2005 Ford Freestyle

Pros: Smooth, pleasant handling, refined CVT powertrain, stunning interior versatility, residual Volvo solidity and comfort.

Cons: Hard plastic dominates the interior, and it's not for driving enthusiasts... but what SUV is?

The Bottom Line: The Freestyle is the most balanced blend of car and SUV I've ever experienced. It's not a driver's car, but it's roomy, honest, efficient, and very appealing.

Review: My Experience I recently attended the Ford Racing Innovation Drive event in Pasadena. It was held at Irwindale Speedway, and was essentially a showcase for Ford's new 2005 models--the Five Hundred sedan, the Mustang coupe, and the Freestyle ...

Pros: Space/utility/versatibility, ride, fuel economy, decent power

Cons: Engine a bit loud w/ acceleration. 

The Bottom Line: Highly recommended to anyone who is looking for a minivan or SUV alternative. Much cheaper than Cadillac's crossover. Very good space for third row occupants

Review: After months of research, I finally decided to purchase the Ford Freestyle. There just isn't any other vehicle like it on the market that fitted my needs: An alternative to our other car (a Chrysler Town and Country--a great van!) which will give me good ...

Pros: Elegance, visibility, size, ample doo-dads, great gas mileage for its size.

Cons: No towing option, rearview mirror position, it's a new platform, noisy turn signal, small console.

The Bottom Line: It's a great new product from Ford. With the Escape's engine and Audi components in the transmission, it's not entirely unproven. Standard doo-dads, comfort, size, looks, capacity, mileage are pluses.

Review: Why Take A Chance? When my husband bought a first-year Mercury Cougar, he knew he took a risk. He chose the potential "babe magnet" though it was untried, unproven, and unsuitable to a geeky 40 year old bachelor. Now that he's caught the "babe" ...

Pros: Good fuel economy, super-versatile interior

Cons: 3rd row isn't very comfortable for adults, CVT transmission takes some getting used to

The Bottom Line: All told, the Freestyle is a very versatile, comfortable and stylish car at a great price.

Review: With 2 kids and another one on the way, my wife and I were faced with a dilemma. We HATE minivans, but we simply didn’t have enough room in our cars for strollers, diaper bags, etc., and still be able to fit the kids. And although there have been ...

Pros: Safe. Well designed. CVT. A fantastic SUV/Minivan alternative

Cons: Unproven CVT. Hard door slam. Narrow footwells.

The Bottom Line: Highly recommended. A perfect transition from our minivan. Great looking vehicle, great looking, yet simple interior. CVT works great.

Review: We bought this to replace our Chevy Venture. We saw it at the Chicago Auto Show and we liked it better than the Pacifica. Considered an Escape, but I use one at work and wonder how it could be so different (in a negative sense) than my 2000 Focus ...

Pros: Extraordinarily smooth ride, CVT, lots of usable space.

Cons: Obnoxious horn chirp when setting alarm.

The Bottom Line: I'm glad I bought this car. It's extraordinarily smooth due to the CVT and good suspension. Nice big size for a family. I'd recommend it.

Review: Built on a similar platform, the Ford Freestyle is basically a Volvo XC90 with Ford styling. I parked next to an XC90 with 300 miles on my brand new FREESTYLE SEL Front Wheel Drive car in order to compare the two cars. I decided against the All Wheel ...

Pros: Practicality, Comfort, Convenience, Style, Gas Efficiency

Cons: Performance and Power

The Bottom Line: I would definitely recommend this as a great family vehicle. Ford has read the minds of every parent driver and accommodated their needs for space, comfort, versatility, and practicality.

Review: My husband and I went to our local dealership with the intent to purchase an F150 SuperCrew for my husband. They didn't have the one he wanted in stock, so we started to look at the Explorers. I had an Explorer several years ago until we traded it ...

Pros: Interior Seating Configuration, AWD, Good Handling and Gas Mileage, Attractive.

Cons: Rear Brakes needed replacing at 19K miles. Hard riding when full (Six People)

The Bottom Line: I would consider replacing my Freestyle with another

Review: My needs seemed simple, until I began my search for a new car which would fit 6 comfortably, have AWD, and get half decent gas mileage. The major challenge for us was that I have three children (Two in child seats and one in a booster). I was looking ...

Pros: CVT, AWD, DVD system, Third row seat

Cons: Rear doors are too light; A power lift gate would have been nice

The Bottom Line: If you are looking for the convenience and practicality of a wagon or minivan with the look of a SUV, then buy this car!

Review: We bought this vehicle in March after seeing it at the Philadelphia Auto show. My wife was looking for a car she would be comfortable driving. She didn't want a minivan, although she liked the conveniences they offered. She didn't want a SUV because ...

Pros: great design ample room (six or seven seats) cargo room

Cons: gas mileage engine may not have enough performance for some.

The Bottom Line: Recommended 100% great handling, ride, and loo,.

Review: So I was recently in the market for a new (to me) vehicle. Despite gas prices I've really been wanting a suv/crossover. I've always been a huge Ford fan, my previous car being a 2002 taurus. I eventually decided on and purchased a 2005 Ford Freestyle sel ...