The Right Car at the Wrong Time
In 2005, Americans were still obsessed with body-on-frame SUVs like the Ford Explorer and Chevy Tahoe. They wanted trucks. Ford released the Freestyle into this environment, and the market shrugged. It looked like a tall station wagon. It didn't have a V8. It was sensible. But looking back, the Freestyle was a prophecy. It was the blueprint for the modern three-row crossover (CUV) that now dominates suburban driveways. It offered the interior space of an Explorer with the fuel economy and safety of a sedan.
When you browse the Freestyle listings on Hugegarage, you are finding a hidden gem. Because it lacks the tough truck image, prices are incredibly low. Yet, it sits on the same Volvo P2-derived D3 platform as the XC90 and Ford Five Hundred. This means you get Swedish safety engineeringâincluding a boron steel safety cageâfor the price of a used economy car.
The Name Change Confusion: Like the Five Hundred, the Freestyle suffered from Ford's identity crisis. It was sold from 2005-2007. In 2008, it received a new engine and was renamed the Ford Taurus X. Mechanically, the Taurus X is just a Freestyle Gen 2, but the Freestyle nameplate itself is a unique artifact of the mid-2000s.
Engineering: The Volvo Connection
The Freestyle is, under the skin, a long-wheelbase Volvo wagon.
Ride Quality: It uses MacPherson struts up front and a multi-link rear suspension. The ride is firm but compliant, absorbing potholes without the shudder of a truck-based SUV.
AWD System: The available All-Wheel Drive system is the Haldex unit from the Volvo S80. It is a FWD-biased system that sends power rearward only when slip is detected. It is excellent for snow and rain but is not designed for off-roading.
Powertrain: The CVT Experiment
The Freestyle was only available with one powertrain combination, which was its biggest controversy.
- 3.0L Duratec V6
- Specs: 203 HP / 207 lb-ft Torque.
The Reality: This engine was perfectly reliable but underpowered for a 4,000-lb vehicle carrying seven people. Merging onto the freeway requires flooring the pedal. - ZF CFT30 CVT
- The Transmission: A Continuously Variable Transmission.
Why? Ford used a CVT to squeeze maximum fuel economy (24 MPG highway) out of the small V6.
Durability: Unlike the fragile CVTs in early Nissans, the Ford/ZF unit uses a chain instead of a belt. It is surprisingly durable if the fluid is changed every 60,000 miles. However, finding a mechanic who knows how to service this specific German-built transmission can be difficult today.
Interior: The Cargo King
The interior of the Freestyle is a masterclass in packaging.
Theater Seating: Each row of seats is mounted slightly higher than the one in front of it. This gives third-row passengers a view out the windshield, reducing motion sickness.
The Magic Fold:
- The third row folds flat into the floor.
- The second row folds flat.
- The front passenger seat folds flat forward.
The Result: You can slide a 10-foot ladder or a stack of 2x4s inside the car and close the trunk. No other SUV in its class could do this.
Trim Levels
- SE: Cloth seats, plastic trim. Basic but functional.
- SEL: The volume seller. Added alloy wheels, dual-zone climate control, and nicer upholstery.
- Limited: Leather seats (heated), 18-inch wheels, and fake wood trim. The Limited AWD is the one to hunt for.
Common Issues Maintenance
1. Throttle Body (Limp Mode)
Like the Five Hundred, the Freestyle eats throttle bodies. If the wrench light comes on and the car loses power, spend the $150 for a new throttle body unit. It is a 20-minute DIY repair.
2. AC Compressor Failure
The AC compressor is known to seize or leak. On the Freestyle, replacing it is expensive because the subframe often interferes with access. Check that the AC blows ice cold before buying.
3. Rear Brake Wear
Because of the Electronic Brake Distribution (EBD) system, the Freestyle uses the rear brakes to stabilize the car under light braking (to prevent nose dive). As a result, rear brake pads often wear out faster than the front pads. This is normal behavior, not a defect.
Conclusion: The Smart Family Choice
The Ford Freestyle is not exciting. It drones when you accelerate, it looks like a hiking boot, and it has zero street cred. But as a tool for moving a family, it is brilliant. It is safer than an Explorer, holds more cargo than a Highlander, and is cheaper than both. If you can live with the modest power and the unique sensation of the CVT, it is arguably the most practical used vehicle Ford has ever made. Explore the dimensions below.