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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  Best Kept Secret - 2006 Ford Freestyle
  By John G - February 19 - 1:00 pm

  Traded my 05 Windstar for the AWD Freestyle; first road trip to Green Bay averaged 27.1 mpg, 750 mile round trip averaged 26.2 with 4000 miles on engine. Excellent fit, doors sound expensive when slammed! Fun to drive on stop & go Eisenhower into Chicago, no noticeable shifting up & down.

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  Former Yukon XL Owner - 2005 Ford Freestyle
  By mineola1 - February 16 - 6:00 am

  My wife drives all the new cars. I love the way the car drives and the gas economy is great. It feels and rides just as substantial as my old Yukon on the highways. Im gonna buy another Freestyle in January and keep this one for me!

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  A nice surprise - 2005 Ford Freestyle
  By Lisa - January 17 - 1:16 pm

  We were down to the wire for a new small SUV. We test drove the Freestyle first. We test drove other SUVs after (CRV, Element, Mazda Tribute, etc.), but they paled in comparison. We did nothing but talk about the Freestyle for a month before we bought it. It is a lot of fun to drive. So far, it does great in the snow. I am surprised not to see more of this vehicle on the road. Ford needs to get the word out how great this SUV is!

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  Quality crossover - 2005 Ford Freestyle
  By markkal - January 15 - 7:40 pm

  Good crossover vehicle. Has plenty of room and great handleing for it"s size. Smooth power

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  Best Car Ive Ever Owned - 2006 Ford Freestyle
  By orrsonly - January 14 - 4:01 pm

  I commute on a regular basis with 4 teenagers in the car. There is plenty of room and everyone is comfortable. I also live in Rochester, NY. Snow has been no problem with this "truck", I recently slid on black ice and no damage was done to my vehicle. Mileage is not that bad either for the size, I maintain 22-24 MPG. I would reccomend this car to anyone with kids. I regularly have 6-7 people in the car and there are few fights between the kids and thats saying a lot with my crew!

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  One nice all around vehicle - 2005 Ford Freestyle
  By elibruno - January 3 - 5:13 pm

  Nothing but praise for my Freestyle; ease of entry and exit is the best around. good for the grandkids as well as the seniors and room for ALL of their gear.

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  Freestyle Limited Love It - 2005 Ford Freestyle
  By D.G. MILLER - December 30 - 1:26 pm

  Love almost every thing about this vehicle. Very nice to drive, feels very solid and tight. Like the fuel economy for a AWD large vehicle, 5-6 mpg better than my Explorer. This vehicle is a bargain vs. other AWD 7 passenger vehicles on the market.

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  Nice Car or SUV or Station Wagon - 2006 Ford Freestyle
  By tazman - December 28 - 10:43 pm

  We just got our Freestyle and no matter what you want to call it, it is a great car. Lots of room, smooth ride, great gas mileage and a good price for a very well equipped car. I never even heard of a Freestyle prior to hitting the Ford dealer. We were looking at the Pacifica and decided on this instead (better gas and less of a blind spot).

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  MY REVIEW OF THE FORD FREESTYLE - 2005 Ford Freestyle
  By Bob - December 25 - 4:16 am

  My purchase of the Ford Freestyle was consummated in June of 2005. I have been pleased with the performance so far. My previous car was a Ford Windstar van; my wife did not like to drive it. She felt boxed in and did not have good viewing of other traffic. Now with the Freestyle she is comfortable and is ready to drive at any time. My only complaint is driver room. I am 63" and weigh about 230 pounds. I feel a little cramped. The seat needs to go back a little farther and the console feels a bit confining. Otherwise we are very satisfied. I am a little disturbed by Consumer Reports that they always seem to have it in for Ford, saying the reliability is not good.

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  Nice seating room - 2006 Ford Freestyle
  By Sharon OConnell - December 21 - 1:20 am

  My husband and I bought this vehicle because of the ease of handling and the amount of seating capacity. We love that its so easy to enter and exit the vehicle. We dont have to stoop to get in or out. The visibility is another plus, but theres only one thing I would change, and thats the reflection of the dash on the windshield. My husband takes a crew with him to broadcast football games for his local radio station, and theres plenty of room for all 6 (big) men in the Ford Freestyle. Even with a big load like that, it handles easily and doesnt feel "bogged down" on the freeway. Our criteria in any purchase is, "Would we buy this again?", and thats an unqualified, yes, definitely.