Description
The Freestyle was one of the transition models built by Ford to make a cross-link between a regular station-wagon and an off-road vehicle. It managed to be both and an MPV replacement too.
Unlike other off-road vehicles built by Ford, the Freestyle was based on a car, unibody, structure rather than a body-on-frame. It used the D3 platform, which was used for the Ford Five Hundred, Volvo S80, and Volvo XC90. It replaced the Ford Taurus station-wagon on the North-American market.
From the outside, the front fascia showed a unique styling in the Ford range. Its grille was surrounded by body-colored elements and bumper. The big headlights featured a square design with turn-signals on the outside. A raked A-pillar made a good impression for the aerodynamic, and the rest of the car was like a station-wagon.
Inside, there was a wide and spacious interior, with a high driving position and that amplified the idea of an SUV. The dashboard featured a handle in front of the front right passenger, such as those found in an offroad-er. There was a mix of everything, but with good taste. Captain chairs were standard, with an easy-folding system to allow passage to the rear bench. A middle bench was offered as an option, to increase the capacity from six to seven passengers, like in an MPV. Apart from the driver's seat, all seats could have been folded, revealing a cargo volume of up to 85 cu-ft (2406 l). That was more than in a Ford Explorer.
To enhance and improve the MPV feeling, the Freestyle was fitted with the Duratec 3.0-liter engine mated to a ZF-supplied CVT.
Press Release
The Ford Freestyle (code name D219) is a crossover SUV / station wagon, introduced for the 2005 model year to compete primarily with mid-size rivals such as the Toyota Highlander, Honda Pilot, Nissan Murano and Mitsubishi Endeavor, as well as other station wagons like the Subaru Legacy and Outback models. In Ford's lineup, it replaced the Ford Taurus station wagon, and currently slots between the compact Escape and the midsize Explorer.
The vehicle uses the Ford D3 platform, which it shares with the Ford Five Hundred, Mercury Montego, and various Volvos including the XC90. The Freestyle is assembled in Chicago, Illinois. Although it shares its platform with the XC90, the two vehicles are significantly different. The Freestyle has three rows of seats with seating for seven, like many larger SUVs (e.g. Ford Explorer) and minivans.
Ford's post-Bronco SUV names have begun with the letter "E" (eg: Ecosport, Escape, Explorer, Expedition, and Excursion). Ford has also been using the letter "F" for passenger cars and minivans (eg: Focus, Freestar, Five Hundred, and Fusion) while Mercury uses "M" (eg: Montego, Milan, Mountaineer, Monterey, and Mariner).
The Freestyle, along with its sibling the Five Hundred and the Ford Escape Hybrid, are the first American Ford vehicles to use a continuously variable transmission (CVT). To Ford's surprise, 55% of buyers are selecting the Haldex-equipped all-wheel drive model rather than the expected 40%. However, overall Freestyle sales are below Ford's original projections (though sales have been increasing every month). Some buyers are selecting the Freestyle as an alternative to the best selling Ford Explorer. The Freestyle also occupies a niche once dominated by the Ford Country Squire, the 3+ row family station wagon, though there is no known conversion of a Freestyle to fake wood paneling.
Although the Freestyle resembles the larger Australian Ford Territory crossover SUV, that model is based on the different rear-wheel drive EA169 platform, used by the Ford Falcon.
The Freestyle was nominated for the North American Truck of the Year award for 2005 (second behind Escape Hybrid).
