car except for the fuel mileage. I am only getting 16 mpg city driving. I have 1600 miles and my mpg is dropping not rising. I called Ford and they said they would look at it but since there is no engine light on there is probably nothing they could do. I love my dark blue color and the seating material. It is easy to clean. The inside seems built pretty tough. The car could be a little wider because it is very crowded in the back after a car seat is put in. I love driving the car and the feeling of power I get. I love that it holds 7 passengers although the very back seat is still best suited for children.

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  very good car for kids - 2006 Ford Freestyle
  By leonard - September 18 - 8:30 pm

  Just went through the Ozarks on vacation, no problems, engine ok on hills but a good drive around the curves. Check engine light came on about day 5; local dealership in Bull Shoals checked it and it was fuel cap. 1 hour delay due to my error, but no cost to me. Fun to drive easy to move seats.

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  Excellent - 2005 Ford Freestyle
  By Freestyle20090450 - September 8 - 10:10 am

  Wow, I had a 2002 CR-V and what a difference in power. The CR-V was very slow, and the Freestyle feels like a racecar compared to it. It gets great gas mileage, and what can I say, its a great car. No problems yet and it purrs like kitten.

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  It actually gets the MPG advertised - 2005 Ford Freestyle
  By Peter - September 5 - 9:50 pm

  Having traded a Dodge Grand Caravan with Sto&Go seats, I was pleased that the fold down 3rd row and 2nd row seats gave just about the same room as the Sto&Go system. The MPG on my first 1500 mile trip was 26.5 with the air on and 27.5 with the air off. Drives great and front seats are very comfortable. Glad I made the switch!

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  First 4000 miles - 2005 Ford Freestyle
  By klaus Meyer - September 1 - 12:40 pm

  I took delivery of the car on October 15th abd drove it from Seattle to Palm Springs and back. The ride is very smooth and the seats are very comfortable. This is truly a luxury car like ride . The average mileage I got was 20.5 miles p/gallon on regular gas. We were 2 persons with 4 suitcases plus misc. items such as an icebox ,golf clubs etc. The accelleration in the mountains was very good and I left it on cruise at 70 miles when possible. I like the variable transmission a lot and you do not notice any hesitation at all, and it operates in such a smooth way. Before I bought the car I drove the Lexus RX 330, Volvo CX 70, Cadillac SRX and the Ford gave me the best value for the money.

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  Ford Freestyle - 2005 Ford Freestyle
  By Tyler Smith - August 26 - 5:16 am

  This is an excellent car, SUV, or a crossover as they say. Lots of power due to the CVT transmission, ALWAYS tons of power when you need it. Tires are awful. It needs better traction in snow ( took it to Vermont ), but the traction control works like a dream! It is so smooth and quiet on the highway though.

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  Wow! - 2005 Ford Freestyle
  By ltbilly - August 24 - 5:36 am

  The design of this vehicle is outstanding. There is plenty of room for people and luggage with comfort. The leather seats are extremely comfortable with a multitude of settings for the front row. The all wheel drive gives me as good gas mileage as I got in my Odyssey wagon and much better than my Mountaineer with added safety, security and comfort. So far, no problems whatsoever!

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  Nothing but problems - 2005 Ford Freestyle
  By Badexperience - August 21 - 7:56 am

  I Purchased my Freestyle on 17 November, and to date Ive been able to drive for ~24 days! The rest of the time itÂ’s been either in for repairs or waiting for parts to be "pulled off the line". So far Ive had the front wheel bearings replaced (@ 600 miles), transmission replaced (@ 900 miles), and the car still makes horrible grinding and/or clicking noises when cornering and breaking. Worst yet, when braking in turns this car occasionally pulls wildly to the right. Great job on styling, terrible job on reliability and ability to diagnose and fix problems. Not what I expected for $35K, Ford can keep my Freestyle. Hopefully I got one of a few lemons!

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  FREESTYLE SEL AWD - 2005 Ford Freestyle
  By ROY - August 17 - 1:16 pm

  I HAVE PUT 7000 MILES ON MY AWD SEL INCLUDING A TRIP FROM FROM OHIO TO FLORIDA. THE ENGINE WAS ADEQUATE FOR THE MOUNTAINS OF WV AND THE MILEAGE WAS EXCELLENT. I TRADED IN A 2004 GMC ENVOY BECAUSE OF THE MILEAGE AND FOR THE FLAT FLOOR. IT IS A GREAT CAR