2006 Ford Freestyle

Rating from HerbS

(4)
Comfort:		3 out of 5
Performance:		3 out of 5
Exterior Styling:		4 out of 5
Interior Design:		2 out of 5
Value for the Money:		3 out of 5
Reliability:		4 out of 5

"After driving Alaskan roads in a Chevy 4x4 [ 8 mpg city/winter ] I was ready for an AWD commuter vehicle with significantly better mpg's. First tank: 18.5 mpg - all in-town driving. Best feature: I rarely need more than two seats in a vehicle, but there are times when six would be good. The Freestyle seats 7 in it's 3 sets of seats. The best feature is that the middle and rear seats fold down so I can load fairly large paintings - I'm an artist - with little effort."

I would recommend this car to a friend: Yes

This vehicle was purchased: Used

Primary use for this car: Commuting

Rating from kckruse

(5)
Comfort:		5 out of 5
Performance:		4 out of 5
Exterior Styling:		5 out of 5
Interior Design:		5 out of 5
Value for the Money:		5 out of 5
Reliability:		5 out of 5

"We absolutely LOVE this vehicle! It is very comfortable, has a smooth ride and has a good giddy up! The only downfall of this vehicle is that the AWD id different then on other AWD vehicles we have had. We definitely would purchase a similar vehicle like this next time!"

I would recommend this car to a friend: Yes

This vehicle was purchased: Used

Primary use for this car: Transporting family

Rating from Family truckster

(5)
Comfort:		5 out of 5
Performance:		5 out of 5
Exterior Styling:		4 out of 5
Interior Design:		5 out of 5
Value for the Money:		4 out of 5
Reliability:		5 out of 5

"This has been the most reliable and best functioning vehicle I have ever purchased. It gets great mileage (I had over 30 mpg on one tank on a family vacation) but has plenty of room for kids and friends or hauling things with the seats folded down. It still handles well, not like a big SUV. I think the CVT is a great thing as long as you don't have to tow too much. I love the unlock buttons on the outside of the drivers door. I've owned it 5 1/2 years and it has been very reliable. I put on snow tires in the winter which really help also since it is front wheel drive."

I would recommend this car to a friend: Yes

This vehicle was purchased: New

Primary use for this car: Transporting family

Rating from G-Force1

(5)
Comfort:		5 out of 5
Performance:		5 out of 5
Exterior Styling:		5 out of 5
Interior Design:		4 out of 5
Value for the Money:		5 out of 5
Reliability:		5 out of 5

"Ford sure got this vehicle right! I am amazed at how smooth and comfortable the ride is, as well as the excellent performance of the CVT Transmission. What a value, blows the imports away with style!"

I would recommend this car to a friend: Yes

This vehicle was purchased: Used

Primary use for this car: Commuting

Rating from carpool mom

(5)
Comfort:		4 out of 5
Performance:		4 out of 5
Exterior Styling:		5 out of 5
Interior Design:		5 out of 5
Value for the Money:		5 out of 5
Reliability:		5 out of 5

"I love that it has 7 seats in the size of a mini-wagon and fold down seats in every row. I can carry kids and cargo easily without the gas-guzzling of a mini-van."

I would recommend this car to a friend: Yes

This vehicle was purchased: Used

Primary use for this car: Transporting family

Rating from average Joe

(4)
Comfort:		4 out of 5
Performance:		3 out of 5
Exterior Styling:		3 out of 5
Interior Design:		4 out of 5
Value for the Money:		3 out of 5
Reliability:		4 out of 5

"not bad car to buy used. If I'd bought this new I would'nt feel so good. This car took a rather large cut in Depreciation over three year time."

I would recommend this car to a friend: Yes

This vehicle was purchased: Used

Primary use for this car: Commuting

Rating from RB

(1)
Comfort:		4 out of 5
Performance:		3 out of 5
Exterior Styling:		4 out of 5
Interior Design:		4 out of 5
Value for the Money:		1 out of 5
Reliability:		1 out of 5

"We got a 2006 Freestyle for a really great price. Freestyle prices are bottom dollar for a really nice and well built vehicle. I liked the interior and overall the car had a good solid feel. It wasn't quite the minivan we wanted, but it was close. We were happy for the first few months, then we went on a 1500 mile trip to see family. 1000 miles into the trip the CVT goes out. No warning, just quits working. We have it towed to a Ford dealer and good thing we had an extended warranty. The repair price almost matched the purchase price! According to Ford, the factory that built the CVT's was closed. Few, if any, parts are available. No new transmissions are available. They only located four rebuilt units; two in Michigan and two in New England somewhere. First they fixed the "Megatronix" control unit, and the CVT still wouldn't work. The CVT's input shaft was sheared. This part was not available. After weeks of waiting and flying home and then having to fly back to get the Freestyle, they had it fixed. The repair cost was over 8000. (CVT~4800 Megatronix~1800 Labor, etc~1500) If the CVT goes, you are up the creek. Also, have the throttle body checked. Our engine surged and died a lot. They had a Service Bulletin to fix the T.B. It ran good after that. After repair we traded the Freestyle in on a minivan. I asked the service manager, my extended warranty company (this was a Ford Certified Pre-Owned Freestyle purchased from a Ford dealer), and Ford Customer Care what happens when the CVT is no longer available, period? I got three answers from three people: 1. "Ford never abandons a vehicle. We'll figure out how to fix them" 2. "If that happens it will be decided on a case-by-case basis." 3. "I don't know." Think about that. As of late 2010/early 2011 These cars sell for 9k-12k fully loaded in immaculate condition for a reason. My local used car superstore informed me they would not sale my old Freestyle on the lot due to warranty and parts costs. And the fact no one wants them anymore. I recommend a Taurus X if you like the Freestyle. It is basically a reworked Freestyle without the CVT. IF YOU BUY A FREESTYLE, GET SOME KIND OF EXTENDED WARRANTY!!!!!"

I would recommend this car to a friend: No

This vehicle was purchased: Used

Primary use for this car: Transporting family

Rating from Mom to Many

(4)
Comfort:		4 out of 5
Performance:		4 out of 5
Exterior Styling:		4 out of 5
Interior Design:		4 out of 5
Value for the Money:		4 out of 5
Reliability:		4 out of 5

"I purchased a 2006 Freestyle in 2008. I was hauling kids around on a regular basis and was sick of driving a minivan. This was a great alternative, fitting 7 passengers (plus all their backpacks, etc). It had around 25,000 miles and now is at 70,000. It has been very reliable, with only regular maintenance and a new battery needed. A friend even borrowed it for a cross-country family vacation and loved it, too. Bonus Features: I love the keypad on the door! We use it all the time! Living in an urban setting, we keep the car locked in the driveway. The kids use it so they don't need to grab my keys to get their forgotten items... I love it because that means they never take and misplace my keys! I have really come to love the back-up sensor, too. I have hauled just about everything in my car. I love the many configurations of the seats (part up, part down). It is so handy! It sits up nice and high, but you don't have to 'climb' in. Downsides: People always call it a truck. I don't know why. It isn't very LARGE dog friendly. They have a hard time climbing in the back (it is too high) and just don't fit. I found it dented easier than I thought (Autistic 10 year old kicked it and dented the door). There isn't a good place to put your purse as the driver. The middle console is great for beverages, CDs, cell phone, spare change, etc... just not a purse. I'd absolutely recommend it to friends with kids or so need to haul items around!"

I would recommend this car to a friend: Yes

This vehicle was purchased: Used

Primary use for this car: Transporting family

Rating from Trib3

(5)
Comfort:		4 out of 5
Performance:		4 out of 5
Handling:		4 out of 5
Exterior Styling:		5 out of 5
Interior Design:		3 out of 5
Features:		4 out of 5
Value for the Money:		3 out of 5
Reliability:		4 out of 5

"I was looking for a stylish vehicle with a 3rd row seat. I didn't want a minivan and most SUV's I looked at didn't have a 3rd row seating area. The FREESTYLE was in my price range and was exactly what I wanted as far as stylish outer looks and interior design."

I would recommend this car to a friend: Yes

This vehicle was purchased: Used

Primary use for this car: Transporting family

Rating from Most of the time Ford girl

(5)
Comfort:		5 out of 5
Performance:		5 out of 5
Handling:		5 out of 5
Exterior Styling:		5 out of 5
Interior Design:		5 out of 5
Features:		5 out of 5
Value for the Money:		5 out of 5
Reliability:		5 out of 5

"I purchased my Freestyle in December of 2005. When I first saw it sitting on the showroom floor I went WOW!! The look of it was actually sporty! I had my Taurus in the shop for a repair. Big mistake going into the showroom! I ended up leaving with the Freestyle. I love the crossover. Everything about it. When I first sat in it, it was so comfortable and I'm rather short. As stated in previous reviews, everything is in arms reach. The amount of storage is phenomenal! The amount of cup holders, the plug ins for cell phones etc located in 3 different places in the vehicle. The sound system is fantastic. I've had my Freestyle for over 3 years and I still feel happy every time I drive it. Friends think it's awesome too. I've been able to haul all different things in it with the way the seats fold down. It's just one terrific vehicle. I wish Ford hadn't discontinued it. I would buy another."

I would recommend this car to a friend: Yes

This vehicle was purchased: New

Primary use for this car: Just getting around