Truly roomy seating for six passengers, plenty of cargo space, balanced ride and handling characteristics, lengthy list of safety features.
Cons
So-so acceleration, some low-grade interior materials, no stability control or navigation system.
What’s new
The Freestyle is an all-new crossover wagon from Ford. Built on a Volvo platform, it incorporates the Swedish brand's safety and all-wheel-drive technology, while offering six- to seven-passenger seating capacity.
Edmunds says
With truly comfortable accommodations for six passengers, plenty of cargo space and refined driving dynamics, the Freestyle has everything going for it except power.
Ford officially announced the production of this vehicle at the 2002 Chicago International Auto Show. It will compete in the increasingly crowded crossover segment against vehicles like the Toyota Highlander and Buick's Rendezvous. When it does finally hit the streets, the Crosstrainer will provide seven-passenger capacity with three rows of seats, a dual overhead cam aluminum V6, and both all-wheel drive and front-wheel drive versions.
Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2005 Ford Freestyle SE Fwd 4dr Wagon (3.0L 6cyl CVT) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.08 per gallon for regular unleaded in Ohio.
2005 Ford Freestyle Limited AWD 4dr Wagon (3.0L 6cyl CVT)
I bought my Limited AWD new in 2005 and have found the car to be very reliable. Just turned 270K miles as I drive a lot for my work. Gas mileage is consistent at 21 mpg now for mix of highway/town driving. I do alot of general maintenance myself. Things that have been replaced include all wheel bearings, front struts, some front suspension items, normal brakes/rotors/calipers once. I … change oil at 5K with ford semi-synthetic and the engine doesnt use a drop of oil between oil changes. Drivers seat heater stopped working
a while back. CVT had filter/fluid changes at 190K and as been rock solid. Once a year you should clean the butterfly in the throttle body- if not it can surge at idle.
Love the design, In for service already
4.63 out of 5 stars
Aarrow, 10/06/2010
2005 Ford Freestyle SEL Fwd 4dr Wagon (3.0L 6cyl CVT)
We recently purchased the freestyle from a reputable dealer.We have owned it for a month now and unfortunately it had to go to the shop numerous times right after buying it for shaking at 55-60mph, tires were cupping,rough idle and power steering pump. They put a new engine damper on it and now have had it for days saying it needs a torque converter. I understand with the miles it has … it's not gonna be perfect. I'm starting to feel maybe this car should never have been put on the lot. I can say the problems put aside though I love the style and comfort of the freestyle.
Great Car
4.38 out of 5 stars
Joel H., 04/25/2010
2005 Ford Freestyle Limited AWD 4dr Wagon (3.0L 6cyl CVT)
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 CVT's 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 we'll see how that goes. Removed the rear center console so our 4 year old can get through to the third row.
Good car, made like a tank
4.25 out of 5 stars
Philippe T., 12/23/2009
2005 Ford Freestyle SE Fwd 4dr Wagon (3.0L 6cyl CVT)
Didn't 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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