2006 Ford Freestyle Review

Henry Ford probably would have liked the Ford Freestyle because it has the ruggedness and versatility of his Model T, which largely put the country on wheels.

The Freestyle is related to the also fairly new Ford Five Hundred and Mercury Montego full-size sedans. All these vehicles are built at Ford's sprawling Far South Side plant. The Freestyle is one of the new members of the industry's crossover vehicle group, providing carlike comfort and traits of a sport-utility vehicle, station wagon and minivan.

The $25,105-$30,580 Freestyle mostly resembles an SUV. It is as easy to enter as a tall car, being the same height as the Five Hundred, but its high seating positions make you feel as if you're in a sport-ute. It has a tight turning circle and should fit in most garages fairly easily, although its width makes it seem larger than it is in tight spots, where a driver must be careful not to hit something with the large outside mirrors.

The Freestyle is loosely based on Ford-owned Volvo's P2 car platform, used for the Volvo V70 station wagon and XC90 SUV. It feels plenty rugged and has a Volvo-inspired crash structure. It comes with standard front-drive or an extra-cost Volvo all-wheel-drive system with no low-range gearing because it's not for off-roading.

No anti-skid system is offered. Front torso side air bags and head protecting curtain side air bags that deploy in side impacts and rollovers are optional, but really should be standard for such a family oriented vehicle. Traction control is optional for front-drive models; standard on all-wheel-drive versions. Anti-lock brakes are standard for all trim levels.

The Freestyle is roomy, with versatile seating. It comes with three seating rows that allow capacity for six to seven occupants, depending on if a second-row split/folding bench seat is ordered.

The cargo area is deep, but short, with the third seat in its normal position. However, third-row seatbacks can be flipped forward for more cargo room -- or the third seat can be folded entirely into the floor. The front-passenger seatback also can be flipped forward to allow space for extra-long cargo.

Reaching the third seat is a relatively easy scramble after a second-row seat is flipped forward, but be careful not to bump your head on the optional roof-mounted rear DVD entertainment system component. The third row accommodates two adults, although a low cushion prohibits long-distance comfort.

The Freestyle comes as the entry SE, mid-range SEL and top-line Limited. Even the SE is decently equipped, with such features as front air conditioning, tilt wheel, cruise control, power driver seat, AM/FM/CD player, power windows and mirrors and door locks with remote keyless entry.

The SEL adds an AM/FM radio with a 6-disc CD/MP3 changer, leather-wrapped wheel and automatic headlights. The Limited adds leather upholstery, dual-zone automatic climate controls, heated and power front seats, second-row fore-aft adjustable bucket seats and a stowable split third-row seat, optional for the SEL. The Limited also has 18-inch wheels, vs. 17-inchers for other Freestyles.

Options for the SEL and Limited include power-adjustable pedals, sunroof and a rear-obstacle detection system, which is handy because a driver can't see smaller objects directly behind the Freestyle. The only major new feature is a navigation system.

I tested the Limited all-wheel-drive version, which has the same familiar Ford dual-overhead-camshaft 203-horsepower V-6 found in all Freestyles. The 3-liter engine is rather noisy during fast acceleration, but provides decent in-town performance and 65-75 mph passing. This is a good cruiser, with the tachometer showing the engine loafing at only 2,000 rpm at 70 mph.

Those carrying heavy loads might wish for a larger optional engine with at least 250 horsepower, but then fuel economy would suffer. As it is, the V-6 provides reasonably good estimated economy for a fairly big, heavy crossover vehicle: 20 mpg in the city and 27 on the highway with front-drive and 19 and 24 with all-wheel drive.

The engine works with a smooth CVT (continuously variable automatic transmission), which makes the most of the engine's available power (0-60 mph in about nine seconds).

The quick steering is solid on-center. It's also rather heavy, but not objectionably so. Handling is carlike, and the Freestyle is fun to drive. While firm, the suspension provides a decent ride. Braking is swift, with good pedal feel.

The interior is exceptionally quiet, although front seats should offer more side support in curves and when making turns. Gauges can be easily read, but some secondary controls are set too low.

The interior looks good. It has lots of hard plastic, but it's nicely grained and doesn't look cheap. However, inside door handles are small and feel somewhat flimsy. All doors have storage areas.

Ford sold 76,739 Freestyles last year, which was its first full year on the market. The rival Chrysler Pacifica found 85,557 buyers, but it is more established. This year should be more of a horse race between the two.

2006 FORD FREESTYLE 

PRICES: $25,105-$30,580

LIKES: Roomy. Carlike. Decent fuel economy. Available all-wheel drive. Fold-away third seat.

DISLIKES: More power needed for heavy loads. Small, somewhat flimsy inside door handles. More safety items should be standard.