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Comments
Maybe, maybe not. The Duratec35 with the 6-speed tranny in the Edge gets decent mileage. IIRC the Edge and Freestyle are roughly the same weight so you're probably looking at something like 18/25 give or take in the '08 Freestyle, which should hit dealer lots soon BTW. '07 is a short model year for the Five Hundred and Freestyle in case you're wondering.
The Freestyle was built from the inside out. It started with a Volvo platform, then added very large windows and stadium seating. The exterior was then styled like a Ford Explorer. I have mistaken Explorers for Freestyles from a distance, especially from the rear.
The result is a car that does not ride like any Ford I've owned - it rides like a Volvo, has a "command" seating position while not requiring anyone to climb into the car, enjoys truly wonderful visibility for all occupants, has 5 star safety ratings (4 star rollover rating), and gets 20/25 MPG (my real world, not EPA). It's main drawback has been dismal Ford advertising (and lack thereof), and the low towing maximum (2000lbs).
It was designed for efficiency and comfort. I would recommend that anyone wanting seating for seven check it out - along with the other choices, of course, and so long as you don't need to tow.
Now that I think about it, if they had put the Freestyle out under the Volvo brand, it might have worked better than under Ford, but I don't know if that would have fit the plans. It does look like a decent vehicle if you are willing to compromise on a few things, just there are some more attractive options to choose from.
They did. It's called the XC90. Same platform anyway.
Exactly...that's what a CUV is supposed to be...somewhere between a car, minivan and SUV. The fact that you can't place the Freestyle in either of these 3 categories indicates that it's a true CUV, as compared to some SUVs trying to "pretend" they're a CUV.
As far as comparing an EnvoyXL to a Freestyle, the XL is 7" longer, but has 3" less 2nd row legroom, 2" less 3rd row legroom, and worse mpg than the Freestyle.
I agree that the interior quality of the plastics isn't up to par for a $35K vehicle, but I only paid $24K for mine 2 years ago, and even at $27K today you get lot of space, a great ride, good car-like handling, low climb-in height, and good mpg in the Freestyle. But if flashy style and luxurious plastics are the main thing you're looking for, then I'd go elsewhere. The Freestyle is definitely function before form.
Yeah, but legroom isn't that great. Here's my thing on Freestyle pricing. it will hit 35-36 grand loaded. But models do go for pretty low. That's becasue 27-30g is all ppl wanna pay for this vehichle. It lacks some of todays hot features, as well as styling, and power. interior quality inside isn't great. Ford's got more to do than just a little face lift, some more power, and a little interior upgrade to keep up with CX-9 cousin and Vera Cruz and Acadia.
About keyless VeraCruz thing-Hyundai doesn't offer remote start like the outlook does. Looking at those photos, third row space in Vera Cruz doesn't look great. But I'll see in Chicago.
Someone said that what you should define CUV by is that you can't put it in one category. but what I say is that it should be defined as a wanna be vehichle. A wanna be SUV that combines all the best qualities of an SUV, van, and sedan(sport-luxury). At least that's what the most capabe ones are. Then you see the Murano/ Edge. THey are great, but sporty 5door cars with ground clearance.
I hope someone with find spyshots of 08 Pilot and Highlander(Is it true this will be in Chicago?).
last summer 5 people, cargo box on top, hitch mounted bike rack with 4 bicycles out back. stuff under all the seats, covering up the rear window, no room for feet in the second row, only one person could fit in the 3rd row. beverly hillbilly's at it's best.
i'm just wondering if the freestyle is up to that kind of load?
Actually, the Freestyle is only "based" on the XC90, since the XC90 uses boron steel in the roof and an aluminum subframe for the rear suspension, something the Freestyle uses regular steel for.
1. fuel economy
2. crash ratings
3. competitive nimble handling
4. CVT is the best tranny here -- optimal selection of drive ratios at all times.
But the Freestyle lacks stability control (anti-skid intervention), so its a tough choice. Freestyle, and others in this group, are probably short of enough boron steel or aluminum structurally efficient parts, as Mitsubishi has managed to include in the Outlander's roof, for example, at a reasonable price.
2. crash ratings It's the only one besides the Pilot to be tested yet so we don't know if it will remain true.
3. competitive nimble handling You haven't driven a CX-9 yet, have you?
4. CVT is the best tranny here It's also the cause for the low towing rating, many shops don't know how to fix it, and it has a peak torque rating of 258 ft. lbs.
The Freestyle is a great entry in many ways especially fuel mileage, room, and actual purchase price, but unfortunately, it's looks, towing, and engine (bring on the 3.5L) are not up to par with other manufacturers. Ford needs to really push it in 2008 when atleast two of those are remedied.
http://autoweek.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060125/FREE/60123015/1024/Lates- tNews
I've heard testers say the ride is stiff in the CX9 (and the Murano), so the Freestyle really has the best handling with reasonably low spring rates for comfort.
Freestyle has weaknesses, but overall its still the leader.
Well the current Freestyle has no stability control, which is a must for the next car I buy--stability control does make a huge difference if you start fishtailing. So that does not make it a leader in my book, safety-wise.
I wouldn't jump to the Freestyle-is-the-leader position quite yet: first, we really need feedback from the Veracruz, which we don't have quite yet in the US. Second, although Car&Driver did like the Freestyle, they just recently tested the GMC Acadia and had lots more praise for it in terms of handling, steering feel, and supple ride.
So who's the "leader"? I can't tell, since I haven't driven any of these new CUVs, and that's really what it comes down to: how much you like it when you drive it. All I know is that the new upcoming Freestyle looks much nicer, mostly due to the new headlights and grille, and I might actually go and take a spin in it.
It looks like the Veracruz does from the look of this picture someone took at the Detroit Auto Show.
Looked around and according to JD Power the Freestyle is 3rd in sales with the leader being the Highlander. Highlander sold about double the volume of the Freestyle. I think the Freestyle might be okay, but there are better choices out there and many buyers tend to agree. I think Ford made a good effort, but due to smaller engine and other factors, just not enough folks want them. With the Outlook and Acadia joining the mix of crossovers, I don't think the Freestyle will make any gains. Where they stand a chance is for folks that need more passenger room and don't want to spend $30K or more...those will to spend a little more easily bypass the Freestyle.
My comparison of the Envoy XL (yes 2006 was the last year) noted one of the vehicles the Freestyle competed against. Freestyle had a slight advantage pricewise and MPG, but lost out on performance and room. The Envoy XL is quite a bit larger in cargo area than the Freestyle so I would not expect the second and 3-rd row seating to be any better regardless of the measurements. I'm about 6'1" & 200 lbs and have ridden for 2+ hours in the 3rd row with comfort. Not many other 3 row CUVs/SUVs are that roomy. I expect the Outlook/Acadia to be okay back there.
Anyway, I've discussed the Freestyle enough. If it can compete with a refresh and power upgrade, sales figures will show that.
Plus, there's the looming question of whether the manufacturer is even going to be in business throughout the car's life...
Chris
Lol! So who is? In fact, who else actually offers reviews that incorporate some sense of statistics based on consumer feedback? Who else actually goes and gathers up team of experts to test such a wide range of products (like car seats, for example)?
CR isn't about enthusiasm; it's about bland reporting of fact, which is all that its subscribers need/want. I've always somewhat agreed with their results, be it televisions, refrigerators, or cars (my Audi is in the shop once a month, something CR had warned against!!! I love the car, though).
Anyways, I'm way off topic ha ha
Nope, they're not enthusiasts. But when both they *and* Car and Driver raved about the Pilot, I knew I had a winner.
Chris
the acadia rear bumper extends maybe an inch beyond.
i think it is a bad design.
Ford: getting better, but oh so slowly. Let me relate to crossovers: Freestyle. Lets guve you a not freat car. Ayear later: lets give you better interior quality. 2 years later: let's finally give you some power, and a hint of better styling.1 year later...
GM: Just started hitting grand slams. New MAlibu: great styling and quality. acadis:Great package. You have to give Acdai it's props. THough many have found flaws, some are trading in their acura MDX's for this bad boy!
About consumer reports-they are great, but sometimes I think they should be limited to refrigerators. Too many make the mistake of not looking at Motor trend before dropping the cash for the new wheels. CR tests airbags. Remember to go to a source thaat tests handling. CR isn't the best source.
Let's face it, the marketing team at Ford should be fired for not coming up with a better way to get this car into the public's eye.
Arumage has made several good points. First, Ford didn't even know how to categorize the FS - their 2005 Freestyle brochure said 'Somewhere between a car and an SUV - there's a brand new way to get around'. But they never called it a CUV - their website even had it under the SUV tab. They now have it in the crossover category along with the Edge. Not knowing what the FS was and not promoting it's virtues has hurt sales. The drivetrain was a bit foreign to many potential customers as well. What the FS really is is a large wagon with SUV like styling cues. Yes, it is rather somber looking to some but the overall package is quite good. It has a very composed and comfortable ride, plenty of room and decent performance thanks to the super-smooth CVT. I've had my 2005 FS Limited for nearly 2 years and am extremely pleased. Of course it would be great to have nicer interior appointments, jazzier styling and more power, but the upcoming 2008 will hopefully remedy those deficiencies. The competition in the CUV is heating up which will make it even tougher for the FS to compete. If Ford would only promote the FS properly, then maybe more people might consider it and realize what a good vehicle it is.
Regards -
M. J. McCloskey
One must keep in mind that when the FreeStyle exterior was designed in 2003, the Ford Explorer was one of the most popular SUVs in the country. Therefore styling the FS like the Explorer was an intentional marketing move to enhance FS sales. Ford did not realize that the Explorer (like all the full size SUVs) was going to plummet in sales.
BTW, until last year, the Freestyle was listed on the Ford website in both the SUV and the Car areas.
I find the FS to be one of the best vehicles I have ever owned (after one year of ownership). It is the exact perfect combination of form, efficiency, and function that a family of four needs.
I have not trusted CR for a number of years. A lawsuit by Isuzu "the court ruled that Consumer Reports had made "numerous false statements" and had put the Isuzu through tests that competitors were not subjected to, but though eight of ten jurors wanted to assign punitive damages, they did not find enough evidence of malicious intent and did not assign Isuzu cash damages"
My Trooper has gone over 110K miles and has not rolled yet.
CR has been sued numerous times by companies attempting to silence it, but that doesn't make CR less trustworthy. Corporations with deep pockets are well known to sue lesser companies or individuals in order to silence them, so at least CR fought the battle.
But to get back on topic, most if not all of the CUVs now have stability/antiroll control, so we're all safer!
Okay, but publishing untrue statements including one with "reckless disregard for the truth" is different. Not a case of trying to silence CR, just trying correct inaccurate reporting, but the damage had already been done. Since then, IMHO, I have difficulty trusting CR. Lie to me once and you might do it again.
"In 2000, a jury found that seven statements in the magazine article were untrue and one was published with reckless disregard for the truth. However, it did not order any monetary damages. Isuzu had claimed $244 million in losses."
I believe that this one Magazine has done more to improve the safety and reliability of our cars ( and other products ) that any other source period...
P.S. I do understand why the domestic auto manufactures hate them though...
SO that's why Motortrend is the top selling and most trusted automotive source. That's probalby also why I see C&R top 10 list advertised heavily by Silverado (Oh wait-no that was Motortrend Truck of the year!) Thanks for Clearing that up!
And about the Freestyle being the clear winner, whoever said back to the dealership lot was right. Let's look at the numbers of oh say- the Outlook. Waaayyy more interior space cargo and passenger. More third row space and comfort. 75 More power and better handling. Better interior, and more "toys" and features. Gas mileage- the same. Price- the same. FS is So not the winner. Oh- and about styling-to be an SUV you should at least have that. If you think it should be about bland, get a minivan-they beat CUV's in everything but in some cases towing. You obviously wanted some style but most think FS doesn't have nearly enough. We're glad you like your car-If you didn't, there is something wrong with you for paying that monthly note-But some don't like it. I think it's an okay allaround car. But I'm not ggoing to spend my money on okay! Or okay with a few improvements('08 freestyle) i want the best I can get.
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To be nice; oft-repeated, this is patent nonsense. Please reference a claim made about any vehicle by these magazines that was influenced by advertising and turned out to be false later.
Where are these magazines' equivalents of the Isuzu/baby seat flaps?