Ford Freestyle SEL AWD Cross Between SUV, Minivan

There are minivan people out there and there are SUV people. Every family with kids knows that a minivan or SUV would be great for them. But the problem is that not everyone likes the way they look or drive. Enter the 2005 Ford Freestyle. This is a car that bridges the gap between SUV, minivan and station wagon. Ford says "The Ford Freestyle is an innovative, purpose-built crossover vehicle. Freestyle blends the aspirational (!) looks of a sport utility vehicle, the versatility of a minivan and the confidence of an all-wheel-drive sedan." Could this be the perfect car? We decided to test a mid-line SEL model with All Wheel Drive to see.

The manufacturers like to use fancy terms for their cars but in reality, the Freestyle is a station wagon. But that does not mean it is a bad thing although the marketing people will say that calling it a station wagon will reduce sales. The Freestyle offers great utility that makes you wonder why you wanted that big SUV. Just like a station wagon, the Freestyle offers a driving style similar to a sedan. Except in this case, the sedan is the new Ford Five Hundred so the driving position is higher than a regular sedan. So in a way you feel like you are driving a minivan or SUV but it is not quite that tall. It results in a very comfortable driving position with good room and great comfort. The controls are all logically placed and the dash is simple and clean. Our SEL model had the very convenient controls for the radio on the steering wheel which is usually only found on more expensive cars. Our test car also had the DVD entertainment system which is a $995 option and is worth its weight in gold if you have kids. The only bad part about the system is that the screen pretty much blocks your rearview out of the inside mirror.

The back seat is huge with tons of legroom. Three adults would be very happy back there on a long trip although the center passenger would still feel short changed. Our test car had the 60/40 split second row bench option which we think adds great utility. This is a no cost option over the standard buckets in the second row which seems to waste valuable space and turns the Freestyle into a seven passenger car. The third row is made for three people but it is a little tight for three adults. Getting back there is not as easy as some minivans but it is not too bad. Just don't think about sending grandma back there.

Compared to a minivan, the Freestyle is not as practical. It does not have the walk through height and it is not as easy getting to the third row. Compared to an SUV, the Freestyle is great because it has just as much room but is not a mile off the ground. When it comes to driving though, the Freestyle has the edge on both. Unlike a typical minivan that handles like a, well, minivan, the Freestyle handles and feels like a car. That is a good thing. Neither does the Freestyle feel like a tall SUV despite the AWD. One must remember that unlike some SUVs, the Freestyle was not made for driving off road. The AWD system is made so that when you are driving on slippery surfaces, you get the added traction. So when you are trying to get the kids to school and it is snowing, you don't have to put on the chains and thus can save time. Ford says, "Up front, Freestyle's instrument panel gives the driver and passenger the look, feel and attitude of an off-road-ready sport utility vehicle complete with a robust grab-handle mounted on the passenger side." We think it plain looks dumb and if looking at a huge grab handle makes you want to drive in the dirt and mud, you probably are 16 and just got your license.

The driving experience of the Freestyle is nothing that a car enthusiast will love. All Freestyles come with a 3.0 liter aluminum V6 that puts out 203 hp thanks to 4 valve heads and four camshafts. Having 203 hp with a 4000 pound car is not a recipe for a sports car and the Freestyle does not drive like one. But it does have adequate power for the typical buyer and it does not feel gutless. The transmission is a Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) that keeps the engine rpms around the powerband to maximize the power delivery. This works but due to its nature, it makes the Freestyle feel slower than it actually is.

One feature that you will love about the Freestyle is the cargo area. The split folding third row seat does not need to be taken out if you need more cargo space. Just yank on a couple of straps and the seats hide in the floor totally flat. In a matter of seconds, you have a five passenger car with a huge cargo area.

The Ford Freestyle tries to do it all. Unfortunately, whether it is a TV or a car or a toaster, a jack-of-all-trades usually means compromises. The Freestyle is not a perfect vehicle. But for some people, it provides the right answers. It is definitely a great family car that will set you back about $26,000 for the entry level SE model. Our mid-level SEL starts out at about $27,000 while the top of the line Limited starts out at $29,000. Those prices are pretty competitive with the competition. The Freestyle AWD is rated by the EPA at 19 mpg in the city and 24 mpg on the highway which is a little on the thirsty side. The front wheel drive model is rated a little bit better but not much. But if you need room and don't want a minivan, the Freestyle might be just the ticket for your needs.