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Comments
We used to have ground clearance specs here but quit reporting them a while ago (probably because Ford and other manufacturers quit reporting that info too - www.ford.ca has nothing about GC either).
Steve, Host
Volvo bones. Not Aussie Ford. Not European Ford. Volvo.
-- I hope this doesn't get me in legal boiling water. --
Sam
http://www.womanmotorist.com/index.php/news/main/3275/event=view
Some of the facts are wrong (14/17 mpg, built in Detroit), but the review is interesting.
Says that the rear seat can be reversed?
Hadn't heard that before?
Odie
The review itself says it's reprinted with permission.
Steve, Host
Back in April, Edmunds.com had a video clip of it, and they showed the 1/2 3rd seat in tailgate form. I don't know if they still have it somewhere.
Sir Moderator, is there a way to see that Freebie video clip? It was part of the car-by-car NY Auto Show coverage. Chances are 0, but doesn't hurt to ask.
JOHNCLINEIII & Moderators: Sorry for crying "Wolf", although in this case, "Jayson Blair" (NY Times self-troubled reporter
Sam
Video Gallery: Ford
I don't know what's in them, but we have also have Auto Show Archives including some video footage.
Steve, Host
http://autoshow.edmunds.com/news/autoshow/articles/100916/page026- - .html?tid=edmunds.e.autoshow..gallery.27.*
The video highlights describe Freebie's features. About 35 seconds in, you'll see the third row in TAILGATE mode (with bags on top & empty).
I hope this compensates for my "Dan Rather" on the NASCAR documents.
Sam
Sam
I posted 15 Hi-res digi-pictures at Webshots.com. I couldn't drive it, but I got a lot of info on it.
The folder in Webshots.com is "Freestyle at Warnock's". You can find it by searching for "Ford Freestyle". (TECH NOTE: The pictures won't not appear outright, so be patient and try often.)
* CANADIANGAL - Look for the tape measure picture. That was the front, measuring 10".
* ODIE6L - Just like many of us, you talked about the tinted windows on 2nd row. The answer is "three shades of gray". Each row is darker as you go back. Sorry for the off-focus in the picture.
* KCAN - Yes, you can tailgate the third row like the Freestar. This one is 50/50 or 100%, depending on the option you choose. I folded flat one side, and tailgated the other.
One thing I found hilarious was that Freebie had slots for placing on/off levers for the front air ducts. There's no lever.
The trunk door was far, far easier to lift or bring down than my Windstar.
Each seat's bottom is higher than usual, so the back-row passenger can sink their feet in, increasing comfort.
I could get it for about $32K out the door. I'm figuring out the "how". In response to earlier posts on saving money, etc., I came to the conclusion this meets our family needs extremely well.
Sam
http://community.webshots.com/user/figuesam
Sam
Plus, they require premium fuel, which totally defeats the purpose of being economical. I rather lose 20 HP, than having to pay premium, when the transmission can be geared, to feel as if it had 50HP more.
And yes, there is a future engine, a 3.5L Duratec that will be implemented in the future. Scroll back to the beginning of the forum posts, and you might be able to catch some of those details.
Sam
Cool!
My wife & I won't get that one. The dealer will exhibit it on a "fall Festival", and let everyone in. I don't mind cars in shows, but the idea of $30,000 of our money available for public curiosity is a No-Go. Anyway, there are more Freebies coming from where that one came from.
On other news, our nearby dealer will get a LIM, a SEL, and others. I hope to add pictures from those. The LIM is Merlot, which may assist your cause...
Sam
What, you think ford just love to give money away to toyota for no good reason *laugh*
Small companies are out of luck. No currency to deal with and if they get sued the bills are high and the time demands on management are tremendous.
Steve, Host
It's quiet, you might just hear some slight wind noise over the rear view mirrors, but overall it's VERY quiet. Because of the size of the vehicle, you do not have the typical SUV/Truck sounding vehicles. Even now, the new F150 is Lexus quiet as well. I can tell you the Limited has a bit more soundproofing though.
NORNE,
"Ford did not have a hybrid technology of their own so they had to go and buy it from toyota"
Yes Ford did, they were developing the Hybrid techonology for years, and the final results were that they were almost similar to what Toyota was using. Instead of legal issues between them both, they bought rights from Toyota so it didn't infringe on their technology.
Which is why the Escape Hybrid was delayed an extra year, with patent rights they were discussing that time. And you can research this information online, numerous stories were posted describing the situation.
Here's some food for thought... You know those cute little adjustable pedals that Ford has used in their cars for years, that now Toyota is beginning to use on some vehicles...Guess who bought the rights from Ford to use that. Door revolves both ways
It was comfortable, nice seats, good control layout, etc. The CVT is a bit different, but not enough to really matter. It was more of a novelty, and I robably spent too much time watching the tach while accelerating, but I'm sure once you get used to it, you wouldn't even notice (especially with the radio cranked up!).
It was pretty roomy, but even though it is almost as long as an Ody or SIenna, much less room inside.
The back seat was actually sorta comfy for an adult. I at least had enough head and leg room
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
The Dealer I took the latest pictures declined bringing their Freebie to the Festival. Looks I'll have a Freebie today, or early next week. Paperwork causes the delay.
Sam
Joe never liked the Explorer I owned when we met, since he had bad knees & had trouble getting in and out. No such problem with Freestyle!
Is is the blue one you're getting?
I didn't bought it. Yet. I had complications.
* I can't find the title for Contour. I must likely get a copy from Motor Vehicles.
* My brother-in-law's truck spilled Diesel on my father in-law's back yard. A nice 3'x3' patch.
* Got an apartment for my father in-law, since he's moving out of his home.
I did went back to the dealer to see it. It's outside. It REALLY makes me drool! A couple passed by and really liked it as well, yet it was outside their price range. They (she!) really wants the Escape. They surely wished they did Freebies when they had their kids.
I will stay around as usual for some time. I bet people will have questions on Freebie. Being among the first getting it may help you in your questions. I will love to hear from you as everyone get their own.
Of course, ANT14 may beat me to the right answer, like the Jeopardy guy making the ton of bucks
Sam
Thanks for all those pictures you posted! You don't find shots like that in reviews. They gave me a good idea of the room for passengers, room behind the third row, and the height of the vehicle. Looking at your picture it seems like the 64.9" specified height includes the roof rack? The ground clearance that you measure at the side of the vehicle would likely not be the lowest point. Usually gear cases, exhaust, or the suspension system are lower. But you shouldn't buy a Freestyle for ground clearance anyway.
Good luck with your purchase - it seems like you have a great dealership there.
Once I get it, I could post more to cover any follow-up questions.
The height sounds to be w/o rack. See the "humble correspondent" picture. Make a straight line from the back end of the roof (highest) to me. The line will cut my (industrial-size) head in half. Note I'm 5'6", or 66" tall (short?).
Recall the roof has three steps to accomodate the "theater seating". Thus the -start from the back- remark.
On the ground clearance, I will continue to admit my limited expertise. Your statement on where the low points are makes sense.
My intent with the picture was to let CANADIANGAL had a feel for the clearance. The "humble correspondent" picture shows the bottom to be pretty much parallel to the floor.
The vehicle's clearance & seat height were a surprise to me. I thought they would be in the "car" range. Freebie sits higher than you may think for a non-SUV.
I'll keep you posted on the purchase. I bet the deal's bone of contention will be Contour. The joy of trade-ins...
Sam
ALL Freestyles I spotted (though Fordvehicles.com) around here had everything except two options: reverse sensors & DVD. With Wal-Mart selling you individual DVD players for $200 or so, the latter makes sense. The former is a catch.
I asked the salesperson at two different dealers whether Freebie can get reverse sensors. They responded, "we can add it if you like". In the case of my purchase, the sensors' cost is $300. Note the Edmunds' invoice is about $115.
There are three ways to counteract this "option". First, order your Freebie with it. Second, duke it out on negotiations, whether trade-in or final auto price. Third, skip it until your next car. (I don't know if it'll be cheaper from third parties, dealer techs, etc.)
I hope that clears the path for you.
Mr. Moderator, you may want to spread the word, as one of those dealers was doing it on Explorers.
How many vehicles can have this situation? I have no clue. However, it's something to keep in mind prior to inquiring for vehicles with reverse sensors.
Sam
Actually I'm not at all in the market for a Freestyle, not even a glimmer of hope since I'm single and plan to stay that way, although have recommended it to many other's.
* single
* Freestyle
* single with Freestyle!
May I inquire which car keeps you coming to the Forums? (Although every "toll stop" in the Freebie place is greatly appreciated.)
Sam
I have a Lincoln LS,(2nd one) and had issues with it because I was gaining 2 extra doors (Ahhh, they'll think I'm married with responsibilities). But Ford doesn't make a lux. coupe, so my options were limited. And the new Mustang was still far in the horizon at that time.
I visit quite a bit of Ford Forums, but it's usually new vehicles, future vehicles, vehicles where someone had drama to help them (Mazda6 rust issue), where ever someone has sent me to resolve an issue, etc.
I believe there's an option where you can visit the persons last posts, on different forums which ever they might be.
Next thing I knew, he was pushing me out the door to go see just what the deal was. Now, mind you, we had put a small ($200) deposit to be able to have the first crack at the first Limited Freestyle that arrived, and the Ford dealer actually put in his next order with the color and options that we said we would most like. We never did settle on a final price or firm offer for Joe's trade-in...
Suddenly we are test driving a Rainier with navigation system and a million bells & whistles, and guess-who is really liking it... Yup, Joe, who will be the principal driver. We sat down to talk turkey, and bottom line, bought a 2004 AWD Rainier (MSRP $42M, Invoice $38M) for about $1,500 less than we were going to be able to buy the Freestyle for.
So, my new friends, I am sitting here in shock, regretting the "loss" of my Freebie, but happy for my hubby who is ecstatic with his bargain. We've given up 5-6 MPG, the extra seating, cargo space, and great design of the Freestyle, but gained a towing package capable of pulling three times the weight (in case we get a fishing boat when I retire), another 60 HP, satellite radio, Onstar... Guess I'll have to wait a few more years for my Freestyle.
I told Joe he would have to call the Ford dealer and confess that he was weak!!!
I've enjoyed talking with you all so much.. can I still come back & read your posts about how much you are enjoying your new cars????
Sheepishly,
Nancy B.
You mentioned that the Limited has additional sound proofing. Is that compared to the SE or SEL? I heard that the SE was louder than the SEL and Limited but I was not sure how the SEL and Limited compared to each other. I have only owned cars with lots of road noise (escort, probe, taurus, although my 93 taurus is the quietest of the bunch). I am looking for a quiet car this time around so I don't have to turn up the radio so high just to hear it over the road noise. Also I am curious as to how mercury in general compares with Ford in terms of sound proofing?
Congrats, and yes keep coming back to read what's going on. Maybe you can get yours when the next update comes around
MGPMGP,
The SEL and LIMITED have the extra soundproofing. The soundproofing isn't changed if Mercury were to have a version, of a Ford vehicle. Although if it were a Lincoln version of a Ford clone, then yes, more soundproofing would be added (Such as the Navigator for example).
Mercury versions vary only in options, and a few gadgets it might have over it's Ford counterpart. Seating trim, decorative trim touches, also vary between them, but that's the extent of it.
Buick Rainier
It's been all too quiet in there - maybe you can give it a shot in the arm :-)
and Congrats!
Steve, Host
Has anyone who's driven the Freestyle experienced the "noise and vibration" that the Detroit Free Press review refers too? Or were they just pushing the vehicle hard?
They also indicate difficulty in merging. Is there a lag in response when the pedal is pushed?