Ford Freestyle - Taurus X

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Comments

  • pnewbypnewby Member Posts: 277
    Nope hadn't confused anything, I know the difference between AWD and DSC. Have DSC on my Explorer. You mean to tell me you never spin the tires when turning onto a crowded road while on an uphill incline? Or not when your front wheels are resting on the white stripe at an intersection when it just started raining? Kinda like the writers that tell me my Freestyle is underpowered, if it is fast enough for me, what is the problem? Knowing for sure that AWD helped me avoid and accident on an icy road is more than enough justification for the added cost and 2mpg. Compared to AWD costs on other vehichles that offer a choice, The FS was reasonably cheap.
  • blue05blue05 Member Posts: 42
    The drive ratios are different because the torque is split between the two front wheels in the FWD compared to being split to all four wheels with the AWD. The Freestyle lacks a tranfer case to multiply torque ,so now you have to use (gearing) or drive ratios to keep the engines torque curve at an optimal level . This will also keep the engine from being overwhelmed by challenging situations like deep snow or soft sand .
  • stmssstmss Member Posts: 206
    I dunno, my Saab had 90k km on it (second set of front pads, original rears, original tires), my Volvo has 155k km on (second set of pads, second set of summer tires, original winter tires). My Freestyle has 45k km with original pads. I find this wear quite acceptable. For interest, my latest FS service showed 8mm remaining on front and 6mm on back. Next visit, I will likely get a yellow flag on the rears.
  • xnappoxnappo Member Posts: 47
    Anyone else seen this problem? Recently our 2005 SELs headlight have been flickering on briefly when the car is off (completely off). We tried turning off the auto headlight feature to no avail. Obviously we will take it in - but wanted to see if there was any input before taking it to the 'experts'.

    Thanks,
    xnappo
  • xnappoxnappo Member Posts: 47
    Disregard - found the TSB in another post.

    xnappo
  • xnappoxnappo Member Posts: 47
    Argh - Dealer is giving me the run-around - it is obviously this TSB:

    0551

    But they won't give me a loaner and they won't tell me how long it will take 'if they agree' it is that TSB. And they tell me how long that TSB would take because they don't know the details(which obviously they could look up!).

    Anyway, could someone with access pull the full TSB for me?

    My other car is a two-seater and I have a 3 year old - that makes this kind of thing quite painful. I will escalate on getting a loaner...

    Thanks,
    xnappo
  • pnewbypnewby Member Posts: 277
    TSB
    05-5-1 INTERMITTENT HEADLAMP FLICKER WITH NO KEY IN THE IGNITION - VEHICLES BUILT BEFORE 2/21/2005

    Publication Date: February 23, 2005

    FORD: 2005 Five Hundred, Freestyle
    MERCURY: 2005 Montego

    ISSUE:
    Some 2005 Freestyle, Five Hundred and Montego vehicles built before 2/21/2005 may exhibit the headlamps flickering intermittently, with no key in the ignition.

    ACTION:
    Reprogram the smart junction box (SJB) to the latest calibration using WDS B36.0 or higher. Calibration files may also be obtained at www.motorcraft.com. The procedure to reprogram the SJB is virtually the same as reprogramming a powertrain control module (PCM), except when selecting the module to be programmed, select the SJB (WDS may refer to it as the GEM).

    WARRANTY STATUS:
    Eligible Under Provisions Of New Vehicle Limited Warranty Coverage

    OPERATION DESCRIPTION TIME
    050501A 2005 Freestyle, Five Hundred, Montego: Check For Diagnostic Trouble Codes And Reprogram The Smart Junction Box (SJB) (Do Not Use With 12650D, 12650D84, 12651D, 12651D4) 0.4 Hr.

    DEALER CODING
    BASIC PART NO. CONDITION CODE
    14C184 04

    ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    NOTE: The information in Technical Service Bulletins is intended for use by trained, professional technicians with the knowledge, tools, and equipment to do the job properly and safely. It informs these technicians of conditions that may occur on some vehicles, or provides information that could assist in proper vehicle service. The procedures should not be performed by "do-it-yourselfers". Do not assume that a condition described affects your car or truck. Contact a Ford, Lincoln, or Mercury dealership to determine whether the Bulletin applies to your vehicle. Warranty Policy and Extended Service Plan documentation determine Warranty and/or Extended Service Plan coverage unless stated otherwise in the TSB article. The information in this Technical Service Bulletin (TSB) was current at the time of printing. Ford Motor Company reserves the right to supercede this information with updates. The most recent information is available through Ford Motor Company's on-line technical resources.
  • xnappoxnappo Member Posts: 47
    Thanks a lot!!
    xnappo
  • explorerx4explorerx4 Member Posts: 20,814
    we do what i consider average driving, about 12k a year.
    if i took longer trips the brakes probably would have lasted longer. maybe the pads are different in canada.
    2024 Ford F-150 STX, 2023 Ford Explorer ST, 91 Mustang GT vert
  • xnappoxnappo Member Posts: 47
    FYI after escalating through sales the dealer took care of me. Wish I hadn't had to do that, but at least the helped me out in the end.

    xnappo
  • jimcat11jimcat11 Member Posts: 20
    Well the 2005 Freestyle has been in the Dealers for 1 week and a day.. Just to put in a new heater box. Why so Long.. well the first 2 heater boxes came in broken. I have not heard anything yesterday, Friday Feb 2,2007. So I can only presume box 3 came in broke as well, even though the local service person told the parts place to open the box and make sure it is not broken before it is shipped.

    Apparently, even 2007 models have the same problem.. not al, just some. If one selects floor only heat distribution, one can feel it coming out of the dash as well.. The 2 middle dash vents can not be shut off and it does really over heat anyone in the front seats. This is what is being fixed.

    I guess, the parts are damaged from the plant that makes them. I am also guessing, that there are a few plants that make the part and only one of the plants is affected. Sure wish they would track this down. Because I think they are putting broken parts in the New Models as well as when they have to do the repair..

    One week.. that really is sad for something that should of taken 1/2 a day :confuse:

    Jim
  • bobw3bobw3 Member Posts: 2,989
    Are they giving you a rental to drive?
  • fordwrenchfordwrench Member Posts: 70
    I hope you're not disappointed when you get the car back, EVERY Freestyle I've checked including mine has some air bleed over in the center vents. The fan speed does not affect the air flow from those vents but right at the vent there is hot air. There is no fix, it's in the design of the hvac, sorry.
  • richfig23richfig23 Member Posts: 15
    Hey guys. Sorry if this is not posted correctly, as I'm new to this, but I'm getting a whistling noise that's becoming very annoying in my 2006 AWD freestyle Limited. Whenever I drive over 40 mph, I get this whistling sound. It happens with the heater on or off, but louder with the heater on and progressively louder the higher the fan is on...I'm not sure if this is a cold weather problem, as this did not happen during the warmer weather? I don't want to bring in to the dealer just for this :sick: , but if it continues, I guess I wil have to. I guess I'll have my brakes checked as well..
  • bruneau1bruneau1 Member Posts: 468
    There is a small amount of air coming through the vents in mine when the "floor" is on. I like this because it distributes the heat better. it's not at all bothersome and I don't consider it a flaw. The middle vents can always be aimed upward. If it's blowing hard through the vents on "floor", that's different.
  • dougmalissadougmalissa Member Posts: 24
    This is direct competition for Ford. They should really market the Freestyle. GM is coming out with their own which is extremely similar in looks to the Freestyle. Check the link below:
    http://www.caranddriver.com/previews/12142/first-drive-2007-gmc-acadia.html
  • kjnormankjnorman Member Posts: 243
    I would necessarily say "similar" in looks. I'd say "much better" in looks!
  • volfangaryvolfangary Member Posts: 105
    Can you say "copy". WOW! It's just a slightly dressed up Freestyle. Now watch GMC market it and their sales go up, up, up. While Ford sits on their hands... and continues to do nothing in marketing the Freestyle. :confuse:
  • jimcat11jimcat11 Member Posts: 20
    Well I will let you all know after the new box is in.. hopefully one day soon, how it went :D
  • stevedebistevedebi Member Posts: 4,098
    "This is direct competition for Ford. They should really market the Freestyle. GM is coming out with their own which is extremely similar in looks to the Freestyle."

    Not too impressed here. 5000 lbs before cargo and passengers? With that size engine they will be looking at 20 MPG maximum on the road, and probably 14 in town. Real world possibly 13 / 18.

    Also, I think that this vehicle will be much more expensive than a Freestyle, which maxes out at about 36K, MSRP, and sells for a lot less. You could be easily talking about 12-15K difference. The 2008 FS will have 250 HP, 6 speed transmission, and stability control, and I have seen nothing that says Ford is increasing pricing that much. I suspect the towing capability will increase as well. And then there is that Volvo platform...

    The Acadia is larger, but I find the FS to be the right size for me - and the third row can be used by adults... :surprise:
  • barnstormer64barnstormer64 Member Posts: 1,106
    but I'm getting a whistling noise that's becoming very annoying in my 2006 AWD freestyle Limited.

    Try checking the overhead vents in the rear seats. Open them up if they are closed.

    Mine whistled for a while, and it about drove me nuts. Somebody suggested that to me, and after I did it, I haven't heard it since.
  • tango_28tango_28 Member Posts: 35
    I wonder if they going to change the Freestlye name to the Taurus wagon. I never like the name Freestyle, it reminds of the Freestar.
  • dougmalissadougmalissa Member Posts: 24
    I'm not going to speculate on the MPG, but the price does seen rather up there. I prefer the CVT versus the 6 speed, but that is my own opinion. I will be interested in seeing what the crash test rating is. You can't beat Ford's 5 star rating.
  • saabturboidsaabturboid Member Posts: 178
    I just read a report that Ford is going to change the name of the Five Hundred for 2008 to Taurus. Apparently they think the Taurus name will revive sales.

    My question is does this make the Freestyle the new Taurus Wagon? ;)

    - Chad
  • steverstever Guest Posts: 52,454
    Don't see anything (yet) other than the Five Hundred sedan name change (and guess it's not official until tomorrow).

    Name Game: Ford Taurus Returns (Auto Observer)

    Reading the stories, it sounds like more ad traffic may be devoted to the Freestyle now.
  • jasonj734jasonj734 Member Posts: 35
    image
  • barnstormer64barnstormer64 Member Posts: 1,106
    My question is does this make the Freestyle the new Taurus Wagon?

    Well, since I consider the Freestyle the Five Hundred Wagon, I'd have to say yes!
  • tango_28tango_28 Member Posts: 35
    It going to be called the Taurus X

    ">link titlehttp://media.ford.com/products/press_article_display.cfm?article_id=25373&vehicl- e_id=1540
  • steverstever Guest Posts: 52,454
    You guys are right on top of the news - try this link for the Ford press release (I think our software broke your link Tango).
  • kjnormankjnorman Member Posts: 243
    Oh my god!

    People have often complained that the Freestyle is free of style, but the new 2008 look of the FS, or is that Taurus X (bad idea in my opinion) looks hideous!

    Perhaps it is just that photo with the two tone paint and perhaps a mono-tone paint job would be better. But Ford have got to be kidding themselves to think that this will sell. Then again it may, because it will end up being the poor man's 6 seater cross over. I suspect most will be discounted and sold in the mid 20s. Anyone who wants something a bit more stylish would get a Pacifica (especially with the newly introduced upgraded engine and 6-speed), and those with a but more cash would go to the Saturn Outlook and GMC Acadia.

    Of course this is just my opinion but I think this will flop even further. The three bar grill my look good on the Fusion but it looks crap on most other vehicles...
  • tom_holsingertom_holsinger Member Posts: 58
    My gray Freestyle is really blah looking. A two-toned red one I rented at O'Hare for a vacation was much better looking.
  • pnewbypnewby Member Posts: 277
    Are you serious? I was wishing for an Eddie Bauer model when I bought in '04. In looking at the entire list of changes, it actually seems as though Ford listened to customers and made all the changes I've seen asked for in this forum. The only thing I'm waiting to see is the pricing. If it isn't overpriced, it should be a winner if advertised at all. Did the Pacifica change? I bought my FS because it looked so much better than that. Along with more room, and better driving.
  • saabturboidsaabturboid Member Posts: 178
    When I posted yesterday asking if the Freestyle was to become the Taurus Wagon it was totally in jest. Now I see they have gone and changed the name to Taurus X. I understand Ford is trying to pull itself out of the grave, but I think changing the name of the Freestyle was a total miscalculation.

    Crossovers by nature appeal to a certain segment of the market that doesn't want to drive a generic vehicle like a traditional station wagon or a minivan. They are somewhat status conscious so they opt for a crossover because it has most of the capability of the aforementioned vehicles, but has the looks and feel of an SUV. How many of these people does Ford think want to have a generimobile such as a Taurus in their driveway?

    I think they may have done this so they can count Freestyle sales in with the Taurus sales to try and reclaim some sort of former glory when the sales numbers come out. Perhaps they should add some more Taurus variants and exploit names used buy other manufacturers:

    Focus - Taurus Mini
    Fusion - Taurus Camcord
    F150 - Taurus Titan
    Expedition - Taurus Max
    Explorer - TaurusEx
    Mustang - Anti Taurus
    GT - The TyrannoTaurusRex

    - Chad
  • bruneau1bruneau1 Member Posts: 468
    Looks hideous? I don't think so. And Remember, beauty is in the eye of the beholder. I wish the new Freestyle-Taurus success.
  • bruneau1bruneau1 Member Posts: 468
    Your Taurus lineup was very amusing.
  • xnappoxnappo Member Posts: 47
    I agree. I would have had a very very hard time buying anything called 'Taurus'. I am not sure which I abhor more - Taurus' or Minivans. Either way they provoke the same feeling.

    xnappo
  • kjnormankjnorman Member Posts: 243
    I agree, if the Freestyle had been called Taurus back in 2005 I probably would not have bought one.

    To me, the Taurus name is tainted and will always synonymous with tired sad rental fodder. I thought that was why they dropped the line. The name had fallen into disrespect.

    Ho hum.

    I must say though the pictures of the Taurus X that have been posted on the Acadia forum look a lot better than the one I posted here. Still not enough though to not make me want an Acadia.
  • bobnu75bobnu75 Member Posts: 21
    Sorry guys, I have to disagree. If Ford had done this when the 500 and FS came out originally, we wouldn't have been having the discussions a year ago about whether the models were doomed. Taurus always represented a well-equipped, reliable (most of the model years) value. Boring? maybe. But there wouldn't have been the confusion over the Freestyle/Freestar and the 500/FS could have been co-advertised for what they were -- roomy family autos. I for one am happy Ford is doing this and hope this gives long life to the line.
  • dougmalissadougmalissa Member Posts: 24
    To each his own.
    I respectfully call the Taurus the Tortise. Looks and moves like a turtle.
  • haironghairong Member Posts: 153
    Ford published preliminary spec. for the new crossover.

    http://media.ford.com/products/presskit_display.cfm?vehicle_id=1540&press_sectio- - n_id=398&make_id=92

    Quick notes:
    1. The D35 engine's estimated power/torque is less than in the Edge/MKX, maybe tuned for fuel efficiency?
    2. The weight in both FWD&AWD are less than the SMALLER EDGE!

    Better MPG than the Edge, for sure. Could it match the current FS?
  • bruneau1bruneau1 Member Posts: 468
    Well, whatever the name the new Taurus and Taurus X are significantly improved, over 500 improvements. I like the looks and will look when they are out. Let's wish Ford success. Cars are about choice and personal taste, and it is to the advantage of the American buyer to have more choices. Screw those who want to make fun.
  • lateralglateralg Member Posts: 929
    Can you say "SHO" and "Ho hum" in the same sentence?
  • soderholmdsoderholmd Member Posts: 47
    There is no way you could look at what Ford is doing with the Taurus X and come not come to one conclusion.

    They have listened to the customer - All I have heard since they came out from haters on this board was that they were underpowered and bland looking (subjective to be sure).

    Well both of those are now a mute point. This thing is spectacular looking and now has power to burn. It will be roomy, refined, powerful, functional, reliable, SAFE and sporty looking. There will be little to complain about except by those that hate American car manufacturers. What will the haters complain about now........ :confuse:
  • tidestertidester Member Posts: 10,059
    Well both of those are now a mute point.

    I think that if they were mute points we wouldn't be hearing about them. ;)

    But you do make a great case otherwise. :)

    tidester, host
  • lateralglateralg Member Posts: 929
    I think something just zoomed over someone's head.
  • barnstormer64barnstormer64 Member Posts: 1,106
    I agree, if the Freestyle had been called Taurus back in 2005 I probably would not have bought one. To me, the Taurus name is tainted and will always synonymous with tired sad rental fodder. I thought that was why they dropped the line. The name had fallen into disrespect.

    You know, it's actually kinda SAD that people would choose to buy a car or not based on its NAME.
  • barnstormer64barnstormer64 Member Posts: 1,106
    Well both of those are now a mute point.

    MOOT point. :D
  • kjnormankjnorman Member Posts: 243
    Yeah? If I was still living in England I'd be buying an Alfa Romeo, even though I know from a logical perspective that it would be a terrible idea. They'll leave you at the side of the road with a pool of oil in a heart beat. But still. The cars stir the soul :) The styling evokes raw emotion.

    Who ever said buying a car was a rational decision?

    Oh I forgot the 400000 or so people who by a Camry every year for its "transportation appliance" like nature...
  • kjnormankjnorman Member Posts: 243
    These are the pictures I mentioned where posted on the Acadia forum. The side view look a lot nicer - oh yeah you could hardly tell its not a Freestyle as from the side it looks the same.

    image

    Now here is the front. I am still not keen on the three bar grill on something this size. It should have remained on the Fusion.

    image

    image

    image
  • rick2456rick2456 Member Posts: 320
    Names say a lot. Who wants to refer to their vehicle with a stupid/silly name? Actually those manufacturers, mainly the [non-permissible content removed] and the europeans, now use numbers/letters just to ensure someone might not like the name they pick. Good marketing sense if you ask me.
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