Ford Freestyle - Taurus X

figueroafamily

AWD Freebies are FWD until needed.

Fortunately, our Freebie has the trip computer. Thus, I can tell the MPG. I did not test for accuracy (miles/gallons bought).

I do 18 MPG easy on commuter traffic (AKA I-80 parking). Lately it shows 16-17, but I must note I'm not its main driver.

For the record, my old '96 I-4 Contour did 21 MPG on the same road. As you can suspect, it wasn't in its glory days.

Being easy on the pedal, and letting the CVT do the torque-ing pays. If tach is under 2Krpm, you'll gain 0.1 MPG every minute or less. And it's fun to see tach drop as you accelerate...

I also did a longer than usual highway drive recently. It was a 30 minute drive. However, it had 20 MPG (+2) by the end of it.

An earlier post of 25 MPG on a long drive isn't hard to believe.

Sam

Kirstie_H

A magazine reporter would like to hear from buyers of Ford's new vehicles - specifically, the Five Hundred, Freestyle and Mercury Montego.

He'd like to know why you chose to buy your vehicle, what other vehicles you comparison shopped, and your impressions so far. Please e-mail jfallon@edmunds.com, or call Jon at 212-367-4872 no later than November 17, 2004.

fordfan1

Say it ain't so....I've been looking at some of the material about the Freestyle, but I haven't seen anything about its towing capability. Does that mean you can't tow with it?

badgerfan

Well, right here on Edmunds new car section it lists towing for the two wheel drive version at 2000 lbs. I didn't take the time to poke around and see if they rated the all wheel drive version as different.

canadiangal

I wonder if ford will offer an optional engine, at least until the Duratec 35 gets here. If they do, I would like to see the 4.2L v6 (the same engine that they use in the freestar). The freestar is rated at 23mpg with the 4.2, and weighs about 1000lbs more than the freestyle. So there shouldn't be too much if any loss in fuel economy vs. the 3.0L. And since the 4.2L is rated at 265lb ft. of torque there would be some gain in straight line performance and maybe towing capacity, and other things that more torque can help you do( going up hills, gravel, snow etc...).

figueroafamily

As far as I know, 2000 is the tow, regardless of _WD. I have no clue how much is a Freebie hitch.

Based upon several posting by ANT14, the 30 will be it, until 35 comes in. The model will have a revamping in two years. It'll include engine, front design, etc.

Sam

odie6l

Local Ford dealer told me the Free does NOT come with a hitch, you have to have one put on aftermarket. I am going to ask at another dealer before I make any final judgement about the hitch. I've known dealers that tell you these things so they can sell you the hitch mount at higher prices (and also with out the oil cooler).

Odie

P.S. - My wife has also told me, we are not getting a new vehilce till my 5yr / 75k warrenty is up on the escape. At least the 3.5l will be avail by then... lol

kcan

The dealer brochure indicated that towing may be less depending on how the vehicle is loaded - please see your dealer for more info. or something like that.
I don't think the bigger engine will help towing unless there is a new or updated transmission that can take the torque?

mgpmgp2

Test drove the Freestyle Limited and SEL. It is a good looking vehicle and has lots of potential. Here are some recomendations on how to make it a great vehicle:
1) Offer telscopic steering wheel
2) Offer stability control
3) Reduce engine noise or stop it from reving so high or better insulate passenger compartment from engine noise
4)Offer true privacy glass in 2nd row
5) Should not have to buy Limited to get an upgraded audio system
6) The cargo area is almost too big at the expense of 2nd row leg room. Often the 3rd row will be unoccupied so it would be nice if the 2nd row could slide back further to make the 2nd row passangers more comfortable when no one is sitting in the 3rd row

Does anyone know if/when Ford has plans to address any of these issues?

ANT14

" I would like to see the 4.2L v6 "

Sorry to dissapoint, but the 4.2L is dying off as it is and not planned for any other vehicles. IN fact, whatever you see the 4.2L in NOW, will be eventually replaced with the 3.5L DOHC V6. While the 4.2L V6 makes good low end torque, and on paper sounds good, the engine is quite unrefined compared to the Duratec's, and a bit too wide to fit in the Freestyle engine bay without some serious modifications. I cringe to imagine how hard it'll be to change the sparks plugs if the 4.2L were implemented.

"Does anyone know if/when Ford has plans to address any of these issues? "

Some of what you stated, might be addressed in the mid-cycle revision.

anotherwagon

We haven't made a final decision yet. However, we did recv a few price quotes from local dealers below list. We used a couple of different internet pricing services, edmunds, vehix, etc. Send it out to a few a see what happens.

anotherwagon

Does anyone know if/when consumer reports is doing a profile of the Freebie?

307web

Why are people here calling it "Freebie?" It makes no sense and it realy doesn't save much space.
Is there some hidden meaning to it?

explorerx4

'freebie'. the freestar people weren't quick enough to grab it first. i think it will stick.

figueroafamily

I take the blame for the "Freebie" name.

Check message 513 (page 27), the first mention of that nickname. At the time, I returned from the NY Auto Show, with my heart sunk at the $26-34K price tag on it.

* It came that way since the car's name is FREE-style.
* Everyone likes a freebie. This car is very likable.
* Also, isn't it a bit of to claim "I own a $32,000 Freebie"? Others may know I'm so serious with my postings (yeah, right!).

Yes, I'm one of those who nickname their vehicles.

Sam

figueroafamily

Gang:

I made a boo-boo. I would like advise.

I din't pull the shade off before I opened the sunroof on Freebie. Now it's stuck, and I can't close it fully. The shade stops at the position the sunroof is.

If I move the sunroof forward, it stops, and then moves back. (Seems to have a sensor like those on elevators if your hand gets stuck.)

Help is appreciated. Worst case, it'll go to the dealer Monday.

Sam

ANT14

As you close it, can you wedge your finger back into the sunshade finger rest and fish it forward? If not, try the "vent" setting of the sunroof, and see if your able to fish it out that way.

figueroafamily

Thanks ANT14.

The shade is fully closed. The problem is that the sunroof is still 4-5" open. If I try to move it forward, the whole roof & shade will retract in unison.

Sam

ANT14

That does sound odd, try the service center when possible.

I pictured it was the other way around...sunroof closed, sunshade not able to retract.

lumber2

Spend as much time as the kids would allow in the freestyle at the local auto show. I think Ford has done a good job overall and it was attracting attention. Disappointed in the amount of dirt that the tan colors showed after a couple of days at the show. Black would be a better color for the dash which is well designed. Third row seat has a big bracket that had come out of the thin wooden cover over the rear cargo area and had to be forced back into position. Ford should bolt those pieces together rather than clip them . The clip had failed. Interior parts still don't have the tactile feel of say Honda/Toyota with door pulls etc not being integrated into the rest of the holding and poorly screwed in.
My short list is freestyle and pilot.
The quest continues

anotherwagon

Be sure and let us know. We have the same short list. Hubby doesn't like the "Van" feel of the Pilot so he's for the Freestyle. Still need to load the freebie with the whole crew for a test drive.

joelk01

any experience with this transmission? Trying to get a sense of ability to accelerate in traffic rather than from a standing stop. thanks

figueroafamily

No Problema!

The dealer ordered a replacement shade to fix the problem. This is our first night without Freebie! (out of control sobbing sounds

Fortunately, the Dealer we'll put the repair under warranty. YIPEE!!!

The morale of the story: DO NOT open the sunroof without opening the shade first.

Sam

explorerx4

figgie... (hey, you came up with freebie).
i have 2 fords with power moonroofs. although i usually slide the shade back before i retract the roof, i don't think you have to do that.
isn't that what you did?
when my wife gets back with hers, i'll try it.

pagamony

All the freestyle's I've seen have the 2nd row bucket seats. We're interested in a third row bench so we can (sometimes) take all three kids and a big load of cargo. Has anyone got a 2nd row bench and, if so, how is access to the 3rd row and how do you like it? Thanks, Dave

figueroafamily

Once I get Freebie back, I'll do an acceleration test. Earlier discussions stated the 40-60 portion is where it picks up speed best.

My recollection is that it's true. It really speeds up. No Ferrari, but does the job.

Sam

figueroafamily

*************
All the freestyle's I've seen have the 2nd row bucket seats. We're interested in a third row bench so we can (sometimes) take all three kids and a big load of cargo. Has anyone got a 2nd row bench and, if so, how is access to the 3rd row and how do you like it? Thanks, Dave
*************

I have the full 2nd bench. The differences are as follows:
* Continuous flat platform. The two buckets have a gap in between. If you get the console, you'll have a hump in between when seat are folded flat.
* Not adjustable. On the contrary, 2 buckets can move forward or backwards.

To me, it made more sense to use the full seating potential. But that's me.

Access-wise, it should not be any different to a bucket in operation. Size and weight of the 60% side is obviously different.

Regardless of which seating arrangement you have, Freebie's flexible. The brochure's picture of surfboards beside people on 2nd & 3rd rows makes the point.

Since you have 3 kids, the full bench would let you put cargo on the back or sideways with ease. And don't forget the roof rack.

Sam

figueroafamily

Figgie, that's a new one. Sounds like a mix of Ziggy (of cartoon strip fame) and a Fig Newton cookie. I reached a new low...

On Sunroof: Yes, that's what I did. I wouldn't try it if I were you, unless you have warranty coverage. Or. in the case of the wife's sunroof, doghouse insurance.

Sam

nitromax

Your name just expends too much energy. I have enough trouble just typing and trying not to look at the keys. Can I call you figs? Mr Figs? :-)
Just kidding.

The morale of the story: DO NOT open the sunroof without opening the shade first.

That's a weird setup. I guess I'll have to check one out in person. My current car (RSX) uses the sunroof to open the manual shade. So I can either slide it back manually or let the sunroof do it. I never heard of your predicament. I'm guessing Ford may be doing a little re-design on that.

But besides that little nuisance. I am keeping my eye on the Freestyle and this board. I think it's a great vehicle and I would like to see more of this type of car made by other manufacturers.

lumber2

Sounds like Ford needs to put a couple of stops or should I say fingers that stick up and takes the shade back with the sunroof

anotherwagon

I asked the salesman about this when we were looking at a freebie yesterday. He said it should not matter. You can either slide it back yourself or let it slide with the sunroof. He then proceeded to open/close several times w/the shade in place.

Go figure.

anotherwagon

Looked at this too. You can open the console and fold it back so that it is almost flat instead of the big hump for the second row.

dsj123

We're looking at the Freestyle too. Wonder when they will have some discounts or rebates...

pagamony

Thanks for the notes on the 2nd row bench, ours would definately need it. Did you guys find it on the lot or did you have to order it?

now if that 97 windstar will just die off.

figueroafamily

My Freebie came out before/at the time the 12,000 vehicle hold the plant had.

My conspiracy theory is this:
* Perhaps one of the issues for the hold was the sunroof.
* Thus, Freebie could have bad assembly and I would not know it. Until I did my boo-boo, that is.
* Newer (post-hold) Freebies would arrive with the right assembly.

That would explain your "No Problema here" demonstration. BUT, that's a conspiracy theory. I'll ask the repair dude/dudette about what happened. (They pinpointed the shade as the culprit.)

Anyway, my wife & I are happy with Freebie.

Sam

figueroafamily

History has you more correct than you think. I checked an ancestry website, believing they'll mention great knights and legendary medieval nobles with my name. Maybe so. But what I did found out is that my name is a variation of the Spanish word "higuera". Translation: Fig Tree.

Rats.

For purposes of discussion, may I suggest a plain old "Sam"?

=============================

Back to Freebie, I do agree my sunroof mess is strange. But it's a thing I won't repeat, unless the repair dude/dudette gives me an "all clear".

Sam

figueroafamily

It'll be tough to get rebates on Freebie just yet. (They'll be welcome.) However, if you have friends at Ford, you may be able to get it at invoice or less.

There was an earlier post about Ford people are now able to give friends use of their X plan allocations. I don't know the specifics just yet.

Sam

explorerx4

hi sam,
'figgie' was a nickname for ed figueroa. i meant it as a compliment.
ok, just retracted and closed up the moonroof on the focus without retracting the shade. it disappeared as the roof fully opened, and reappeared(3 to 4 inches) as it closed.

figueroafamily

No Problema! on the names. I can't be and never expect one incoming. BTW, Is Ed F. the Mets player?

Anyway, Freebie is still on the shop. Patience is a virtue that takes too long...

Sam

figueroafamily

In addition to Freebie, we bought a Honda Rebel to learn to ride motorcycles. However, that's not the important family addition either.

My wife wasn't feeling OK the last couple of weeks. So, I told her to get an appointment with the doctors she works for. (Medical workers are lousy patients.) They checked her and did blood tests. The latter came + for kiddie. We ballpark 4 to 5 weeks in. My edmunds.com e-ID is literal now.

By summertime, I'll have a kiddie on the Freebie.

Sam

dsj123

Congratulations!! That is wonderful news!

anotherwagon

What time of year do the insurance industries publish data? Do you know?

marsha7

about the Yamaha V8 engine that is used in the Volvo XC90...the article mentions that the 300HP engine might also fit nicely in the Freestyle and Five Hundred...anyone know if there are plans for a Freestyle V8 in the near future, like maybe Dec or Jan when my Intrepid lease is up???...in addition to a V8, how about a Christmas gift from Ford to Bob (me) like a $4,000.00 rebate like on my Crown Vic???

samnoe

Since the Freestyle is the same as the 500, the same question would be for the 500. And you can find some answers in the 500 board. Click this link, and read the first few posts:

frizz2112 "Ford Five Hundred/Mercury Montego" Nov 8, 2004 11:07am

anotherwagon

Anyone heard of a dealer not honoring the $500 military discount on the freebie? Just had a dealer tell me he didn't have to honor it on this car?

figueroafamily

Note a little blooper on the header, showing the FreeSTAR, not FreeSTYLE.

http://www.edmunds.com/new/2005/ford/freestar/100412872/roadtesta- rticle.html?articleId=103544&tid=edmunds.h..wkedmunds.roadtes- ts.1g.*

As always, the main critic's gripe is the Duratec 30.

Sam

lumber2

Thanks for the link DAD!
The fully loaded beaten by a prius story is really offputting.

explorerx4

look at it this way, the prius has 2 powerplants to 1 in the freestyle.

stickguy

that sounds like BS anyway. Maybe the driver forgot to push down the gas pedal.

Go back 20 years, and the reviews would have been raving about the incredible performance. 9.2ish 0-60 in the 70's-80's, in a family car, would have been quite quick.

No, it isn't as fast as a Cayanne Turbo, but should be more than adequate for most normal use. I would get something more powerful if I expected to put 7 people in it and tow a boat up the mountains, but how many people do that?

I'm sure it's more powerful and quicker than my Quest (with 170 HP and a 4 speed AT), but the Quest still gets the job done. Occassionally I wold like more power (passing up hill say), but that's maybe 2% of the time, and I probably wouldn't give up 3-4 MPG to have the reserve power.

OK, I would, but I wouldn't try to justify it by saying I need it, just that I want it!

cminchik1

Automobile journalists should concentrate their reviews on objective performance standards, not personalized editorials on their personal likes & dislikes. There are people like myself who have been waiting for a vehicle like the Freestyle for a long time. Give me passenger room (106 cu ft...close to a crown vic), luggage carrying ability (47 cu ft behind 2nd row), reasonable gas mileage (20-24 mpg) with AWD capability for bad weather (not off road)...all for a reasonable price even with luxury options. What are my non SUV options? Top of the line Subarus (smaller) are low $30's. Passat GLX is even more (and just as small). Pacifica? Rented one and thought it was a dog! Equinox? Too small. Highlander...poor 3rd seat, no storage. Pilot is good but boring.
Everybody is moaning about this powertrain. I have always loved a manual transmission because you can always optimize your engine's powerband. That's why 4 cyl Hondas/Toyotas can perform better than their 6 cyl counterparts with better economy. The CVT does this even better...it always is in the optimal powerband of the engine regardless of the conditions. Will the engine rev at higher RPMs? Yes, if you want performance. If you are satisfied driving 0-60 in 15 seconds, then you won't have to run at higher RPMs. It optimizes engine performance. Don't complain about higher RPMs if you want performance. Again what's the alternative? V8s with high torque & low mpg. Not my choice.
Drive this vehicle yourself & you will understand you don't need a bigger engine. If I have a full load (passengers & gear) I am not looking for high performance...I am looking for safety & comfort (both there in Freestyle) with reasonable pickup & passing ability. It's there in the Freestyle.
In summary...beauty lies in the eye of the beholder. IMHO this vehicle comes at the right time for me! So I ordered one. It's due in this week. Wish me luck. Thanks for listening.
Chuck