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:

• 

  Great Car - 2005 Ford Freestyle
  By Joel H. - April 24 - 10:55 pm

  Only had this rig for 5 months now, but have enjoyed owning it this far. It has 100,00 miles on it. I am a service tech, at the dealership where it was sold new, So I have presonally done alot of the service work on it. The CVT is original and has no problems so far. Thinking back I can only remember 3 CVTs with problems at our dealership. I worked on one of them. They are pretty simple and compared to other vehicles, I think the failure rate is probabally average. I am planning to tow a 14 fiberglass boat this summer so well see how that goes. Removed the rear center console so our 4 year old can get through to the third row.

• 

  Liked the Freestyle - 2005 Ford Freestyle
  By Lobo - April 24 - 2:29 pm

  We live in S. MD and bought the 05 Freestyle new while on a trip to WV happened to pass a dealer in VA and just stopped in for a look. Traded an 01 Explorer Sport, and have really enjoyed the Freestyle. The handling, comfort, and space were very good mileage averaged around 24 for 65k miles. CVT took a little getting used to, but really liked it in the mountains, and great in up to 10" of snow. No problems or repairs just traded it in for a 2010 Lincoln MKX, wifes an SUV girl at heart. Interesting note, local dealer thought our Freestyle was so nice, its in their showroom for sale, and they can only fit 3 vehicles in the showroom. Freestyles dont stay on the lot long around here.

• 

  Awesome - 2007 Ford Freestyle
  By mrs price - April 20 - 6:02 pm

  I bought this car used this year and I am in love with it. I love the style and the comfort. I would say this is the best car Ive owned. Talk about space. Very roomy for me and the kids and my daycare. I wouldnt trade trade this care for any other crossover in its class. I am so satisfied and I guess I am a Ford girl again. Go Ford!

• 

  Major problem with transmission - 2007 Ford Freestyle
  By sharon sine - March 26 - 9:48 am

  I purchased my 2007 freestyle in April 2088 with just over 10,000 miles. The transmission went in 2009, not sure of mileage and had to be repaired. This month at approximately 48,000 miles it went again. Service decided to would be more cost effective to replace with a refurbished transmission. The car is only 3 yrs old! The refurbished transmission (not new) only has a limited warranty and was told by service that if it goes again after warranty, it could cost 3000 to 5000 dollars to fix. I believe Ford new about the problems with the transmission on these cars and purposely failed to tell of potential transmission problems.

• 

  RIP Freestyle, you served us well. - 2005 Ford Freestyle
  By Libbygu - March 23 - 3:43 pm

  I LOVED my Freestyle. Ok, we had the issue with the rear brakes in the beginning, going through a set a year which our fabulous dealer replaced, FREE, twice, and then I had my Firestone guy do it right the third time and they have been fine ever since. No other issues. Drove us fully loaded from Seattle to Texas with the AC full blast the summer before last - 24 MPG! Sadly, last weekend, she performed her final duty, crumpling and absorbing the force as my 17 YO son crashed her. TOTALED. Interior of the car looks like NOTHING HAPPENED. Thank you Freestyle, sniff. Youll be missed. Gone, but not forgotten.

• 

  Best vehicle for money! - 2006 Ford Freestyle
  By alex2009b - March 21 - 9:02 pm

  Love this beauty, I have limited with all options available. Just cant get enough of it, drives so nice and smooth! Bought it for my wife-have two kids, very roomy and comfortable. Love how it behaves on a highway! Very steady! We have friends coming over all the time, and we leave their car by our house-and leave all together in this 7 passenger! Love it! I just sold another car and my wife asking if I want to get the same one for myself! :) never knew Ford was this good until tried it out myself! All 5 stars! Way to go Ford!

• 

  Good Buy - 2007 Ford Freestyle
  By Jeff - March 2 - 12:10 pm

  Bought new. Three years later still very happy with the car. Checking the tires and breaks at each oil change as this appears to be the most common complaint. High teens, low twenties in the ciy and high twenties on the HWY. This is great mileage for such a roomy vehicle. Would highly recommend. Ford Brass/Marketing missed the boat on this one.

• 

  Need New Transmission - 2005 Ford Freestyle
  By Abby - February 24 - 11:00 am

  Like others, I also need a new transmission at 88K miles. I have done all the tuneups, oil changes, filters, etc on this vehicle since I purchased it new in 2005. Transmission went out and so did the fuel and water pumps all at the same time. Costs more to repair than the car is worth, and Im still making payments. Wish Ford would make concessions for these vehicles and help with repair expenses.

• 

  No problems here - 2005 Ford Freestyle
  By POC - February 21 - 1:13 am

  Weve had a very good experience with our Freestyle. It replaced a Durango that we had lots of trouble with. The Freestyle is peppy for its size and handles well. The CVT is different and takes some getting used to. Traction control is sometimes not helpful, very glad that it can be turned off, with it off both front tires pull. Last week I drove home through 6" of unplowed snow without a problem. We had one problem with the Climate Control dash buttons not working, turned out to be a vacuum leak (known to happen). I bought the car for my wife to drive, as she didnt want a minivan. It is a good looking car too. Selling ours to get something 4x4.

• 

  2006 Ford Freestyle SE in NC - 2006 Ford Freestyle
  By Jermnc77 - January 6 - 9:22 pm

  I purchased the Freestyle new in 2006. I love the Freestyle! I love the styling cues of an SUV mixed with a stationwagon. I would have loved to seen a "wood" panel addition. This car is an excellent traveler! We drove it from NC to OK and enjoyed every mile. I cant believe Im actually thinking of keeping this car and paying it off! That has NEVER happened to me! My average mpg is 23 miles per gallon. I have never achieved the advertised "500 miles per tank". Still it gets better gas mileage than any other SUVs or vans this size! I got the CVT trans model. I wish I had gotten a regular trans instead. The CVT has a towing capacity of 2k, while the reg trans had a 3k