These days, three-row crossovers have become a popular choice for families seeking spacious and versatile transportation. The Ford Freestyle, a unique offering in this segment, holds a special place in automotive history. Let's delve into its features, performance, and the lessons it taught.

Discover the Forgotten Gem of Three-Row Crossovers

Early Installment Weirdness

Back in the day, three-row crossovers were a relatively new concept. The Ford Freestyle emerged during this early stage, facing some challenges as it found its footing. Its name, too close to that of the Freestar minivan, added to its confusion. Running from 2005 to 2007, it was a brief but significant presence in the automotive landscape.

Despite its short lifespan, the Freestyle's concept was sound. It offered a full-sized-sedan-based three-row crossover, providing families with the elevated hip point they desired without the handling issues of body-on-frame SUVs. This made it an attractive option for those who wanted the space of a minivan but the driving experience of a car.

Under the Hood

Every Freestyle came equipped with a three-liter quad-cam V6, producing 203 horsepower and 207 lb.ft. of torque. While this might seem underpowered compared to some competitors, Ford's continuously variable transmission (CVT) was a clever trick. Developed in conjunction with ZF, the CVT offered a wide ratio spread, making the Freestyle feel less underpowered.

However, as Car And Driver discovered, the CVT took some getting used to. Driven gently, the engine revs remained low and quiet, similar to a conventional automatic. But flooring it would cause the engine to rev to 5800 rpm and stay there until you backed off. This unique behavior took some adjustment, but for most drivers, it wasn't a major issue.

Spacious Interior

One of the Freestyle's standout features was its spacious interior. Every trim level offered a tumble-back flat-folding third row that was elevated enough off the floor to provide comfortable seating for passengers. The middle row could be configured with a bench or captain's chairs, offering flexibility for different seating arrangements.

With everything folded away, the Freestyle offered up to ten feet of cargo space, thanks to a fold-flat front passenger seat. This made it a practical choice for families with lots of gear or those who needed to transport large items.

Transmission Woes

Despite its unique features, the Freestyle faced some transmission issues. Perusing NHTSA complaints, there were numerous reports of transmission failure, such as the one from a driver with 62,000 miles on the clock. This was a significant drawback for potential buyers and contributed to the Freestyle's less-than-stellar reputation.

Ford tried to address these issues in 2007 when the Freestyle underwent a restyling and a name change to the Taurus X. It received a 3.5-liter V6 engine and a conventional six-speed automatic transmission, improving its performance and reliability.

The Shadow of the Ford Flex

In 2008, the Ford Flex entered the scene, promising the same practicality and handling as the Taurus X but with added features and a more stylish design. The Flex's beefed-up platform and improved performance overshadowed the Taurus X, making it a less successful vehicle.

The Ford Freestyle was an early attempt at a three-row crossover, and while it had its flaws, it paved the way for future models. It taught Ford valuable lessons about design, performance, and customer preferences, ultimately leading to the development of more successful vehicles like the Ford Flex.

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