2005-2008 Ford Freestyle: Full Review
Updated: 11/23/08
2008 Ford Taurus X
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2005-2008 Ford Freestyle/Taurus X ▼
- Price Range: $9,000 - $20,100
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Learn about the year-to-year changes and reliability for the 2005-2008 Ford Freestyle/Taurus X and our price chart details a range of prices based on vehicle mileage and condition.
Pros
- Instruments/controls
- Passenger and cargo room
Cons
- Low-speed acceleration
Vehicle Highlights
Ford launched its first crossover SUV for 2005, a wagon with up to seven-passenger seating. Freestyle came in SE, SEL, and Limited trim levels, each with front-wheel drive or optional all-wheel drive. The AWD system did not include low-range gearing and was not intended for off-road use. The sole powertrain was a 203-hp V6 engine linked to a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT) that provided near-infinite drive ratios. ABS and traction control were standard. No antiskid system was available. An option package grouped front side airbags and curtain side airbags. The curtain airbags covered all three seating rows and included rollover deployment. Standard seating was for six and included a folding front-passenger seat, 2nd-row buckets, and a stowable 3rd row. An available 60/40 split folding 2nd-row bench increased capacity to seven. Options included power-adjustable pedals, DVD entertainment, sunroof, and rear obstacle detection. The Limited model came with leather upholstery, rear center console, and 2nd-row buckets that slid fore and aft to adjust leg room. Freestyle shared its basic design and powertrains with the Five Hundred and Mercury's Montego sedan. All were based on a platform developed by Ford subsidiary Volvo.
Expert Ratings Summary (view detailed report)
| Category | Ford Freestyle AWD SEL Rating | |
|---|---|---|
| Performance | 5 | |
| Fuel Economy | 5 | |
| Ride Quality | 6 | |
| Steering/Handling/Braking | 5 | |
| Quietness | 6 | |
| Controls/Materials | 6 | |
| Interior Room | 8 | |
| Room/Comfort (rear) | 8 | |
| Cargo Capacity | 9 | |
| Value within Class | 8 | |
| Total Score: | 66 |
Learn about the year-to-year changes of the 2005-2008 Ford Freestyle/Taurus X. Get full details of the styling and performance changes throughout the history of the 2005-2008 Ford Freestyle/Taurus X.
Year to Year Changes
2006 Ford Freestyle:
Freestyle's only change of note for 2006 was the availability of a navigation system.
2007 Ford Freestyle:
Side airbags were standard instead of optional on 2007 versions of this car-type SUV. Front side airbags and curtain side airbags with rollover deployment became standard; they had been optional.
2008 Ford Freestyle:
The 2008 Ford Taurus X is the new name for Ford's Freestyle crossover. Along with the name change, this SUV got freshened styling and more power. The sole powertrain was a 260-hp 3.5-liter V6 engine and a 6-speed automatic transmission. These replaced a 203-hp 3.0 V6 and a continuously variable transmission (CVT). All models got revised front-end appearance and suspension for 2008.
Our road test for the 2005-2008 Ford Freestyle/Taurus X includes a full evaluation from the inside out. We've evaluated every aspect of the 2005-2008 Ford Freestyle/Taurus X and highlighted the vehicle's performance with pros and cons. Use our comprehensive road test ratings to decide if this generation 2005-2008 Ford Freestyle/Taurus X is right for you.
Consumer Guide® Road-Test Evaluation
Any Freestyle is sluggish on takeoff, but adequate thereafter. A test AWD Limited did 8.7-sec 0-60 mph. The CVT allows engine speed to race ahead of road speed, which helps in passing response. Towing capacity is light for a midsize SUV at 2000 lb. Including gas-eating performance runs, a test AWD Limited averaged 18.7 mpg. An AWD SEL averaged 19.7 mpg in an even city/highway mix. Both these scores are quite good for an SUV of Freestyle's size and weight. Freestyle uses regular-grade fuel. This Ford has a composed ride over bumps, regardless of 2WD or AWD, or 17- vs. 18-inch tires. Freestyle's car-type platform helps here, and it also aids in its steering and handling response. Though some body lean in turns is evident, steering and brake pedal feel is solid. It's also a relatively quiet SUV, one that's on par with other car-type models. Engine noise is Freestyle's weakness as it roars loudly during even moderate acceleration. Cabin appointments are slightly above average for the class. The appearance is attractive and upscale, but there are few padded surfaces. Gauges are simple and clear, but climate controls are mounted too low for safest use while driving. Passenger room and comfort are a Freestyle strong point. Head and leg room is plentiful for all but the very tall. Ingress and egress are easy, both front and rear. Limited models offer 2nd-row seats that slide fore/aft to increase cargo room or passenger space. Unlike many seven- or eight-passenger SUVs, Freestyle's 3rd row is surprisingly spacious for adults. For cargo hauling, the fold-flat front-passenger seat is a convenience that stretches the load deck to 9.5 ft. The 3rd row folds into a well in the cargo floor to create a flat surface. Interior storage is very good, with spacious console and dashtop bins to carry lots of small stuff.
Value for the Money
This Recommended choice excels as a family wagon. It leaves off-roading and serious towing to truck-type SUVs, providing instead utility, space, and comfort that match any rival--and some minivans. More power would be welcome, particularly when loaded with people and luggage. But ride and handling are agreeable, as are prices.
This Recommended choice excels as a family wagon. It leaves off-roading and serious towing to truck-type SUVs, providing instead utility, space, and comfort that match any rival--and some minivans. More power would be welcome, particularly when loaded with people and luggage. But ride and handling are agreeable, as are prices.
Expert Ratings Summary
| Category | Ford Freestyle AWD SEL Rating | |
|---|---|---|
| Performance | 5 | |
| Fuel Economy | 5 | |
| Ride Quality | 6 | |
| Steering/Handling/Braking | 5 | |
| Quietness | 6 | |
| Controls/Materials | 6 | |
| Interior Room | 8 | |
| Room/Comfort (rear) | 8 | |
| Cargo Capacity | 9 | |
| Value within Class | 8 | |
| Total Score: | 66 |
Each vehicle report contains one rating chart for representative model. Consumer
Guide® rates in ten key areas: Performance, Fuel Economy, Ride Comfort, Steering
and Handling, Interior Noise, Controls and Materials, Driver Room, Passenger Room,
Cargo Capacity, and Insurance Costs. These ratings compare the particular vehicle
rated to ALL other vehicles, not a vehicle's standing in a particular class. In the
ratings table, "1" is the lowest rating and "10" is the highest rating.
Our reliability study for this generation Ford Freestyle includes details on average repair costs, manufacturer recalls, and everything you need to know to gauge the long-term reliability of this generation Ford Freestyle .
Trouble Spots
Consumer Guide's® Auto Editors have scoured repair bulletins and questioned mechanics to search
for commonly occurring problems for a particular vehicle. In some cases we also give possible manufacturer-suggested
solutions. In many instances these trouble spots are Technical Service Bulletins posted by the manufacturer,
however, we have our own expert looking at additional vehicle problems.
Brake noise:
Noise or roughness from the rear brakes is caused by rust on the brake rotors, requiring refinishing and installation of updated pads. (2005)
Cold-starting problems:
The engine may be slow to start (long cranking time) in cold weather, requiring reprogramming the PCM. (2005-06)
Fuel door:
The gas cap may be hard to close, but there is a revised cap whose tether must be relocated. (2005)
Seat:
The heated seat may quit working because a solder joint on the heating pad breaks. (2005-06)
Suspension noise:
Noise from the rear suspension in cold weather (below 15 degrees F) requires revised shock absorbers. (2005-06)
Water leak:
Water on the front floor may be due to a grommet in the firewall, through which the rear washer line passes, falling out or place. (2005)
Consumer Guide® Estimated Repair Costs
This table lists costs of likely repairs for comparison with other vehicles. The
dollar amount includes the cost of the part(s) and labor (based on $50 per hour) for the
typical repair without extras or add-ons. Like the pricing information, replacement
costs can vary widely depending on region. Expect charges at a new-car dealership
to be slightly higher.
| Item Name | Repair Cost |
| A/C Compressor | $670 |
| Alternator | $460 |
| Automatic Transmission or Transaxle | $2,700 |
| Brakes | $580 |
| Clutch, Pressure Plate, Bearing | |
| Constant Velocity Joints | $2,130 |
| Exhaust System | $810 |
| Radiator | $670 |
| Shocks and/or Struts | $1,110 |
| Timing Chain or Belt | $870 |
Our price chart for this generation Ford Freestyle details a range of prices in
year-by-year listings based on vehicle mileage and condition.
| Prices | Good | Average | Poor |
|
|
|||
| 2008 | |||
| Eddie Bauer, Ltd. | $19,500-21,800 | $17,900-20,100 | $12,700-14,200 |
| Taurus X | $17,500-19,500 | $16,100-17,900 | $11,200-12,500 |
| 2007 | |||
| Freestyle | $14,500-16,200 | $13,200-14,700 | $9,000-10,000 |
| Freestyle Ltd. | $16,200-18,000 | $14,700-16,400 | $10,400-11,500 |
| 2006 | |||
| Freestyle | $11,800-14,000 | $10,600-12,600 | $6,600-7,800 |
| Freestyle Ltd. | $14,000-15,500 | $12,700-14,100 | $8,500-9,500 |
| 2005 | |||
| Freestyle | $10,000-12,000 | $9,000-10,800 | $5,200-6,200 |
| Freestyle Ltd. | $12,000-13,200 | $10,800-11,900 | $6,700-7,400 |
|
|
|||
This chart details a range of prices in year-by-year listings for vehicles in three condition levels:
Good: a clean low-mileage, solid-running vehicle that needs little or no repair.
Average: a car with normal miles on the odometer, perhaps a few scrapes or dings;
engine might need a minor repair or two, but runs acceptably well.
Poor: might have potentially dangerous problems with the engine and/or body, or
abnormally high mileage; definitely in need of mechanical attention. Valuations
reflect wholesale prices paid by dealers at auction, and retail prices on used-car
lots. Each range covers all trim levels and engine types for a vehicle with a typical
amount of equipment--usually an automatic transmission, air conditioning, stereo,
etc. Fully loaded vehicles may cost more. Average mileage is 12,000 miles per year. Keep
in mind that these are guidelines only. Actual selling prices vary- especially from
region to region.
Specs for this generation Ford Freestyle include everything from fuel mileage to seating capacity to options availability.
Vehicle Dimensions
| Specification | 4-door wagon | |
| Wheelbase, in. | 112.9 | |
| Overall Length, in. | 200.1 | |
| Overall Width, in. | 74.9 | |
| Overall Height, in. | 60.1 | |
| 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. | 41.1 | |
| Rear Head Room, in. | 39.7 | |
| Max. Rear Leg Room, in. | 40.4 | |
|
Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist. |
||
Powertrain Options and Availability
All Freestyles have a 203-hp 3.0-liter V6 engine that's shared with the Ford Five Hundred with which it shares its basic platform. The only transmission is a continuously variable automatic (CVT). For 2008, the sole powertrain was a 260-hp 3.5-liter V6 engine and a 6-speed automatic transmission.
| Engines | cu. in |
Horse- power | Torque | Transmission: |
Consumer Guide Observed |
| dohc V6 | 3.0 / 182 | 203 | 207 | CVT automatic: 19/24 | CVT automatic: 19.2 |
| dohc V6 | 3.5 / 214 | 260 | 245 | 6-speed automatic: 15/22 | 6-speed automatic: 18.3 |
|
Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist. |
|||||
Built In: USA
Drive Wheels: transverse front-engine/front- or all-wheel drive
Detailed safety information for this generation Ford Freestyle include detailed crash test scores from the NHTSA.
NHTSA Crash-Test Results
| Test | 2005 Freestyle |
|---|---|
| Front Impact, Driver | 5 |
| Front Impact, 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%. Sideimpact 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%.
Learn about official auto recalls, reliability issues, and vehicle problems for the 2005-2008 Ford Freestyle/Taurus X directly from the NHTSA and manufacturers.
NHTSA Recall History
2005 Freestyle:
The straps that secure the fuel tank to the body may break on some vehicles, causing the tank and its heat shield to fall. Dealer will replace both fuel tank straps.
2005-06 Freestyle:
Freestyles sold in Alaska, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, North Dakota, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Utah, Vermont, West Virginia, Wisconsin, and Wyoming: The side door latch mechanisms may experience water intrusion allowing the latch mechanism to freeze in cold weather. Dealers will inspect and repair or replace affected parts.
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