Ford Freestyle - Taurus X

bongo3

I had mine in 4 times for heater. The first time at 40 degrees my air conditioner came out my defrosters only. After I came home to Canada I had it fixed and the first time I was in a snowstorm the only heat came out the middle dash with no defrosters. they put new parts in it and I am waiting to see if that is it.

jimcat11

Yikes.. mine goes in tomorrow Jan 5th 2007.. hopefully they can repair it quickly

Jim

stevedebi

Just got back from a trip between Los Angeles and Albuquerque, NM. The second day in ABQ, it snowed for 30 hours - about 1.5 ft. They don't seem to know how to plow roads out there, so there was packed snow and ice on the roads for the next week of our vacation.

I was impressed at how well the CVT / FWD performed. I saw a lot of people slipping, and a lot of vehicles engaging their AWD, but we got into and out of many parking lots that were snow covered. I only got stuck once, and that was my fault (I hesitated at the wrong time and the wheels got stuck between two ice bumps in the parking lot). In that case I managed to move forward and then back out of the spot.

I think that the CVT is more efficient than a regular transmission in snow because it is better able to apply the power to the wheels than a conventional transmission, which has to wind up the engine for each gear.

I got about 24.5 MPG at 80 MPH going out, and only about 23 MPG (at 80 MPH) going back west (into a 40 knot headwind - no surprise there). The wind was fierce, but the FS handled well.

On the last leg of the trip I got 28 MPG, but that was on secondary roads at about 65 MPH.

The car was very comfortable for the long haul.

FWIW, I saw about six FreeStyles on the trip. In three cases, I returned to my parked FS to discover a FS parked right next to me! I guess like minds tend to congregate...

jimcat11

Well the local ford dealer did not have a fix for the heat blowing out the middle when you have selected the floor only.
They tried a 2007 and it came out there as well, but they both agreed mine had a lot more heat and force to it.

So where are we? Confused. It gets to warm and as I mentioned before, one can not turn off the middle two vents.

passat_2002

Great minds!

bongo3

My heater works perfect now, on auto I do not have to touch it. the heat comes out the floor and the defrosters. All I do is set the temp. Good luck.

sunking247

I live in Boulder, CO, and with all the snowstorms we had here forecast i looked toward the holiday season with a little trepidation. I had recently traded in my old Subaru Outback for a 2006 Ford Freestyle, and was worried how the Freestyle would hold up the the 14 inches of snow we were supposed to receive a couple days before Christmas. Lo and Behold, the Freestyle did just as well as my Outback, I didn't have to shovel out my driveway, i just stuck the key in and went! Take that Subaru.

ecbmp1

Well, the noise went away. Two things happened before I stopped hearing the loud wining noise after 30-40 min of driving:
1) Air filter was changed
2) Power steering fluid was topped off
I can't really tell what fixed it, but I can tell that the noise first started after the previous air filter replacement, and power steering level was OK after the noise started ...

lenwoodruff

I had my Freestyle in for an Alingment at the local Goodyear store and they isolated the problem. It turns out that the Power Steering fluid was low. Now this is a suprise since I had the car in for a full service oil change just a few hundred miles before.

So I had the Goodyear store do a fluid replacement and that seems to have handled the problem.

soderholmd

I'm looking at getting one of these to replace our 99 Windstar. Have any of you come from Minivans and can compare the pros and cone of them compared with the Freestyle?

Also - Is Ford putting the new 3.5 in these anytime soon?

Thanks!

Dave

greybaby

Dave,
I drove a 99 Windstar van before I got my 2006 Ford Freestyle. I went from a 7 passenger to a 6 but I really didn't transport 7 people so I did not miss the extra seat. I opted for bucket seats in the second row like I had in the Windstar so the kids could just walk through to the 3rd row. I love how the 3rd row in the Freestyle is so easy to fold down. In my Windstar, I had to physically remove the 3rd row from the van. I thought that I would miss the electric sliding doors but my best friend is driving my van now and I think the doors'motors are starting to wear down so that is one less headache to worry about! I ordered some of the options that I had on the Windstar for the Freestyle (rear backup sensors, bucket seats, rear air). Whenever I ride with my friend in the van, I am glad to get back into my Freestyle! I am not second guessing my choice!
Greybaby

bobw3

If you were coming from an Odyssey or Sienna, I'd say that you'd notice a big difference in interior space, especially behind the 3rd row luggage space where the Odyssey/Sienna is twice as large as the Freestyle's 20CuFt, but the Windstar also has 20CuFt behind the 3rd row.

You will find that the 3rd row bench of the Freestyle isn't as roomy as the 3rd row of the Windstar, but if you get the 2nd row captain chairs you can slide them forward to give more space to the 3rd row.

Plus if you take the seats out of the Windstar, you get a cargo area that's a whole lot bigger than the Freestyle with all the seats folded.

So if the Freestyle is big enough for your needs, then I'd go with the Freestyle for the more car like handling and better MPG. But if the Windstar is currently meeting or exceeding your interior space needs, then I'd say that the Freestyle would do nearly as well, except as a cargo van.

soderholmd

Good insight guys........That was the only thing I was curious about, would it have enough interior room. We rarely utilize all of the interior space in the windstar, so we may be parking a limited in the driveway! Any word on the 3.5?

passat_2002

No official word.. but any reasonable person would expect the 3.5L to be in the '08 Freebie.

coldcranker

soderholmd (from #6662): I came from a '95 Windstar minivan, about the same as a '99 model like yours, into an '05 SE Freestyle last year. Minivans have no equal as far as roominess. The Freestyle is slightly narrower. The third row seat in the Freestyle is very usable as in a minivan. Noise and comfort levels are similar from the Windstar to the Freestyle, both very good. The Windstar, with the heavy seats removed, could really swallow up some big loads, and the Freestyle can't quite equal that.

dougmalissa

Not sure what area you live in, but I'm in KC. We just got hit with a bunch of snow this weekend. We have the All wheel drive Freestyle with traction control. Handled the hills and mush beautifully. Can't say the same for a minivan.

jimcat11

I wish mine did.. I still get heat out of the Middle wents when I select floor only.. they said its "normal" as they spotted it coming out of a 2007 model too.

I said no it is not.. and one mechanic eluded to the fact that it is a problem in just a few.. as it does not happen to all.. they were going to contact Ford on it, then get back to me.. but that was a few weeks ago.. So, I guess they are really not interested in this issue.. probably cuz it is still in the warrenty period. :confuse:

Jim

stevedebi

"Not sure what area you live in, but I'm in KC. We just got hit with a bunch of snow this weekend. We have the All wheel drive Freestyle with traction control. Handled the hills and mush beautifully. Can't say the same for a minivan."

Most of the minivans are available with AWD and traction control, and would perform about as well as the FreeStyle.

soderholmd

Actually very few minivans are available this way - especially in 08 and beyond..........

I've got 3 kids, so the second row and part of the third will be occupied most of the time. I've got to go look at one and play with it to see if I'll have enough room.

On a daily basis we never use all the room in the van, but On a trip to the dells (wisconsin dells), we actually needed to get a top carrier to supplement the cargo capacity for a 2 week stay. But that happens rarely, so most of the time I think I'd be good.....decisions.......... :P :confuse:

stevedebi

" On a daily basis we never use all the room in the van, but On a trip to the dells (wisconsin dells), we actually needed to get a top carrier to supplement the cargo capacity for a 2 week stay. But that happens rarely, so most of the time I think I'd be good.....decisions........."

I was thinking of the Odyssey and Sienna when I mentioned AWD.

My 7 year old prefers the third row. Keep in mind that you can split the third row and use 1/2 for luggage.

However, the 2nd row bench seat will handle three kids quite well.

soderholmd

I think I'll wait to see if the 3.5 goes in the 08's and purchase one then. I think you're right about the back seat and space in the freestyle - we'll just split it if we have to and have him (my 5 year old) utilize half for him to sit on.

I didn't know that the odyssey had AWD.....did it in a previous year :confuse: ?

I know the sienna did, but I think I'd heard they dropped the AWD option for 07'.

I can't imagine how effective a Freestyle AWD would be in the winter with winter tires..... :surprise:

stevedebi

"I didn't know that the odyssey had AWD.....did it in a previous year ? "

Oops, you are right, no AWD for the Ody...

bobw3

However, the 2nd row bench seat will handle three kids quite well

It would be tight with 3 carseats in the 2nd row.

stevedebi

"It would be tight with 3 carseats in the 2nd row."

I would not advise three car seats in the 2nd row. I've never tried it, but I think it is too narrow. If you have that many that young, you are in a world of trouble anyway! :surprise:

I would think that a combination of booster seats and car seats would allow three to sit in the 2nd row.

dougmalissa

I can't imagine how effective a Freestyle AWD would be in the winter with winter tires.....

Are you kidding me? It's great! Runs smooth and goes like a champ. And I'm not a big Ford person.

coldcranker

AWD is great in the Freestyle (or others) as long as you don't mind dropping 2 MPG, paying more to buy it, getting less acceleration, and hearing the driveshaft and rear diff. I don't think its all worth it over straight FWD with traction control.

cmuniz

I guess everyone can decide for themselves whether AWD is worth the money, but I can attest to the fact that the AWD on the Freestyle works well. I lived in the NC mountains for 9 years and drove Isuzu's and Subaru's to deal with the winter driving conditions and the Freestyle worked as well as those did on snow covered roads and my long, steep and curvy driveway.

elibruno

You really only need AWD for those snowy mountain conditions. For the vast majority of us, FWD with traction control is superb! Why give up the MPG to go to AWD unless you are extremely likely to get snowed in. Love my FWD '05 SEL.

jessealan

I love my awd freestyle. Hands down better in the snow the the higlander I owned previously. Milage is great. I get 28 on road trips.

explorerx4

how well does the fwd/traction control work? i drove a saab wagon with that setup and it was a miserable experience.
when it snowed or theatened to, my wife drive the explorer and i drove the saab.

cmuniz

My understanding of traction control is that the system will apply the ABS brakes to any wheel that is spinning faster than the opposite wheel on the axle (FWD). If the slippery condition is only on one side of the road, then TC will work fine and keep the car tracking straight. If both wheels are spinning, then the brakes will be applied to both wheels and eventually the vehicle will come to a stop. That's why many systems have an "off" button. In an AWD system the sensors keep track of all 4 wheels so you have a much better chance of keeping traction, but the vehicle can still come to a stop if all 4 are spinning. Since I am no engineer this may be an oversimplification and some newer systems may be more sophisticated, but that is the reason I prefer AWD. Vehicle stability control (VSC) adds another level of control, but only in directional stability, not necessarily straight line traction.

jimcat11

With the traction control in my freestyle '05. I have not slipped.. and it is icy out in fron of our drive.. cuz they never plow less it gets 3 inches or higher.. city taxes at work you know. It is icy out there now.. so I am pleased.. but then it is a level road as well.

Now to get that heater working correctly.

mschmal

This isn't a compete answer.

Traction Control also can retard engine timeing and sometimes even reduce the throttle to control the torque being applied to the wheels...

With good traction control, you should be able to drive with both wheels on ice. The TC will keep you from applying enough gas for the wheels to break loose.

I've driven 4x2 Explorers through snow with just TC. Its not perfect but its possible.

Mark.

explorerx4

i live in ct, not too many level roads. year 3 seems to get a lot worse for snow traction, due the tread being worn down. i am looking for actual experiences, not theoretical.

coldcranker

Traction control works well with the higher-MPG FWD setup. I'm in Colorado, no stranger to snow/ice, and getting going is not a problem. I've never been stuck. The ABS handles stopping, and the traction control cuts the throttle to avoid wheel-spin when accelerating. Remember kinetic friction (spinning) is lower than static friction, hence the traction control keeps the tires at or near the highest possible friction limits. I'm with the crowd who wants higher fuel economy with the FWD Freestyles. AWD is vastly overrated. Its just not needed 99.99% of the time. In fact, its usually 4WD or AWD vehicles that get stuck, since the drivers feel falsely invincible more often.

pnewby

I'll agree that AWD isn't needed 99% of the time even in Ky. What is different though is the traction on both snow/ice and on wet roads is greatly improved with AWD. Rather than front or rear sliding, the correct wheels will kick in to prevent that. To me it is worth the 2mpg just for wet roads, but probably because I like to be able to turn onto a busy highway and be able to use full throttle when I have to merge in a hurry.

soderholmd

Thats really what I was getting at. I think that is must be a great winter vehicle!

coldcranker

pnewby,
I use full-throttle when merging in the wet, no problem, in a FWD Freestyle. AWD is usually overkill, just not needed, and at great cost in fuel economy, weight, noise, etc. And it sounds like you were talking about DSC (Dynamic Stability Control), otherwise known as anti-skid control, which is not offered on the Freestyle in neither AWD nor FWD versions. (I had that in an '01 BMW 525i I owned and it does help keep one out of trouble.) Seems the AWD fans try to justify their purchase of AWD by inflating the differences between FWD and AWD.

saabturboid

coldcranker,

I understand both sides of the FWD vs. AWD argument. For many years I have driven FWD Saabs through Minnesota winters and especially with snow tires have had few if any problems. When it came time to buy a family vehicle my wife wanted AWD. Normally I would have argued with her saying similar things that you have said since I too would prefer to have the highest fuel economy possible, but I relented since this was to be mostly her car.

In the two winters we've had our AWD Freestyle I know we made the right choice. Although we could have gotten by with FWD when the going gets bad there is nothing like having AWD on your side. It is true that 99% of the time you don't need it, but during that 1% of the time it sure helps. We took a 2,600 mile road trip through the Rocky Mountains over the holidays and we encountered lots of on again off again icy highways. The AWD really helps the Freestyle keep its composure in these type of conditions. I'm glad we have it and I know my family is safer for it.

- Chad

stmss

drove a saab wagon with that setup and it was a miserable experience.

What happens with the Saab and Volvo (owned both - still own the Volvo) is that on acceleration from stop on snow/ice the turbo kicks in and so does the traction control (sometimes at the same time) usually resulting in quick deceleration - you need to turn the TC off, which of course defeats its purpose.

However, both these cars (with winter tires) outperform my AWD Freestyle with the crappy Perelli P6 in the snow and ice - especially in stopping (which has been frightening on occasion). Not a true comparison I admit, I would expect the AWD Freestyle with similar winter tires would be better than both FWD with winter tires.

My next vehicle will likely go back to FWD with winter tires.

coldcranker

saabturboid, AWD is pretty cool, just not worth it for most folks. The thing is, FWD with traction control would have done well over the Rockies on your trip. I've been all through the Rockies myself. People believe the AWD gets them through when a FWD would have done it too, at greater MPG, less cost, etc. Also, AWD doesn't help you come to a stop, the most dangerous part of driving on ice/snow. The psychological overconfidence in AWD is a problem as well, given that people in ditches often have AWD. Granted, if you have some tough hills to negotiate in deep snow or icy conditions, AWD will help you get up them, so there is a benefit, just not nearly as much as people think. In reality, good tire tread depth is what people often lack when they can't move on paved roads with ice/snow. As good proof of all this, my 2nd vehicle is rear-wheel-drive-only, '05 F150, and I get around nicely in Colorado, no 4WD. Not having 4WD makes me a little more cautious, which is how to win against slick roads. AWD is not a bad thing, but the commercials have hyped it so much to sell cars that people are fooled.

fordwrench

One thing nobody has brought up is resale value, in my area, greater Chgo. awd costs you nothing, you get it all back when you sell or trade in. Also there is no replacement for awd in heavy snow or the first rain after 2-3 weeks and the roads are all slick. I'd put the usefulness at 30% not the 1% that I've read here and that's enough for me!

explorerx4

i just wonder if the gas savings of fwd/braking tc could be eaten up by earlier brake jobs. the saab needed new pads at 30k, despite a pretty easy existence.

jimcat11

Good question, I know when I had the freestyle in, it has just a smidge over 25k.. they put on rear pads already.

I thought that was ODD.. but I did not buy it new.. so I have no clue how hard it went.. but why would the rears be worse then the fronts?

coldcranker

fordwrench knows as much as anyone that AWD drops MPG by about 2 MPG, going into added friction to heat inside the drivetrain. Resale value is something to consider, but you pay at the pump. I still think AWD is just something the marketers have over-hyped and people want to believe.

explorerx4

i used to be able to drive my explorer, now my kid has taken it over. in slippery conditions, it doesn't slip. i like that much better than being able to control spinning wheels.

coldcranker

Its always amazing to me to see how ads and marketing can make people pay $100 for something worth only a nickel (i.e., AWD).

lateralg

And ignorance abounds. My dealer told me about a customer who traded a reletively-new 2WD vehicle for a new AWD because he slid thru a red light when trying to stop.

Guess who will be driving over his head on snowy roads with his AWD.

blue05

The AWD isn't totally responsible for the lower MPG, it's the final drive ratio 5.54 vs 5.19 for the FWD. If you compare the FWD Freestyle with the AWD Five Hundred, with the same ratio; you only lose 1 MPG on the highway. As far as cost, we do pay for thing that we hope we will never need; like "car insurance and a security system." IMO comparing the FWD to the AWD is not a fair comparison. The AWD is always running at a higher RPM, which accounts for the lower mileage.

coldcranker

Why are the final drive ratios different? My only guess is that Ford was trying to get the AWD to accelerate faster, since the losses in the AWD's rear driveshaft/diff/rearCVjoints reduce power reaching the ground. Any other theories?