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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  So far so good . . . - 2006 Ford Freestyle
  By Michael V Soiseth - November 16 - 1:04 am

  I bought a 2006 Ford Freestyle from my brother at about 90K miles, he'd had no big problems with it. I've put 25K on it and had no serious problems. So far so good. One small but aggravating problem is the wider back seat will not unlatch and go down. I've examined it and there seems to be no way to fix it with taking the seat out and that appears very difficult. Also the AWD doesn't seem to work. I can live with these problems. Other than that I've had no problems with it.

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  Extremely Disappointed with Ford - 2005 Ford Freestyle
  By Lisa - August 28 - 7:08 pm

  own a 2005 limited awd..duratek engine is great, but CVT trans is junk. I first noticed the car started lunging around 80k miles. Progressively got worse. Then the transmission went. MANY transmission specialists told me its about a $6k job, and they didnt even want to touch it. Even the Ford dealership told me the car wasnt worth the fix. You cant even find a salvaged/rebuilt CVT because they are ALL junk, and if you do, no one will guarantee anything. And after reading everyone elses posts with the exact same problems, its an absolute abomination that Ford would not do a recall. Ford is well aware of these issues, even launched an investigation, but never made the recall! I still owe about 1k on the beast, and i will probably get a few more months out of it so im gonna drive it into the ground. Ive always been a Ford girl, and was especially proud that they didnt take a bailout. But Ford is still using this transmission, and their full knowledge of these issues and refusing to stand by their product has really put me off. Basically, we are getting screwed, and they dont care. I am extremely disappointed with Ford. I am no longer a Ford girl.

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  started out good - 2007 Ford Freestyle
  By Tr76 - August 16 - 3:44 pm

  We bought this car new in 2007, it was great for years then at 125,000 we had to replace the transmission cost us $3000. Then it stated surging , got the throttle cable cleaned it worked great for another year , now the surging is so bad now that is dangerous to drive , and when we put it in gear it surges then the wrench light comes on and the car cuts off ... Just paid $1200 to replace the air conditioning system. Seems like everything breaks at once and its all expensive to fix ... I wish Ford would recall the problems and fix it !

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  Transmission is a time bomb - 2006 Ford Freestyle
  By tsliberty - May 20 - 1:33 pm

  Our 2006 Freestlye had 65,000 miles on it. Just paid it off. Transmission died without any warning. Dead in the middle of the street. Called the dealer, they said that they dont make that transmission anymore so they would have to find a rebuilt one. and it will cost $7,000+! We thought that was a bit high, so we called around and every place told us the same or that they wouldnt even attempt it. Great. Talked to Ford and they offered to pay for $3,000 of the repair cost. Still a very expensive fix for a car with only 65,000 miles. They warrantied the transmission for another 50,000 miles. But we sold it within a few months since I was too paranoid to drive it very far from home.

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  About my 2005 Ford Freestyle SEL - 2007 Ford Freestyle
  By bruce1458 - February 15 - 4:14 pm

  So far I have not have some of those problems that some Freestyle owners have. I now have 64,000 miles, and still under the Ford ESP Warranty. The ride is a bit bumpy, gas mileage should be better, My biggest problem now is the door locks freezes up when snow or when temp falls below 25 degrees, then the doors wont close. I had to hold the driver door while driving. Not good. I received a Recall letter about eight years ago took it to a Dealer and thought I was fixed, come to find out nothing was done. In Maryland sometimes we our Winter is not as bad as the western or nothern States. Otherwise not a bad car.

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  Never again, Ford - 2006 Ford Freestyle
  By cbutschek - May 13 - 12:43 pm

  While I have to admit that this car has made it over 200K miles, it hasnt been without a lot of work, stress, and burning money. I received this as a gift from my uncle mid-2010 and the car already had over 150K miles on the clock. Within the first 18 months, the engine block cracked and had to be replaced. Shortly after that the starter died and had to be replaced. Fast forward 6 months and the power steering line springs a leak because the Ford service techs bent the elbow joint. Fixed that and then the ignition switch starts to glitch. I just replaced a wheel hub, compressor, and the drive belt a couple days ago. So far, the only part that hasnt failed or started failing is the CVT.

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  What a waste of 10 Grand - 2005 Ford Freestyle
  By 4freese - December 6 - 7:43 pm

  We bought out Freestyle used and was assured that it was a great automobile with no known issues. After a year of owning it the car died and it has to have the CVT transmission fixed. I replaced the mechatronic unit and it still is not fixed. Dealer said that the best thing to do is light a match and drop it on the floorboard. A new trans is $6000 and a throttle body is $500. Mechatronic unit was $800. What a money pit. If it had a better transmission it would be a great car but it cannot move without this working.

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  Another bad tranny. - 2005 Ford Freestyle
  By susanh48 - November 29 - 11:04 pm

  Ive had my 2005 freestyle 2 years. Its miles 112,000. When stopped it would lunge forward. Had mechanic look at it but he couldnt get it to lunge. Then the rear traction light came on. Tried to take it to mechanic & was fine. A few more days go by and then the check transmission light comes on. Again go to mechanic and it runs fine. This time I had it looked at & was told it had 5 transmission codes, none of which he could fix. Drove it for weekend made an appt to take to tranny shop, told it needed a new tranny $4500 plus labor of $1500 and backordered 90 days. I am like others and stuck making payments while it sits. This will be my last Ford.

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  Watch out - 2006 Ford Freestyle
  By mae52 - November 19 - 7:36 am

  Bought used 6 months ago a 2006 Ford Freestyle SE AWD with CVT. Power steering pump went I had it replaced. Two weeks later rack and pinion steering making noise, took it in to have it looked at and he said the following, the front sub frame on your car is completely rotted out and is unsafe to drive. The sub frame was replaced at a cost of $1000.00 plus labor (used sub frame). The rest of the frame is strong. The sub frame must have been rotted for years. This is a six year old car! All I can say congrats to the drunk or stoned UAW workers who put this car together. You must be happy, you must have had a good laugh. By the way, the front brakes needed replacing and a caliper was seized.

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  $6000 transmission - 2006 Ford Freestyle
  By car_vent - March 2 - 6:55 am

  Bought the car used from the person who drove it off the lot new. It had been maintained exceptionally well. Started lunging in reverse about 5 months after we got it. A few weeks later I got in the car and it was making a horrid sound, felt like I was trying to drive in first and it was dragging. First part needed isnt available anymore. Mechanic - rightfully so - doesnt want to buy a used or reconditioned transmission as it seems to be such a chronic issue with these cars - so Ford and their service department will be getting $6000 to replace the bloody thing. Thats more than half what we owe on the car. Im absolutely sick about it. I have never had such a money pit.