[95se]

I sat in a Freestyle yesterday. I've never been a fan of fords, any of them, ever. This thing was actually not bad though. Kind of an American MO.

It was a little longer than a mo which makes it look more like a wagon than SUV, but they used that space to have fold flat third row seats, which could be handy for some people. It was a loaded version and I thought the interior material quality was good. It has a CVT. AWD. The driver's seat sits a little lower than a MO, a little more sedan-like. Styling is a little unique, but so is the MOs.

I didn't drive it, and even if it drove like a Lexus I'm not sure you could convince me to buy a Ford, but standing still it seamed a good execution of a combination sedan/wagon/suv.

 

[Gonzo]

I thought they looked nice as well... but like you I'm not sure that I would purchase a Ford.

 

[dkfchan]

Ford pushed this car to market 3 year late.

If I want a bland XUV with 3rd row seating. I will get the highlander. Proven to be reliable and retain value well. Bigger engine also.

I don't see people x-shop Freestyle with Murano though. Murano is more flashy (even though they are all over California). Freestyle has better utility.

 

[KSmurano]

This sounds like an ad for a CVT!

the Freestyle makes do with a 203-horsepower, 3.0-liter DOHC V-6. You'd expect the Ford to be left standing, but you'd be wrong: Despite 47 fewer ponies, the Freestyle outruns the Pacifica to 60 by 4/10ths of a second (both our testers were all-wheel-drive versions), although at 9.2 seconds it's still a full second slower than a Honda Pilot. The Freestyle's continuously variable transmission helps make the most of the engine's modest output, adjusting to load conditions and the demands of the driver's right foot to keep the engine in its sweet spot.

 

[jaak]

Ford Freestyle.... Built in Oakville, Canada at the same plant that used to build the Windbag, er Windstar. Had one as a company car, hated it, although the engine was decent.

With all the other choices out there, I wouldn't even bother getting in one.

 

[KSmurano]

I agree jaak, just call a station wagon a station wagon. :2:

 

[jaak]

Just be careful who you say it to. I said that to an FX45 owner (who was being a jerk in the first place) and he was highly offended.

I tell nice FX owners how much I like it...

 

[twelsh]

The NEW Ford Freestyle:

Okay, try to tell me that I'm not the only one who thinks this car looks like the bastard offspring of an early 90's Ford Escort wagon...

and a Ford Escape...

.. somebody must have left them in a garage alone together... Hey, how do you think the Pontiac Aztek was created!

 

[Kocioblue MO]

haha, Twelsh that was priceless. My opinion? There is no comparison of a Freestyle to the Murano. Period