Ford Freestyle - Taurus X

vicenac

That's right! The ceasing production for Freestyle is old news. The FS will continue, but updated. I think it will be the same platform, but different power train, restyled and new electronics. Hopefully the interior will get better materials and better noise insulation or active noise cancellation.
I must say here, that the Fusion I'm driving (V6) is perfectly balanced. All four wheels squeak when fast cornering. However, they squeak way, way too fast. My FS takes the same corners at the same speeds with no complaints - so the point is, the chassis is wonderful and I believe it will stay.
Actually, I know there are some Ford "intimates" larking on this forum - what's the real scoop, guys?

And about trading for the 08 - you guys are right I might be trading for other problems, but I am fighting against the devaluation of my car, too.
I heard that there is a torque limit on the CVT, so I guess that when the car is fully loaded and speed up, the CVT is stressed severely. As a manual transmission will only be available in my dreams, I'll take the regular auto, although the 6 speed in the Fusion is a bit disappointing - read the Lincoln zephyr road test on edmunds -

bruneau1

My dealer didn't even do an oil change correctly- one quart down, and screwed up the alignment. i have another dealer, but don't know if they are any good at cvts. I wonder what the statistics are for transmission problems in FWD and AWD.

ramj70

Yeah, its real important finding a good dealer to work on your car. I remember when I had my '95 Taurus SHO and the AC would go on an off, mostly off. I took it to the local Ford dealer and they said the AC and some other parts needed to be replaced, over $800 of work. I said no way and took it to an independant mechanic and all he did was ajdust the AC for $75 and it worked fine. Apparently there is a gap between two parts of the AC and after time they can get too far apart and not work properly, he adjusted it and presto, it worked.

vicenac

About the diesel discussion:
Someone (I had trouble finding the post) said that California restricts new diesel vehicle sales under 6000 lb. I heard this many times on this forum.
I went to VW website, and I saw that they are offering Jetta in TDI. I requested a quote from VW Pasadena for a TDI. The website did not fuss about my SoCal zip code. Let’s see.

stevedebi

"I went to VW website, and I saw that they are offering Jetta in TDI. I requested a quote from VW Pasadena for a TDI. The website did not fuss about my SoCal zip code. Let’s see."

That would be a used TDI. You can get them with 7501 miles on the odometer. The DMV will not register a small diesel unless it is "used". There are some dealers who will order diesels at the "right" mileage for you from out of state.

I tried to "build" a diesel VW Bug with their on line website a couple of years ago, and it stated that this vehicle was not available in CA.

ANT14

Press Kit

yzassandy82

So I want to add my 2 cents to your remarks. As the proud owner of an 05 Freestyle SE, I must say that the interior materials could use some work. I like the overall layout, but would like some nicer switches and things. Oh yeah, that insight I promised. So last weekend I rented a Ford 500. No real reason other than it was on special for $30.00 a day with unlimited miles, so I thought why not. Turns out, it was nice to have around and compare to it's fraternal twin, my Freestyle. Well, I noticed a couple of things:

First off, the interior materials, in terms of the dash, not so much the switches, were better quality. It was that very nice leathery type stuff in the Fusion, Explorer, etc. Yet the material in the Freestyle is plastic. What gives?

Secondly, the 500, which also had the CVT, was both a bit quicker to move around, and even more interesting, was a lot quieter. I can deduce that this was because of the extra weight in the Freebie taxing the engine/transmission. Nonetheless, the 500 felt much more zippy than my Freestyle.

So as for 08, I must admit I'm torn. While I love the room in my Freestyle, the mpg's, and pretty much everything else, that darn Ford EDGE looks mighty purty (aware of the awkward spelling). I'm very anxious to see what quirks are in store for the Freestyle. I agree that I would like to see a more bold exterior, upgraded engine (with better emissions and why not better mpg's), quiter transmission, and an upgraded interior. Either way, I'm moving back into another Ford. I just can't say yet if it will be another Freestyle, or an Edge.

Andy

yzassandy82

Um, what's this for? I checked it but didn't see anything new.

vicenac

Nope, not a used one. For years, VW sells only Jetta as TDI in CA. I know that Golf and Beatle have all the same engine, but that's what they're doing. I've built my own Jetta with color and everything...
I am waiting for the dealer to quote me.

vicenac

Yes, sir, you are absolutely right!
Here is the response from the dealer:
"Thank your for your request. Unfortunately, the TDI diesel model is not available in California due to EPA reason. Would you consider a VW Certified Pre-owned unit?"
There is no diesel used unit on their lot. People that have them keep them or they sell fast. All the old Merceds diesels are out on the street these days... they're still chuging away...

ANT14

"Secondly, the 500, which also had the CVT, was both a bit quicker to move around, and even more interesting, was a lot quieter. I can deduce that this was because of the extra weight in the Freebie taxing the engine/transmission. Nonetheless, the 500 felt much more zippy than my Freestyle."

The 500 has different springs in the rear, than the FS. And it's easier to quiet down the 500, since the rear seatbacks control/supress everything else rear of the C-pillar. While the FS has much more glass (huge contributor to noise) and a liftgate opening which also presents an area where noise can enter. In comparison, you can use less rubber insulation gaskets around the trunk of the 500, since the rear seats will really do all the noise controlling work...

And on the dash material...the FS has that grab bar in the front passenger dashboard area. Since the FS is geared more towards families and the possibility that people will be a bit rougher with it, it uses a stronger material to withstand the possible abuse.

stevedebi

Here is the response from the dealer:
"Thank your for your request. Unfortunately, the TDI diesel model is not available in California due to EPA reason"

Uninformed. The problem is CARB, not the EPA.

emtownsend

Well, it is a done deal. They are buying the car back. We had a huge stack of service records. Ford commented they have only had two other Freestyles lemon law'd out of all made. Pretty good record I'd say...
We may actually get a new 2007 model that the dealership just got in. It is between the Freestyle Ltd and the new Explorer Ltd. The Explorer is very sharp! We need to purchase a car of equal or greater value and it must be another Ford. Fine with us. I really do think this was a unique situation.
BTW, the dealership has excellent techs. The Ford engineers couldn't even fix the issue(s). Sometimes there are just lemons... That is why we are considering another Freestyle, but with a bit of caution.

barnstormer64

That is why we are considering another Freestyle, but with a bit of caution.

I'd go with a new one. It's really a terrific vehicle. Much better than Explorer (unless you need to tow).

Too bad it isn't the 2008 that's coming out . . then you could try out the new 3.5L

northlakes

I also use my Freestyle as a college hauler and it has been great! It was my mixed experiences with renting SUVs for such duty that led me to buying the superior Freestyle. I bought a RackSack to go on the roof for extra capacity, but have rarely had to use it. With a mini-cooler and bag of snacks on the floor behind the front seats, all that is left to do is turn on the music and enjoy the drive. :shades:

yzassandy82

So I checked out the press kit, and unless it's just me, Ford now only offers two trim levels in the Freestyle. Either SEL or Limited. They do offer more packages now though, which makes up for it. And considering all the extras you get on an SEL compared to an 05/06 SE for just a little more dinero, I can't really complain with the decision. Currently, I drive an 05 SE FWD.

Andy

tim156

You're right only two models available. I went to fordvehicles.com and the base 07 SEL is the same as the 05 & 06 base SE. Seems the standard features of the past SEL's will be extra options.

bruneau1

The tires are different, too. Lower profile, which is not a good idea. harsher and noisier.

sb93lx50

Quite the contrary actually, the Haldex is serviced as a whole unit, rather easy to replace, the CVT is actually one of the more simple transmissions on the market, there really isn't anything complicated about it. I live in small town America and work at the small town America dealership :-) BTW....

explorerx4

i see that for '07 you can get leather seating with a heated option on the sel.

ramj70

I saw a freestyle TV ad tonight, I couldn't believe it.

passat_2002

You mean the whole ad was just about the Freestyle? Whereabouts do you live?

ramj70

Yeah it was just about the Freestyle. I live in the Washington DC area. They seemed to fudge a some on the gas mileage, they said it gets over 500 miles on a tank of gas. Did they increase the gas tank size on the '07 models? I guess if you get 27mpg you will get that, so I guess they really didn't fudge that much.

carstenb

yup, my kids saw it as well tonight (on Fox i think) and called me. i only saw the end but it was a Freestyle specific pretty long commercial.

Carsten

ramj70

Yeah, is was on the FOX channel here, about 9:30 p.m.

passat_2002

I'm amazed. Miracles do happen.

freestylegal

I've had my Freestyle since Jan 05 and it has 40,000 on it. I'm always ready to get rid of a car after two years, but I'm still loving my Freestyle. I've never understood why the marketing dept. orphaned such a great car. I'm always asked about the car in parking lots, etc. So, when I saw the ad under Ford's new "Bold" campaign, I was amazed! It was a good ad, too. It was about a divorcing couple and their child. Wow--something that really happens in a car commercial! That's one thing I've always appreciated about Ford's marketing, though; they advertise in places (gay/lesbian magazines) that gets them in trouble with some people and even when threatened with boycotts, they keep advertising there. They also have done wonderful things with and for people with disabilities so that they can be mobile. Right on, Ford!

I'm visiting Philadelphia (without my car!) for the summer. Quite different than the Northern Caifornia coastside where I live. I'm awaiting the birth of my grandson--any day now! I've seen a few Freestyles around here. I'm staying in South Philly and most of the Freestyles I've seen are in Center City. Those folks are probably in from the 'burbs for work. Having a larger car here is kind of hard--you have to park on the street and parking spaces are small in public parking structures.

bobw3

27mpg x 19gal tank = 513 miles

I've driven over 400 miles on road trips, but not close to 500.

stevedebi

If you stay at 60 or 65 MPH, it is possible. At 75 or 80, my mileage goes down to about 25.

If the speed limit is 65 in Virginia, I suppose there is a chance the FS will go 500 miles.

ottav

Ant,

What's going to happen to Mercury? First Ford says it's killed the Mercury version of the Freestyle, then it says the Fairlane people mover is going to be shared between Ford and Lincoln, and now the Monterey is being discontinued. That will leave Mercury with just the Mariner, Mountaineer, Montego, and Grand Marquis. Are there any new products in the pipeline for Mercury?

I've neen a long time Mercury customer (three Mountaineers), but with gas prices the way they are, I will be looking for a new vehicle when my lease is up on my current Mountaineer, and I don't see anything that would keep me in a Mercury. Comments?

ANT14

Mercury won't have any destictive vehicles considering all are Fords, but Mercury does solider on. The focus this year has been Lincoln... Mercurys re-focus is next year where some announcements will be made...all good though.

northlakes

Don't forget the Mercury Milan. :shades:

rjbdc

To those of you in the Washington, DC area, would you happen to know which rental companies offer the Freestyle? I have three kids, and our 2001 Taurus has been great thus far, but we're thinking about upgrading to the Freestyle, mainly of course to get that front-facing third row. We'd like to try it out as a rental over a trip to St. Louis in August.

Many thanks.

ramj70

Try Hertz which uses Ford vehicles, also try FRAC, Ford rent a car, which would be located at Ford dealerships

https://www.fleet.ford.com/rentacar/

xnappo

So last weekend while I was cleaning my car, my three year old 'helped' by putting pennies into the CD player! I thought I was in for a 2 hour project to try to get the dash apart to see if I could get them out - but ended up getting the stereo out, top off the stereo, pennies removed and stereo reinstalled in 15 minutes! Works good as new!

THANK YOU Ford engineers for realizing that people need access to the stereo (though not usually to remove pennies!).

Anyone who is thinking of replacing the stereo is really in for a treat - as long a you get the right wiring harness and mounting bracket it will be a walk in the park. There are no screws or anything, just yank on the console from the top and it pulls off easily - and the clips are sturdy and will not break easily...

xnappo

tom_holsinger

I rented a Freestyle from Budget at Midway airport in Chicago in April.

yzassandy82

I have not seen the new ad but am very excited to. If, by chance, anyone find the ad online, please supply a link.

Andy

nvbanker

Hertz has 'em.

bruneau1

I think we have too many Freestyle categories in this forum. The main one has been reduced to total trivia. how about one for light bulbs? Consolidate problems under problems.

bobw3

I just turned 35,000 miles on my Freestyle. Just wondering what is the highest mileage from anyone so far. We still love the car. Still tight, good mpg, zero problems, and great for our needs as a big station wagon.

tidester

I think we have too many Freestyle categories in this forum.

We're trying to make it easier for newbs to find the information they need without having to sift through thousands of messages. Of course, there is a question of balance and we'll try to maintain that too!

tidester, host

papalo

This may have been asked before, and if it has, forgive the repeat...For insurance purposes, is the Freestyle classified as an SUV or a wagon?

Thanks!

ramj70

SUV, that way they can charge you more :mad:

papalo

Ugh...not the answer I was hoping for, but thanks. I think we'll still be getting the FWD SEL we've been looking at...

northlakes

Mine was classified as a truck. :shades:

northlakes

I saw the Freestyle ad tonight in Minnesota. It is nice to see the focus on this great crossover for once. They also had a woman driving. I am seeing more Freebies daily and more seem driven by women in this area. :shades:

bruneau1

Our insurance on the FS is very low, since this relates more to its safety than its category. Also, insurance rates are determined by driving record, area, credit record. We pay $519 for the year.

bruneau1

I agree. The FS appeals to women and men who don't need to prove something.

andyadler

Hello all. I'm looking at a lightly used FS SEL (FWD) that lacks the optional side and curtain airbags, which I'd like to have for the protection of myself, my wife and our two children. Can these be installed by a dealer, or are they factory-only?

Thanks so much,

aa.

beach15

No, you can NEVER install airbags of any kind after the fact. They're either there from the factory, or nothing.