2005 Ford Freestyle: Road Test
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2005 Ford Freestyle ▼
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- MSRP: $25,040 -$30,440
- Invoice: $23,046 -$27,906
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Our road test for the 2005 Ford Freestyle includes a full evaluation of the 2005 Ford Freestyle from the inside out. We evaluate not only engine and handling performance for the 2005 Ford Freestyle, but also interior cabin and cargo space. Let our comprehensive road test ratings for the 2005 Ford Freestyle help you decide if a 2005 Ford Freestyle is right for you.
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ACCELERATION
| 2WD SE | AWD SEL | AWD Limited | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5 | 5 | 5 | 4.9 |
Sluggish off the line, though adequate around town. Test AWD Limited did 8.7 sec 0-60 mph. Freestyle's CVT adjusts ratios smoothly to deliver alert passing response, if not outright power. But a CVT behaves differently than a conventional automatic transmission: During rapid acceleration, engine speed--indicated audibly and via the tachometer--can race ahead of road speed briefly until the CVT finds the optimum ratio.
FUEL ECONOMY
| 2WD SE | AWD SEL | AWD Limited | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5 | 5 | 5 | 3.9 |
Quite good for a vehicle large enough for seven passengers. Test AWD SEL averaged 19.7 mpg in an even city/highway driving mix. Test AWD Limited averaged 18.7, including gas-eating performance runs. Ford recommends regular-grade fuel.
RIDE QUALITY
| 2WD SE | AWD SEL | AWD Limited | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 6 | 6 | 5.1 |
Composed, absorbent, though sharp bumps can jolt. Little difference in ride quality between 2WD, AWD, or between 17- and 18-inch tires.
STEERING/HANDLING/BRAKING
| 2WD SE | AWD SEL | AWD Limited | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5 | 5 | 5 | 3.8 |
Generally carlike, but with slightly more body lean due to Freestyle's taller build. Good parking lot maneuverability thanks to low steering effort, tight turning circle. Steering firms up nicely at higher speeds. Good brake-pedal feel, stopping power.
QUIETNESS
| 2WD SE | AWD SEL | AWD Limited | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 6 | 6 | 4.8 |
On par overall with other car-type SUVs--and better than most truck-type SUVs--with moderate highway wind and road noise. Engine, however, roars loudly during even moderate acceleration.
CONTROLS
| 2WD SE | AWD SEL | AWD Limited | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 6 | 6 | 6.3 |
Gauges clear, easy to read. Audio, climate controls easy to decipher, though climate controls mounted too low for easy access while driving. SEL, Limited have steering-wheel buttons for cruise control and some audio functions that take some practice to use efficiently. Passenger-compartment design looks upscale and elbows rest on padded armrests and doorsills, but surfaces are no more than nicely grained plastic.
ROOM/COMFORT/DRIVER SEATING (FRONT)
| 2WD SE | AWD SEL | AWD Limited | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 8 | 8 | 8 | 6.7 |
Generous head room. Only tallest drivers will want more leg room. Low cowl, tall windows, standard height-adjustable seat provide commanding driving position. Easy ingress/egress. Comfortable seats. Visibility hindered to rear corners by thick roof pillars, but headrests don't block vision unless raised.
ROOM/COMFORT (REAR)
| 2WD SE | AWD SEL | AWD Limited | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 8 | 8 | 8 | 6.2 |
Plenty of head, leg room in 2nd row on comfortable chair-height seats, and Limited's buckets slide fore/aft to adjust knee space. Easy entry/exit. Second-row seats fold, tumble forward for good access to 3rd row. Third row surprisingly accommodating, though seat cushion too low for long-distance adult comfort.
CARGO ROOM
| 2WD SE | AWD SEL | AWD Limited | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 8 | 8 | 8 | 7.8 |
Second and 3rd-row seats fold flat. Third row easier to stow and deploy than most, and folds into deep floorwell that otherwise provides handy storage. Front-passenger seatback also folds flat, creating a 9.5-ft channel for long items. Console and dashtop bins provide plenty of interior storage.
VALUE WITHIN CLASS
| 2WD SE | AWD SEL | AWD Limited | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 8 | 7 | 5.6 |
This Recommended choice excels as an on-road family wagon. It can't match truck-type SUVs for towing or off-roading. But only minivans are more efficient at accommodating passengers and cargo without excess bulk. Ride and handling are agreeable, as is the price. On the downside, some drivers might wish for more power--particularly when carrying a full load--and Ford is staking much on the acceptance and reliability of Freestyle's CVT transmission.
Total Score
| 2WD SE | AWD SEL | AWD Limited | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 63 | 65 | 64 | 55.1 |
Total Score: 64
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