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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  Back to a Ford - 2005 Ford Freestyle
  By Roger Wheatley - February 28 - 6:16 pm

  Its been 5 years since my last Ford product (other than controlled company, Mazda). The Freestyle was a compromise between an SUV and sporty sedan. For its size, it has a great combination of ride and handling. With the CVT, the engine seems more than it really is, getting the best out of it.

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  Best Family Van Alternative - 2005 Ford Freestyle
  By Dadto3 - February 19 - 11:36 am

  This is hands down the best car we have ever owned. With 3 young kids in car seats we needed space and functionality but we did not want to sacrifice performance and style. This was the best alternative to a dreaded minivan. We tested several other brands but found no other better value, performance, and gas mileage for our money. I will most definitely recommend the Freestyle to anyone with young kids that does not want to be stuck in a soccer mom minivan.

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  Mr. - 2005 Ford Freestyle
  By Bill Burton - February 18 - 8:13 pm

  I live driving at a higher seat level. I can carry my electric scooter in the rear area of the car. I like the idea of having four air bags. I like very much not feeling the gears shift; continuous drive. There is ample power when it comes time to pass another vehicle. The power drivers seat is a good option. I havent used the two fold-a-way seats in the rear, but it is good to know they are there. On the whole, I am very pleased with my purchase of this vehicle.

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  Great ride - 2005 Ford Freestyle
  By as350b2 - February 5 - 3:10 am

  This is a great car that more people should discover. It has all the attributes we were looking for in a vehicle. Stable, handles well, not too small, roomy, good fuel mileage, modern technology, smooth ride, quiet. The CVT transmission is amazing. It is a fun car that is way bigger than it appears.

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  My Freestlye - 2005 Ford Freestyle
  By Shirley Howard - January 29 - 4:36 pm

  I have had a lot of different autos in the last several years. I love my Freestyle; it has so much room and it is fun to drive. It also is a very sharp looking sporty car. I plan on keeping this one awhile.

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  Great Alternative to Traditional SUV - 2005 Ford Freestyle
  By Todd Rauppius - January 18 - 10:40 pm

  This is proving to be a very nice vehicle. The performance is good to very good; 19-20 mpg compared with 13- 14 mpg in my old mini-van, strong firm brakes, good acceleration (especially at speed for passing). Steering feel is very good, and the vehicle corners flat with a ride quality that is better than an SUV yet not quite as good as a car/wagon. Very good build quality, eveything fits and is aligned.

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  AWESOME for Families - 2006 Ford Freestyle
  By abswheeler - January 15 - 9:43 pm

  My husband used the Freestyle, instead of a truck, to pick up the boards to build our fence. We both love the versatility and great gas mileage. The ride is also smooth and quiet. Easy access to children and cargo.

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  Freestyle SEL - 2005 Ford Freestyle
  By RMG - January 10 - 1:16 am

  Terminated our lease on an 03 Explorer to get into the Freestyle. Went to the dealer expecting to purchase the SE model but with the Family and Friends program pricing got an SEL well within our budget. The styling upgrades and standard features on the SEL are well worth the extra expense.

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  New Freestyle fits the bill - 2005 Ford Freestyle
  By JC - January 6 - 7:46 am

  As a new owner, I dont have reliability experience yet. As a previous Escape owner, we needed something with more cargo room (for hockey gear!), AWD, and all the safety features while taking it easy on gas. The Freestyle fit the bill in all respects. Its mammoth inside, has all the safety goodies, full-time AWD, and is a handsome vehicle. Ford did the smart thing by using the Volvo XC90 platform.

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  Under Appreciated & Under Marketed - 2005 Ford Freestyle
  By Dave B - January 4 - 1:46 pm

  This is a smart, capable vehicle, very versatile for family use. FordÂ’s thinking is smart on this one, create a station wagon with the styling and comfort attributes of an SUV without the ride, handling, and gas mileage penalties. Offered as a 6 and 7 seater, we choose the 7 for our family of 5; this allows our kids to sit three across and use the luggage space, or take a couple of friends along. The 3rd row seat is one of the most useful available in the market, better than some in far larger vehicles. Pleasant to drive, it gets compliments from everyone that rides in it. Gas mileage has been 17 city & 24 highway, low compared to the EPA figures, but much better than our V-8 SUV at 13/17.