Used 2007 Ford Freestyle

While the Freestyle may have gotten off to a slow start, current events have placed Ford’s newest family hauler squarely on center stage. Sharp upswings in both the cost of fuel and interest rates have pushed the full-sized Sport Utility Vehicle off many families’ shopping lists, yet their needs to haul loads of kids and cargo are still of paramount importance. The Freestyle, with its Volvo-derived platform, seven-passenger seating, strong safety rating and fuel-efficient V6, is the perfect solution. It’s easy to drive, easy to park, more stylish than a minivan and available with such features as a rear-seat DVD entertainment center and Audiophile sound system. Entry-level models are nicely-equipped and priced within reach of most budgets, while buyers with a bit more cash flow will have a long list of features from which to choose.

Occupants enjoy a comfortable highway ride from the Freestyle’s relatively taut suspension, though the ride becomes less pleasant on bumpier roads. Deeper potholes will definitely be noticed. Entry and exit is exceptionally easy – the tall seats are sheer pleasure for less-agile occupants and the view ahead is virtually unimpaired. Operation of the continuously variable transmission is flawless. Acceleration is more than adequate, and the Freestyle is ready to pass or merge without hesitation. It’s an easy vehicle to drive, feeling very car-like and with only a little noise intruding into the cabin.

Six passengers have plenty of elbow room inside the Freestyle, even when all three rows of seats are in use. The upright seating position is similar to what’s found in a full-fledged SUV, but the low step-in height is more akin to a minivan. Seats fold flat in the rear rows, though not all the way into the floor. The front passenger seat can also be folded flat. Second-row leg space is bountiful, but getting into the third row takes maneuvering skills. The Freestyle can seat seven with the optional second-row bench, which replaces the standard bucket seats.

Designed specifically to capture the SUV attributes of cargo space and ride height, the Freestyle offers a squared-off exterior. In a bow to a more "grown-up" car-buying public, the Freestyle exhibits a high, upright profile, which translates to plenty of headroom. Some people will appreciate the clean, simple lines of the exterior profile, especially because it delivers interior roominess, but others may find it a bit plain. With its flared wheel arches and high beltline, the Freestyle is almost SUV-like in appearance.

Continuously Variable Transmission Coupled with All-Wheel Drive
Early Continuously Variable Transmissions (CVT) drew criticism for their performance, but the Freestyle unit impressed us. The all-wheel drive system is so transparent that you won’t know it’s there, but it stands ready to help whenever you encounter a slick surface.

Reverse Sensing System
Helpful rather than intrusive, Ford’s optional parking assistance system emits mild-toned beeps when you get too close to the vehicle behind. Even lifelong city drivers, accustomed to parallel parking every day, are likely to welcome this supplementary guidance.

The Freestyle SEL includes Ford’s continuously variable transmission (CVT), 17-inch aluminum wheels, keyless entry, alarm, front air conditioning, power mirrors, six-way power driver’s seat, tilt steering column, anti-lock brakes (ABS), a leather-wrapped steering wheel with auxiliary radio controls and an AM/FM/CD audio system. Stepping up to the Limited edition brings dual-zone automatic climate control, 18-inch wheels, fog lamps, body-colored cladding and side mirrors, leather upholstery with heated front seats, a power passenger seat, second-row fore/aft adjustable seating, Audiophile sound system with subwoofer and a six-disc CD changer.

Since the Freestyle’s standard-equipment list is abundant, the selection of options is relatively modest. Both rear park assist and a power moonroof are available for both the SEL and Limited, leather upholstery may be installed in the SEL model and the Limited can have power-adjustable pedals with a memory feature.. A split-folding three-passenger seat for the second row expands capacity to seven occupants. High-tech options include a backseat DVD entertainment system and GPS navigation. A major option for both SEL and Limited models is a head-curtain airbag system, which covers all three rows of seating.

Though its numbers don’t look impressive on paper, the Freestyle actually performs quite well. Its CVT transmission makes the most of the engine’s low-end torque, providing the quick starts needed for passing or crossing busy intersections. On the other hand, Ford’s 3.0-liter V6 is far from quiet, especially at full throttle. Unlike with a V8-powered SUV, you will feel a big difference in performance when driving the Freestyle fully loaded with gear and passengers – a disadvantage of the somewhat smaller V6 engine.

3.0-liter V6
203 horsepower @ 5750 rpm
207 lb.-ft. of torque @ 4500 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 20/27 (FWD), 19/24 (AWD)