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2005 Ford Freestyle Full Review
Date Published: 7/31/08
Also in the 2005 Ford Freestyle Review:
1.
2.
3.
4.
2005 Ford Freestyle Review
Ford launches its first crossover SUV for 2005, a wagon that seats up to seven. Freestyle comes in SE, SEL, and Limited trim levels, each with front-wheel drive or optional AWD. The AWD system does not include low-range gearing and is not intended for off-road use. The sole powertrain is a 203-hp 3.0-liter V6 linked to a continuously variable automatic transmission. A CVT provides variable drive ratios vs. a conventional automatic's preset ratios. Antilock 4-wheel disc brakes and traction control are standard. No antiskid system is available. SE and SEL come with 17-inch wheels, the Limited with 18s. An option package groups front torso side airbags and head-protecting curtain side airbags. The curtain airbags cover all three seating rows and are designed to deploy in rollovers as well as in side collisions. Standard seating is for six and includes a folding front-passenger seat, 2nd-row buckets, and a stowable 3rd row. An available 60/40 split folding 2nd-row bench increases capacity to seven. Options include power-adjustable pedals, rear DVD entertainment, sunroof, and rear obstacle detection. The Limited model comes with leather upholstery, rear center console, and 2nd-row buckets that slide fore and aft to adjust leg room. Freestyle shares its basic design and powertrains with the Five Hundred as well as Mercury's Montego sedan. All are based on a platform developed by Volvo, which is owned by Ford.
Competition
Consumer Guide® Automotive places each vehicle into one of 17 classes based on size, price, and market position. Larger than Compact SUVs, Midsize SUVs offer a mix of car- and truck-type construction, V6 and V8 power, and up to 8-passenger seating. This class also includes crossover vehicles.
Our Best Buys include the Honda Pilot and Toyota Highlander. Our Recommended picks are the Dodge Durango, Ford Explorer, Ford Freestyle, Nissan Murano, and Toyota 4Runner.
Our Best Buys include the Honda Pilot and Toyota Highlander. Our Recommended picks are the Dodge Durango, Ford Explorer, Ford Freestyle, Nissan Murano, and Toyota 4Runner.
News
In what some sources call a major shakeup, Ford will drop the yearling Freestyle after 2007, but will keep the name for a new crossover-type wagon or minivan to be released soon afterwards. Underwhelming first-year sales are said to be behind Freestyle's early demise. The change in plans also cancels a scheduled 2007 facelift for this vehicle and possibly a larger V6 that has been rumored for 2006 or '07.
The replacement will evidently be a sportier and somewhat smaller wagon based on Ford's "CD3" corporate architecture, which originated with the Mazda 6 midsize car. The 2006 Ford Fusion, Mercury Milan, and Lincoln Zephyr sedans also use the CD3 platform. The current Freestyle employs a Volvo-sourced underskin design known within Ford as D3. The CD3 replacement will be offered a new 2007 Lincoln Aviator and in a Ford version that some are calling "Edge." Both will have two-row seating. A three-row variation, possibly with an extended body, is also said to be in the works, name and market position as yet unknown.
The replacement will evidently be a sportier and somewhat smaller wagon based on Ford's "CD3" corporate architecture, which originated with the Mazda 6 midsize car. The 2006 Ford Fusion, Mercury Milan, and Lincoln Zephyr sedans also use the CD3 platform. The current Freestyle employs a Volvo-sourced underskin design known within Ford as D3. The CD3 replacement will be offered a new 2007 Lincoln Aviator and in a Ford version that some are calling "Edge." Both will have two-row seating. A three-row variation, possibly with an extended body, is also said to be in the works, name and market position as yet unknown.
2005 Ford Freestyle Road Test
| Pros | Cons |
| Passenger and cargo room | Low-speed acceleration |
| Instruments/controls | |
Consumer Guide® Road Test Ratings
Acceleration
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.
| 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
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.
| 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
Composed, absorbent, though sharp bumps can jolt. Little difference in ride quality between 2WD, AWD, or between 17- and 18-inch tires.
| 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
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.
| 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
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.
| 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
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.
| 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)
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.
| 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)
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.
| 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
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.
| 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
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.
| 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 |
Scores for all Midsize Sport-utility Vehicles
| Low Score | 37 | |
| Average Score | 55 | |
| High Score | 67 |
2005 Ford Freestyle Prices & Equipment
Model Prices
Prices Updated: 05/06/2005
| Trim Name | Retail Price | Dealer Invoice | Destination Charge |
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| 2WD SE 4-door wagon | $25,040 | $23,046 | $675 |
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| AWD SE 4-door wagon | $26,840 | $24,666 | $675 |
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| 2WD SEL 4-door wagon | $26,440 | $24,306 | $675 |
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| AWD SEL 4-door wagon | $28,240 | $25,926 | $675 |
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| 2WD Limited 4-door wagon | $28,440 | $26,106 | $675 |
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| AWD Limited 4-door wagon | $30,440 | $27,906 | $675 |
Pricing Key: Retail prices listed with each report are set by the vehicle's
manufacturer. These figures appear on each car's federally mandated window sticker.
Most price lists also include dealer-invoice prices. Dealer-invoice prices are
what the dealer pays the manufacturer for the car and its factory-installed options.
The destination charge is not included in the suggested-retail or dealer-invoice price
and must be added to the cost of the vehicle. Car companies change prices frequently
throughout the year. If the prices published do not match those on the vehicle's
window sticker, the manufacturer has probably altered the price recently.
NA = price note available, NC = no charge.
Rebates and Incentives
There are no rebates or incentives at this time.
Consumer Guide®'s Rebates and Incentives represent a summary of national
manufacturer programs available. Regional restrictions may apply, and offerings
may vary by model. For a complete list of Rebate & Incentive programs click here.
Standard Equipment
SE
Powertrain
3.0-liter V6 engine, continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT), traction control.
Safety
Dual front airbags, antilock 4-wheel disc brakes.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Front air conditioning, power steering, tilt steering wheel, cloth upholstery, front bucket seats, 6-way power driver seat, center console, cupholders, fold-flat passenger seat, 2nd-row bucket seats, 3rd-row stowable bench seat, power mirrors, power windows, power door locks, remote keyless entry, keypad entry, AM/FM/CD player, digital clock, tachometer, illuminated visor mirrors, intermittent wipers, conversation mirror, map lights, rear defogger, floormats.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Theft-deterrent system, rear privacy glass, roof rack, 215/65R17 tires, alloy wheels, AWD adds: all-wheel drive.
SEL adds to SE:
Comfort and Convenience Features
Leather-wrapped steering wheel w/radio controls, heated power mirrors, AM/FM radio w/in-dash 6-disc CD/MP3 changer, trip computer, automatic day/night rearview mirror, compass, outside-temperature indicator, automatic headlights.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
AWD adds: all-wheel drive.
Limited adds to SEL:
Comfort and Convenience Features
Dual-zone automatic climate controls, leather upholstery, heated front seats, 8-way power driver seat, 4-way power passenger seat, memory system (driver seat, mirrors), 2nd-row adjustable bucket seats, 2nd-row center console, 3rd-row stowable split seat.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Fog lights, 225/60R18 tires, AWD adds: all-wheel drive.
Optional Equipment
Major Packages |
Retail Price |
Invoice Price |
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Safety and Security Pkg.
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SE
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$795
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$708
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SEL, Limited
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$695
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$619
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Front side airbags, curtain side airbags w/rollover sensor, heated power mirrors (SE), alarm.
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Convenience Group
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SE
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$295
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$263
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Dual-zone automatic climate controls, automatic headlights.
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Comfort Pkg.
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SEL
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$495
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$441
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Dual-zone automatic climate controls, 8-way power driver seat, 4-way power passenger seat, outside-temperature indicator.
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Safety |
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Rear-obstacle-detection system
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SEL, Limited
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$250
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$223
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Comfort and Convenience Features |
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Rear air conditioning
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Limited, SE, SEL
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$650
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$579
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SE requires Convenience Group. SEL requires Comfort Pkg.
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Power sunroof
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SEL, Limited
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$895
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$797
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Leather upholstery
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SEL
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$795
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$708
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Power-adjustable pedals w/memory
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Limited
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$175
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$156
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2nd-row 3-passenger split folding seat
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SEL, Limited
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$0
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$0
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3rd-row stowable split seat
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SEL
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$115
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$102
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2nd-row center console
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SE, SEL
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$95
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$85
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Rear-seat DVD entertainment system
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SEL, Limited
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$995
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$886
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Universal garage-door opener
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Limited
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$115
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$102
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2005 Ford Freestyle Specs & Safety
Vehicle Dimensions
| Specification | Ford Freestyle 4-door wagon |
| Wheelbase, in. | 112.9 |
| Overall Length, in. | 199.8 |
| Overall Width, in. | 74.4 |
| Overall Height, in. | 64.9 |
| Curb Weight, lbs. | 4112 |
| Cargo Volume, cu. ft. | 86.5 |
| Standard Payload, lbs. | -- |
| Fuel Capacity, gals. | 19.0 |
| Seating Capacity | 7 |
| Front Head Room, in. | 39.4 |
| Max. Front Leg Room, in. | 40.8 |
| Rear Head Room, in. | 39.4 |
| Max. Rear Leg Room, in. | 39.8 |
Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist.
Engines
| dohc V6 | |
| Size, liters/cu. in. | 3.0 /182 |
| Horsepower @ rpm. | 203 @ 5750 |
| Torque (lb-ft) @ rpm. | 207 @ 4500 |
| Availability | Standard |
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EPA City / highway mpg
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| CVT automatic | 19/24 |
Engine Key: l/cu in. = liters/cubic inches; ohv = overhead valve; ohc = overhead camshaft;
dohc = dual overhead camshaft; I = inline cylinders; H = horizonally opposed cylinders;
V = cylinders in a V configuration; W = cylinders in a W configuration; rpm = revolutions
per minute; CVT = continuously variable (automatic) transmission; NA = not available; "--"
= measurement does not exist.
Safety Features
 Antilock Brakes Traction Control Antiskid System |
Front Side Airbags Curtain Side Airbags Rear Side Airbags |
NHTSA Crash-Test Results
| Test | Ford Freestyle 4-door wagon |
| Front Impact, Driver | 5 |
| Front Impact, Passenger | 5 |
| Rollover Resistance | 4 |
| Side Impact, Driver | 5 |
| Side Impact, Rear Passenger | 5 |
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) tests a vehicle's
worthiness in front- and side-impact collisions and rates its resistance to
rollovers. Front-impact crash-test numbers indicate the chance of serious injury:
5 = 10% or less; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-35%; 2 = 35-45%; 1 = More than 45%. Side-impact
crash-test numbers indicate: 5 = 5% or less; 4 = 6-10%; 3 = 11-20%; 2 = 21-25%;
1 = More than 26%. Rollover resistance numbers indicate the chance for rollover
when the vehicle leaves the roadway: 5 = Less than 10%; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-30%;
2 = 30-40%; 1 = More than 40%.
Manufacturer's Warranty
| Class | Years/Miles | Comments |
| Powertrain | None/-- | 5/100,000 on Focus. 8/100,000 on Escape Hybrid battery pack. In CA, hybrid components are covered by a 10/150,000 warranty. |
| Bumper-to-bumper | 3/36,000 | -- |
| Corrosion | 5/Unlimited | -- |
| Free roadside assistance | 3/36,000 | -- |
| Free scheduled maintenance | None/-- | -- |
Manufacturers may periodically offer additional coverage as a purchase incentive.
There offers are not reflected on this chart. The federal government requires two
other warranties. The Exhaust Emission Warranty covers corrosion-related parts for
2 years/24,000 miles, plus 8 years/80,000 miles on the catalytic converter and any
on-board diagnostic device. The Passenger Restraint Warranty covers seat belts
and airbags for 5 years/50,000 miles.
Built in:
USA
Drivewheels:
front-wheel drive, all-wheel drive
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Tester's Comments
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Major Options: Power Moonroof, 50/50 Split Seat, Front Row Comfort Package (Power Driver Seat Recliner, Passenger Manual Lumbar, Passenger Power Seat Recliner, Dual Auto A/C CFC-Free, Passenger 2-Way Power Seat), Traction Control, Climate Control, Reverse Sensing System, Safety Package (Anti-Theft Perimeter Alarm, Side Air Curtain, Driver/Passenger Side Airbag), Leather Seating Consumer Guide® Fuel Economy: 19.66 mpg (what's this?) Problems During Test: None From The Back Seat Mark Bilek Freestyle's biggest problem is a sub-standard engine. Ford should be ashamed to have built a vehicle this good with such a underpowered engine. Otherwise Freestyle is an excellent alternative to those gas-guzzling, oversized SUVs that every family seems to fond of these days. Tom Appel Ford badly needs a better powertrain for this otherwise usefully designed and nearly stylish crossover. More functional than Pacifica and leaner than Explorer, Freestyle is close a recommended badge. The pricing seems reasonable too. |
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Also in the 2005 Ford Freestyle Review:
1.
2.
3.
4.
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