Ford Freestyle - Taurus X

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Comments

  • brantybranty Member Posts: 53
    Just returned from a trip to our cottage in our Limited AWD (430 km round trip) with 2 adults, three teenage boys and snowboards etc.. Power is NOT a problem. This vehicle is not underpowered.

    Winter traction is great. Had lots of opportunity to try to spin the wheels on snow but could not make it happen. Temperature was -24oC (-2oF) and everything ran great (although I used the block heater that came with the Freestyle) this morning.

    The entertainment system kept the boys occupied during the whole trip - great system.

    So far this has been a great vehicle!
  • canuck6canuck6 Member Posts: 24
    Thanks for replies to my post #1539 - re power, especially ANT14 and branty. I may be driving my Freestyle on my 1400km roundtrip to Northern Alberta next week, but was holding back. I did see the stats on 0-100km, but my bigger concern was on the passing power, ie. when you pull out and want to make it by the logging truck on a long hill. Any comments on power delivery when you need it?
  • jaki30jaki30 Member Posts: 73
    Another website dedicated to the Blue Oval is reporting that a supplier is being hired to repair inadequate chassis welds. Anyone know what is going on?

     I just can't pull the trigger on this car as much as I would like to. There are too many things happening.

     I'll wait for a little longer, but, I really need a non SUV type vehicle to carry stuff.

     Ford, I can't wait forever.
  • ANT14ANT14 Member Posts: 2,687
    Canuck,

     

    Passing response/timing is a bit quicker since the CVT will keep you at the best torque level for response.

     

    Jaki,

     

    Yes, but it only affected a few vehicles and none were shipped. This is part of the process of going over the vehicles before being shipped.
  • samnoesamnoe Member Posts: 731
    "The Freestyle has the lowest HP and torque ratings compared to Pacifica, Equinox, VolvoXC90, Highlander, Murano, etc..."

     

    The Equinox has just 185 HP - and 210 Lb.-Ft. of torque - almost the same as Freestyle's 207.
  • brantybranty Member Posts: 53
    Have not been in the situation you describe (long hill and logging truck) but the power has always been there when I need it. The engine rev's high when you push it but the power is there.
  • mgp2mgp2 Member Posts: 10
    Was just quoted 23,600 on an Odyssey LX. Originally was just in the market for Freestyle but without stability control I am leaning more toward Obyssey, even though I don't need the extra space. Odyssey features stability control and side curtains standard at all trim levels. Plus 18/25 milage is not bad for a vehicle with 255 HP, weighting 300 lbs more the freestyle. These numbers are as good as Freestyle AWD. It also has nice interior materials and seemed pretty quiet. The freestyle does handle better though. My Taurus just reached 200,000 miles today, without any major problems ever. My probe also went to 245000 miles before I finally sold it. Ford's have done well for me but as I said before, I don't wantt pay that much money to a product without stability control, when I can buy a less expensive product with it.
  • headcaseheadcase Member Posts: 19
    Yes, power is not a problem with these Freestyles... I just drove my family of 5, fully loaded with baggage for the holidays, 1000 miles. I had NO problem passing folks, or getting where I needed to go -- it's got plenty of pickup. As Nike says... just do it, and buy the thing -- you won't regret it.

     

    As for the AUX IN port, one way or another, there's got to be a way to access it... I won't give up on this yet. As for the suggestions about using FM transmitters to connect my iPod to my car audio system... thx, but not my taste. I prefer hard-wired connections to get the best possible sound, and no hassles. I've already hard-wired my Audi A6 via the Denison ICE-Link kit, and it works GREAT. Nothing like controlling my iPod from my factory head unit. ;-)
  • canuck6canuck6 Member Posts: 24
    Quick question (branty can you help). The brochure says the Freestyle comes with roof rails (no cross bars). How can you fit things like ski racks, bike racks or Thule type luggage carriers? I've got an extra wide Thule box that fits my Windstar and I had intended on using it for my trip to carry skis, hockey sticks, etc., but don't know if I'll be able to do it. Is there an accessory that can be purchased that can be used?
  • johnclineiijohnclineii Member Posts: 2,287
    Headcase, if you figure it out, please let us know! I would love to have my Sirius direct connected...
  • cmunizcmuniz Member Posts: 604
    Given a choice between AWD and stability control, I would choose AWD. I'm no engineer, but I think AWD is more useful in a wider variety of situations.
  • johnclineiijohnclineii Member Posts: 2,287
    Given the CHOICE, I would prefer to take both. I am sure once Ford can get enough parts, we will be able to get both. After all, why would they leave money on the table that they could otherwise get?
  • maxtennymaxtenny Member Posts: 4
    You can buy Freestyle-specific cross bars from the Ford Accessories catalog, I expect they'll be compatible with either Thule (square) or Yakima (round), but I don't know for sure. I'll be ordering them by next summer for our Kayaks. http://www.fordaccessoriesstore.com
  • pnewbypnewby Member Posts: 277
    I was pleased with my performance this Sat. Outran the new CTS in a 70-110mph sprint when the Caddy tried to cut me off. I had been pleased before, but didn't expect this.
  • steverstever Guest Posts: 52,454
    It's the holiday season - let folks get in and save the heroics for the track.

     

    Steve, Host
  • pnewbypnewby Member Posts: 277
    I agree, I was running out of left lane on the interstate, and as I was merging with my turn light on, he floored it to keep me out.
  • steverstever Guest Posts: 52,454
    Ok, we'll give you a pass this time :-)

     

    Now tell us the mpg you're getting with your spirited driving <g>.

     

    Steve, Host
  • pnewbypnewby Member Posts: 277
    21 mpg on that trip. 700 miles on the odometer so far, so I expect it to get better. I was a little hyped on that trip, returning from Freedom Calls in Louisville after talking to my son in Camp Fallujah on a video conference set up during the UK UofL ballgame.
  • steverstever Guest Posts: 52,454
    Ok, we're cutting you off the eggnog right now!

     

    21 sounds pretty good for a brand new SUV.

     

    btw, when I'm cruising in my '99 Quest w/ 100,000 miles on it, I just move over when I want to. The new Caddys always seem to move right out of my way....

     

    Steve, Host
  • anotherwagonanotherwagon Member Posts: 301
    Semper Fi - God Bless & Thank You!

     

    Hubby was there 10 months but is home now. Hope he is home soon!
  • jschreiberjschreiber Member Posts: 50
    Have SE AWD for a week now. My observations:

    excellent power--I think those hwo complain don't know how to use the CVT

    Excellent fit and finish--no defects I can find--a first for me with an American car

    AWD is very, very good--navigated ice strom this am without a single slip

    drive is superior and volvo like in stiffness

    one gripe--defrost leaves a gap on drivers side

    also order the steering wheel audio controls--once without the delaership tells me I can't retrofit it! under $2000 since needs new radio and steering wheel

    minor stuff--I'll keep everyone posted if any problems develop I have 700 miles so far
  • barnstormer64barnstormer64 Member Posts: 1,106
    One website said that the 3.5L Duratec is supposedly going to be available in Freestyle around 2008.
  • ANT14ANT14 Member Posts: 2,687
    Many times there's an error with reporting vehicle years because there's "production year" and "model year"... As in, right now the 2005 Freestyle is selling, but it's really 2004. Correct way to report it would be "Model year 2005 will bring a new ___" etc.

     

    Therefore, whichever the website you read this at, might have ment MY 2008, when the vehicle will be really produced in 2007.

     

    Legally, a vehicle is able to use a "next year" designation on/past Jan2nd of the current year. Hence, the Lincoln MarkLT can debut in Jan 2nd (or so) and sell with the 2006 year designation, even though it's really 2005. Although the MarkLT will debut much later than that, but I'm using that vehicle as an example.

     

    I've read similar dates, even one that stated 2009 which I found rather funny since even Ford wouldn't forecast engine usage beyond a certain timeframe.
  • drwilscdrwilsc Member Posts: 140
    I would think the CTS you raced was a slightly older one with the 3.2 liter engine. I have a hard time believing the Freestyle could outrun a 3.6 liter CTS.
  • brantybranty Member Posts: 53
    Yes the Freestyle comes with roof rails but no cross bars. When I look at the pictures of the cross bars on the Ford site they appear to be round so they will not fit the Thule snowboard rack that I have (fits a rectangular bar). I went to the Thule site and they do not have a fit for the Freestyle yet. In order to use your Thule box you will need Thule cross bars (unless you can adapt it to a round cross bar).

     

    This past weekend I carried three snowboards inside the vehicle. Our Freestyle has the "Captains chairs" in the middle row and a 50/50 split rear seat. I put one of the rear seats down and had the snowboards run up the middle and rest on the centre console between the middle seats. It was a bit tight with luggage etc. but the boys didn't seem to mind.

     

    I do want to get cross bars that will work with the Thule racks rather than getting a new rack ...guess I will have to wait until Thule makes one that fits the factory rack. I also have a Thule bike rack that goes into a trailer hitch but I cannot find a hitch for the Freestyle yet. Hopefully by Spring they will have one.
  • samnoesamnoe Member Posts: 731
    I want to ask a question. The Freestyle is a 7 passenger wagon. How does it work? like a minivan? (2 captain chairs in front, middle, and 3 in the rear). if so, if we add a bench seat in the center is it an 8 passenger? Or is the rear seat just a 2 passenger, and with middle row captain chairs it's just a 6-passenger wagon?
  • ANT14ANT14 Member Posts: 2,687
    From front to back...2, 2, 2, or 2, 3, 2
  • anotherwagonanotherwagon Member Posts: 301
    We have a build date of mid Jan. I asked our dealer about the production hold and he hadn't heard anything. He checked w/3 other Mgr and the service mgr and nothing.

     

    Ever find out if this was the case or not?
  • anotherwagonanotherwagon Member Posts: 301
    Heard Diana DiGarmo (American Idol fame) on the radio the other day and they asked her what she was getting for Christmas.

     

    She said she had worked for a new Mustang from Ford. Sounded cool until she said "so ya'll wave if you see a pink and black Mustang around town!" -

    Pink & Black - ewwww. But anyway, the question -

    Since hopefully those aren't standard colors for the 'stang - how did she order the color?

     

    Wouldn't that mean you could order an SEL color for the LTD. The SEL colors just look better.
  • anotherwagonanotherwagon Member Posts: 301
    Any ideas if the Volvo Wagon hitches will work? I have a bike rack too!

     

    Pretty sure the Volvo cross bars are square so that won't work.
  • lumber2lumber2 Member Posts: 184
    Both Thule and Yakima have attachments that grab roof rails. Neither listing the freestyle yet so you will have to go to a Thule/Yakima dealer and try out the "grabbers" and see what fits.

    Just because the chassis is based on the Volvos, don't assume they will fit.
  • anotherwagonanotherwagon Member Posts: 301
    Yeah, I know what they mean by assume....

     

    Hey - have you made a decision as of yet?
  • lumber2lumber2 Member Posts: 184
    Anotherwagon: I'm in the lucky position of not being forced into a decision. Friend is buying my car after the holidays and I have a back up runaround. So the pressure isn't there. I swing back and forth between freebie and pilot.

    Yesterday I ran some resale value guesses using Taurus and Explorer as basis for depreciation. That exercise made me want a Pilot. Try it for yourself.

    PS Coworkers son'n law spent 15 months in Falluja. Niece is heading over there in a week.
  • anotherwagonanotherwagon Member Posts: 301
    I had looked at the depreciation on the Taurus wagons - that was I close as I could get... it was depressing.

     

    We are still waiting on ours - but they did order it without $$ down. Have noticed the inventory here is pretty much the same as last month. However, all the models are SE or SEL Front WD - no AWD in the ATL area yet. So , they felt they could sell it without a problem if we decided it wasn't for us. I do really like the car, but am still a bit nervous....
  • anotherwagonanotherwagon Member Posts: 301
    And...good luck to your niece. God Bless and Hurry HOME!!
  • lmphillmphil Member Posts: 2
    The picture of the cross bars and attachments on the Ford accessories web site look like the standard Yakima bars and attachments to me.
  • jimdanjimdan Member Posts: 2
    I'm in the market for a new family car. I'll be checking out vehicles at the upcoming auto show, but right now the Freestyle is at the top of the list of cars that I'm considering.

     

    I'm concerned that the Freestyle may be too wide fo fit through the single car opening in our garage. The specs for the Freestyle list it's width at 74.4", but I suspect that this figure doesn't include the width of the side-view mirrors. Can someone who owns a Freestyle measure the distance from the outer edges of the side-view mirrors and post this information.

     

    Thanks.
  • barnstormer64barnstormer64 Member Posts: 1,106
    This will seem like a silly question, but one I forgot to check when I went to see one of these:

     

    Do the rear windows (second seat) roll down completely? Or do they only come down part of the way (like they do on my Tauri)?

     

    I'd prefer them to come down all the way, as that makes it easier for people sitting in the back to stick large camera lenses out the window and use the door to stabilize the lens.

     

    Also, who likes the Merlot Red color? I think I've found one that I like, but it's Merlot instead of the Titanium Green. I think I like Merlot as well (if not better), and I'm sorta tired of green anyway. But convincing my wife may be another thing entirely.
  • subarktikasubarktika Member Posts: 9
    Ford is changing its policy concerning selling loads of vehicles to rental car companies because it causes low resale values. In the past they've sold tons of fleet vehicles which are sold at a discounted price and then when they're still fairly new they're back on the market as nearly new used cars. Hurts their new car sales and decreases resale value. Here's an article which indicates Automotive Lease Guide lists the residual value of a Freestyle as 50% compared to 31% for a Taurus, so it's probably not a good idea to use the Taurus resale value for decision.

     

    http://media.ford.com/newsroom/feature_display.cfm?release=19119

     

    The resale value of Japanese cars most likely is higher, but perhaps the difference won't be as great with the Freestyle and 500. We like to buy American--my husband grew up the in Detroit area with lots of relatives and friends working in the automotive industry and has seen the effect of foreign car sales on the economy in the area.
  • anotherwagonanotherwagon Member Posts: 301
    They roll all the way down.... :)
  • jimdanjimdan Member Posts: 2
    The second row rear windows roll all the way down.
  • johnclineiijohnclineii Member Posts: 2,287
    As opposed to the first row rear windows???

     

    --johnclineii, who just had to! :)
  • jaki30jaki30 Member Posts: 73
    Most likely will purchase a Freestyle. SEL/FWD or a LTD/FWD. Apparently, the LTD/FWD is not available now. Does anyone know when it will be available? Also, is Ford going to offer Silver Frost on the LTD? I would have just bought a SEL but found out the heated leather is only available on the LTD, not the optional leather on the SEL. That seems pretty strange, but, that is what the dealer said.
  • rgmtlrgmtl Member Posts: 1
    I measured about 89"-90" between outside edges of mirrors on a Freestyle at a dealer recently. It was hard to be accurate with the tape measure, so use this measurement with caution.

     

    Width is an issue for me as well because we have a long driveway between two houses which is 105" wide at one point for about 25'. Backing up through this gap every day with 7" gaps between mirrors and walls is probably doable for myself, but my wife will probably not want to do this on a regular basis.

     

    We will have to demo car and try it out to see if it is doable.
  • barnstormer64barnstormer64 Member Posts: 1,106
    "As opposed to the first row rear windows???"

     

    Well, I was thinking as opposed to THIRD row rear windows. LOL Of course, there aren't any of THOSE, either.
  • barnstormer64barnstormer64 Member Posts: 1,106
    I believe that ANT14 said that the FWD on the LTD will be available sometime around March, maybe?

     

    Doubtful that they'll change the colors until the 2006 models, though.

     

    I hate how they make some things not availble on certain styles. Like, why no "shale leather" on the LTD?
  • derringerderringer Member Posts: 6
    I called again today, he said "they're still not releasing any AWDs." Still says he doesn't know why, and that a woman who ordered one before me that was supposed to get one in on 12/6 is still waiting on her's as well. I ordered mine on 11/2 but never got a production or arrival date. Can anyone tell me if this "production hold" on AWDs is for real, or do I need to just go to another dealer?
  • ANT14ANT14 Member Posts: 2,687
    It is on hold, still pending quality assurance, going over them with a fine tooth comb. This will happen a few times throughtout introduction.
  • barnstormer64barnstormer64 Member Posts: 1,106
    Does this mean that there's a potential problem with any AWD's already on the lots right now?
  • ANT14ANT14 Member Posts: 2,687
    If there would be, then (whatever the issue is) would be fixed at the dealerships sales center before it's sold to the customer.

     

    Many issues (TSB's) can be resolved at the dealership without the need to ship them back. BUT this is a product of "build and hold", which Ford has used on a few recently released vehicles....Build quite a bit of them...Hold them for awhile, make sure everything is correct, then ship them. Start building again. This worked quite well for the new F-150. And in that case it was much harder since that's a 900K sale units a year, vehicle.
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