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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Expensive, hard to get-Transmission - 2005 Ford Freestyle
By Stephanie - January 5 - 6:37 pmMy transmission went out at 75,100 miles. Ford is the only supplier of that particular CVT transmission. No other company can get it. Its $5000.00
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Very disappoint with Ford Customer Care - 2006 Ford Freestyle
By Hami - December 23 - 1:24 pmMy husband and I purchased this vehicle two years ago (1 1/2 yrs old at the time) as a trade-in for a Ford Mustang. We were quite please with it until this year. We replaced all tires at 38,000 miles (Oct.), an alternator at 39,000 miles (Nov.) and I just broke down on the highway three days before Christmas, only to find that the transmission needs to be replaced! The car has 40,000 miles on it and of course its past the 3yr./36,000 miles warranty by 5 months and 4,000 miles!!! Even the dealerships said it shouldnt go that soon, yet Ford seemed unwilling to help us. I registered a formal complaint and will be following up. No more Fords. My Corolla is 10 yrs old and no problems!
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Good car, made like a tank - 2005 Ford Freestyle
By Philippe T. - December 22 - 7:38 pmDidnt want a minivan but needed lots of space for the expanding family. The driving experience is superb, theres a real feeling of security white driving this car, its very stable. When you take a look around the car, you notice its made strong + lots of protective panels/rubber here and there. Performance is low, but who wants to race a 7 passenger car? Fuel economy is good on the hwy. Its has 70k miles with no major issues. A couple of repair on the suspension but previous owner drove a lot on unpaved roads, so I guess its normal. Generally love this car and recommend it. Saw a couple of internet complaits about tranny prob. I tow a 2000 pound popup tent and its holding up pretty strong.
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Could have been better - 2005 Ford Freestyle
By Tom D. - December 22 - 2:56 pmThis vehicle replaced a 8 year old minivan. I needed cargo space for traveling, wanted better mileage and was motivated by the "Crossover" concept. I found the following: The overall ride and handling is excellent though the suspension is stiff. At interstate speeds it is very stable and the steering has excellent avoidance response. The cabin could be quieter. Fit and finish appears good and doors and frame have a very solid feel. Engine is adequate but I prefer better acceleration. The CVT is very smooth. The rear and center seat folding/storage flexibility is adequate. Automatic air conditioning very good especially in rear. Actual mileage is 18.5 local and 22.4 city
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Loving the Freestyle - 2007 Ford Freestyle
By Stacey - December 17 - 11:00 pmI bought this car almost 1 1/2 years ago, and I still adore it! I commuted to work in it for an entire year and I averaged about 26mpg, which is much better than I had expected. This car is nice for traveling across the country, and it drives very well in the mountains here in Colorado! Since Ive owned my Freestyle, Ive been able to avoid two near-misses with reckless drivers, and I believe thats because even though its a small SUV/large wagon, it handles like a car. I still get giddy when I see it in a parking lot with other cars, its so beautiful! In the year and a half the Freestyle has been mine, Ive only had to replace my rear brakes.
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Good Car - 2007 Ford Freestyle
By JC - December 1 - 10:03 pmPurchased vehicle with 7.5K, now have near 28K. No issues except windshield washer motor went bad (warranty fix). Good MPG 21 city 26-30 Hwy(60to75mph). Wife says seats and suspension over bumps could be softer. Hwy ride is great! Handles well in mountains. Really like the 3 seats, back rows fold flat. Lots of neat features. Storage in dash is nice. A little noisy on initial acceleration.
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family car - 2006 Ford Freestyle
By Benjamin Wallace - November 30 - 12:42 pmGreat room without sitting up on the air like most SUVs. Very comfortable, especially on long trips. Does have a bad blind spot on drivers side rear. Plenty of power but because of transmission it is deceiving. Can not feel transmission change gears with CVT. Plenty of room in back seat but 3rd row is for toddlers or small kids only. Loads of room with 3rd row laid flat.
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Love This Car-2006 Freestyle Limited AWD - 2006 Ford Freestyle
By 9CLINE - November 29 - 12:13 pmLove this car, traded in my 98 Lincoln Navigator for it. We travel a lot and haul bowling balls too, so I am surprised at the room and ease to load and unload the vehicle when comparing to my SUV. This was a wise and fun choice. Doesnt feel as small and tight as a car; rides and sits higher too. I like to feel like I am higher so this suits the bill. Great car.
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2006 Ford Freestyle - 2006 Ford Freestyle
By dbldsdad - November 29 - 8:45 amI have owned my Freestyle for 4 years and have accumulated almost 100,000 miles. I drive 70 miles a day round trip to work averaging 25 miles per gallon, but up to 30 on the freeway. However, I am on my fourth set of tires. Putting SUV/truck tires on will make them last longer. This crossover is just too heavy for car tires. Because of my milage the trade-in value does not equal the actual value...
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Freestyle "Freedom" - 2005 Ford Freestyle
By Clifford McKinstry - November 28 - 1:53 amThe performance is outstanding. I had three previous Windstars, and the Freestyle exceeds them in comfort, economy, ease of handling, and price. The CVT is an outstanding transmission, it is quick off the line, and really performs. Very comfortable seating, and tracking is effortless while on long trips.
