Ford Freestyle - Taurus X

lenw

I have the auto headlight turned on for my Limited. Tonight (around 5:30pm CST) when driving home the Dash board lights flicked back & forth between "bright" for daylight driving and dim for night driving. It was like it could not decide whether it was night or not.

 

When it got darker everything was fine.

johnclineii

I don't think this insightful ariticle got posted here when it came out:

 

http://www.forbes.com/columnists/columnists/2004/08/24/cz_jf_0824- flint.html

northlakes

No snow tires on my AWD SEL - no money left... That aside, I want to see how it behaves as is first and build my skills with it. I agree with Branty that the tires and electronics can help improve the control and handling, but are never fool proof.

friedoyster1

Has anybody explored Nav options? We're kind of addicted to it, and somewhat dissapointed it's not available. It's the one item between me and a Merlot LTD. Thanks...

cminchik1

If I Read One More Article About The 3.0 Engine...I will scream!!! I have driven this car in every conceivable situation, loaded with passengers & bags or just me. I now have 4000 miles. It is faster, quicker than a V8 Chevy Tahoe I had previous. It is more responsive than a Subaru Outback VDC H-6 that it is replacing. Passing cars is a breeze, uphill or not. It flat out goes better than any SUV I have ever driven. Now with that being said, I have not driven a V8 Porsche Cayenne or a V8 BMW X5. It is just as fast as a Benz ML320 if not better. If you are worried about the performance of a Freestyle, then buy BMW 740i.

Chuck

cminchik1

I just added a Kenwood Sirius radio to my Ltd AWD Freestyle. It works great! The visible portion fits in the small indentation below the climate controls. It looks built in. It uses an awesome FM modulator that has no "bleed" what so ever. It finishes it off to a T!

Chuck

willie19

Thanks Branty and Northlakes for the feedback on

snow tires.You guys did ok with the all-seasons so I feel a little more re-assured. By the time if I get the Freestyle it will be balmy weather again and it will then be a future consideration after getting more experience with this vehicle.

lumbar

I don't blame you but I'd suggest -one- more article--Car and Driver's recent coverage has a far different take on the Duratec 3.0 in the Freestyle than that found elsewhere. Interesting, considering how performance- oriented they tend to be. Check it out--it kind of makes you wonder if the other opinions aren't based more on reviewers' rather biased sense of reality than on reality itself. Not to mention any particular reviewers, of course.

ANT14

Heh, I just finished checking out the Mazda6 forum and they are trying every which way to explain to someone how un-related their Mazda Duratec 3.0L is from the Taurus Duratec. While most of it is incorrect, it's ironic has people are ok throwing garbage in their neighbors yard, yet forget you share the same neighborhood....

canuck6

Just returned from a 2000km road trip over Christmas. Bought my decked out Dark Shadow Grey LTD on Dec22 and hit the road one hour later. Loved it! The trip went to Northern Alberta, so all types of driving conditions - cold, snow, hills, etc.

Power - I initially had this concern, but can conclusively say (as many others) not a problem. I even had my brother-in-law who is a former Chrysler mechanic impressed. The car is a dream to drive as their is constant power with not tourque throwing gear changes. (I've been in cars where gear changing while going up a hill in winter conditions would be thrown into a tailspin during shifting).

Comfort - after driving a mini-van for 10 years, I did have to get used to not having as much room, but the seats were great and fit my 6foot sons in the back no problem. Nice touch with reclining buckets on the second row.

A couple of small points that I will pass on to Ford - would have been nice to have a light in the glove box, should have more cubby holes to "hide" things (no where to keep my first aid kit and small tool box), would have been nice to have integrated cross bars on the roof rails to accept ski/luggage boxes).

 

Overall, I love this car!

canuck6

Can anybody tell me how to add a Canadian flag to my posts?

cminchik1

Thanks for your thoughts on Freestyle Power...especially no torque changing gear shifts. I have also experienced slippage in icy conditions when this would occur especially at startup. I think too many reviewers read 3.0 L Duratec and immediately formulate a biased opinion...not enough power! Maybe it is up to us owners to keep spreading the word. Keep it up.

Chuck

ifs2cms

Gosh, that doesn't seem like a good price. I wasn't looking for cars; I have a leased Explorer thats lease is up in May, but two days ago my local Ford dealer left me a message that Ford was offering the best rebates they've offered all year, so I went in to look at the Freestyle, and today I will finalize the deal. Mine is a loaded SEL - leather, DVD, etc. - sticker is $30,335. They gave me an X-plan price of $28-something, then a $250 X-plan rebate, returning Ford Credit rebate of $500 and another $500 rebate. Bottom line was $26-something. This is a 3-year lease, but I wouldn't think it would make that much difference. I was able to keep my payments the same and my Explorer wasn't even close to $30K sticker ($27K I think).

tidester

Can anybody tell me how to add a Canadian flag to my posts?

 

Click on the "Preferences" link under forum tools near the top of the column to the left. You'll find a setting for flags.

 

tidester, host

willie19

Heh, I just finished checking out the Mazda6 forum and they are trying every which way to explain to someone how un-related their Mazda Duratec 3.0L is from the Taurus Duratec.

 

One response sounded quite convincing to me but I don't know any better. Is it true when he said Mazda made some mods to the Duratec30 with VVT to make it run smoother and better? Just kinda curious to know...

ANT14

Simply put, Mazda added their own head coupled with S-VT (Sequential Valve Timing).which varies valve timing for intake valves according to engine speed and it's load. Then there's a variable induction system mounted in the resin intake manifold and tumble swirl control valves which might explain it's "smoothness" over the Taurus variant.

 

Also the exhaust system illiminates the need for a close-coupled catalyst and is equipped with a dual silencer which reduces back pressure in the exhaust system.

 

Now, this isn't to say that one variation of the engine, might be better than another, etc. Sometimes when your dealing with tight spaces... (Mazda6 uses a double-wishbone suspension with MacPherson which decreases engine bay space significantly) you might have to do what Mazda did to achieve what they needed.

 

 
So this sounds good right? Actually the Taurus/Escape/Freestyle/500 3.0L Duratec produces higher torque at lower engine speeds over the Mazda unit. IN other words, the Mazda needs to swing up and hit higher revolutions, to produce it's power. That's fine for a 3000-3347lbs sedan. Obviously in the case of the Freestyle/500 it needs to produce higher torque outputs at lower RPM's because of the higher weight increase.

 

Some vehicles require different compromises. You can alter something to improve it, but THAT will have ramifications later in the future.

 

Example:

One vehicle I'm thinking of is the Volvo S80 T6. Surely the Inline 6 Turbo configuration has it's advantages but OPPS... only a GM supplied 4 speed automatic is available. Anything larger, will not fit.

 

But sometimes it's just interesting to watch people rationalize something vehicle related, just to avoid the "Ford" word.

skier

I have a LTD full load. DVD player for the dogs as they are the only back seat passengers. Love the car. Have 6000klm on it. Traded in a 03 Audi Avant. The extra room is great and the quiet ride makes is much more enjoyable on the highway. The Audi was very noisy. I have put snow tires on and can go anywhere.

 

The power is fine. As good as the Audi. I guess I am used to small engines.

 

A question, has anybody found some splash guards. I am getting chips on the fender flairs from our winter roads. Molded splash guards are a must. I have done searches but cannot find any.

 

Thanks

barnstormer64

"X-plan price of $28-something, then a $250 X-plan rebate, returning Ford Credit rebate of $500 and another $500 rebate."

 

Thanks for the details on those rebates. Any idea what that "other" $500 rebate was? The only rebate offered me (so far) was the Holiday Bonus Cash of $500 through the finance dept.

 

Since I currently have a loan with FMC (makes no sense to pay off a 0.9% loan, does it?), I'd think I'd qualify for the returning ford credit rebate, and should also qualify for the $250 X-plan rebate. I'll have to have them check on those.

 

I assume that all of these were told to you by the dealer when you went to buy the vehicle? Nothing required via mail or email directly to you from Ford?

willie19

Thanks ANT for that enlightened techno explanation of the Ford 3.0/Mazda 3.0 v6 topic. As you conclude...

Now, this isn't to say that one variation of the engine, might be better than another, etc. Sometimes when your dealing with tight spaces... (Mazda6 uses a double-wishbone suspension with MacPherson which decreases engine bay space significantly) you might have to do what Mazda did to achieve what they needed.

 

It is interesting that the use of technology transfer among the Ford family of mfg such as the use of the Haldex coupling system from Volvo and the Duratec30 shared with others can only lead to the constant improvement of this engine for the Freestyle. If someone knows how to build a better mousetrap and cross polinate this idea with the partners then everyone comes out winners.

ANT14

Next up will be the Duratec35.. The Duratec30 will soldier on and will see even more improvements as it ages.

willie19

Came across this blurb which mentions about getting PIN #s from Ford. Scroll down a little ways until you come to the A/X/Z PLAN NEWS Section.

 

http://www.uawlocal425.org/pageseven.htm

 

How does one go about getting one of the above PIN # ? Does this also apply to Canadian buyers or is it only available to you lucky people down south.Wonder if some of those Canuck Freestyle owners got similar deals, and if anyone had similar success your experience will be greatly appreciated.

Happy New Year to all.

branty

We got our LTD Freestyle under the X-Plan so yes it is available in Canada. Our price was approximately $2,600 under the list price and I loved the no haggling aspect.

The X-Plan is part of Ford's "Partner Recognition" program. If your company participates in the program they will provide you with a "Partner Code". You use this code to obtain a PIN which you need in order to get the X-Plan pricing at a participating dealer.

willie19

Thanks Branty, that's good to know.The last 4 vehicles I ordered from my Ford dealer was through their fleet dept. and they treated me as a preferred customer.The savings to me were in the range from 9 to 11% below MSRP which I thought was fair and without any haggling.Any rebates if applicable were also added to the savings.

Last year I enquired with them about X Plan pricing and was told the fleet price I was getting was as good or even better.

On my last thread I guess I was fishing for A or Z Plan but that appears to be too good to be true.

Anyway I'll explore my options and also wait until Spring with the hope that some rebates will kick in as well as getting the late series of manufacture which might incorporate some improvements.

anotherwagon

and your freebies, of course! Here's to a great '05!

northlakes

If you go to this link, you will see a Mercury vehicle concept that looks like a Freestyle is under its skin.

 

http://www.blueovalnews.com/2004/naias/meta.htm

 

Hmmm. Happy New Year's everyone!

canuck6

In our Ltd, how can we get warm air to come through the centre console vents? We have the rear AC/Heat controls, but can't seem to get air flow out of the console (between driver and passenger) to blow. Dials only seem to flow air through roof vents or passenger vent on driver side.

odie6l

the Meta-One is the Freestyle...it's just a Diesel Hybrid...probally only going to be sold in Europe (Figures)

 

Odie

northlakes

If memory serves me right, you can try the "Rear Fan" speed adjustment on the dashboard Heat/AC controls. It is at the right end of the row of switches that start with "Front Fan".

 

I will check the manual to be sure.

ANT14

The Meta One concept, "hints" at what the Mercury version of the Freestyle will be styled like. Keyword, HINTS, not exact copy.

andyman73

Too bad, cuz that Meta One looks snazzy! I'd take one in a second, especially in diesel hybrid form! Keep those sharp headlights, and dual exhuast, too! And those big meats on the corners, very sharp! Me likey!!!

dnash

Dealer delivered our Freestyle 12/23 and I drove it for the first time 2 hours later to leave on a 2300 mile trip. Dark Blue Limited. Had a hard time getting what we wanted. Wanted the blue with only a couple of options including the bench seat and pebble interior. Settled for the black interior and took the homelink and rear climate. Did not want the moon roof because of the head room and the dvd because we can buy 4 of the handheld portable players for the same amount of money.

 

The car performed great. Drove through the Dayton/Cincinatti area day of the big storm and had no problems (other than other vehicles in the way). The car never slipped. On the return trip, drove through the hilly section of I-75 north of Knoxville and the cruise control held the car within 2-3 mph the whole time. Could not say the same for the Odyssey and the Envoy that I kept having to pass going up hills. It did rev pretty high, but it was very smooth. The Freestyle has plenty of power and I got 22-23 mpg on the return trip.

 

Could not have asked for a better vehicle to be driving on this type of trip.

barnstormer64

I just managed to find one on a lot that was open for inspection (hey, there WERE security guards there . . . . even taking names).

 

It appears that the seats SLOPE towards the back when folded flat? Or am I just imagining this?

 

This one had the 60/40 bench for the middle seat. As best I could tell, you can't adjust that one forward or backward.

anotherwagon

You can adjust the 2nd row seats in the LTD.

barnstormer64

I think they were adjustable in the one I test drove before, too (not a LTD). But it had the bucket seats, not the bench seats.

 

Try as I may, I couldn't make this one get into the "tailgate configuuration" for the third row, either.

 

Funny, but I haven't seen this mentioned in ANY of the literature (the tailgate configuration). Not that I'd ever use it. LOL

 

Did you end up getting yours yet? Still waiting on mine.

 

The Merlot should be in sometime this week. A Titanium Green (same configuration) will probably be another month after that.

 

I'm leaning towards the Merlot. I saw a Titanium Green today (in an Escape). Granted, the skies were pretty overcast, so neither looked that great.

 

I did find a LTD here in Houston. Maybe I'll test drive it tomorrow (and check out the stereo with a known CD) since I'm off.

drcher

I was told by two different salesmen at separate dealers that the seats do the "tailgate" config. This is actually very important to our family (drive-in movies, football games, beach). Now that I think about it, I don't see that option in the literature either. Has anyone been able to flip over their 3rd row 50/50 seat to do this?

 

My grandfather retired from Ford and we get the family "Z" plan. This is a really good deal but you can't get the exact price until you get your PIN (the retired person/widowed spouse must call and get one specifically for you, you must be children or grandchildren). For us, the price was approximately 4% BELOW INVOICE, this is about $1300 on a loaded limited, which can save you thousands from MSRP. In addition, you get to apply any additional incentives (like $500 Military discount, or whatever they are offering that applies to you). I don't know about any current incentives on the Freestyle now, maybe new ones will come out on Jan. 4th.

barnstormer64

I know that we did the tailgate configuration on the first one that I test drove. It was a 50/50 split.

 

Not sure why I couldn't make it work on the one I saw today. I thought I put the headrests all the way back down . . . but maybe not. I distinctly remember when I sat in the seat that the headrest felt like it was in the middle of my back before I adjusted it up near my head. Perhaps it has to "rotate" out of the way in addition to being "collapsed" to get the tailgate configuration?

ranger2001xlt

So does anybody have an idea how much they think this diesel hybrid would sell for if it came on the market in the next several months? My guess would be at least 42k (retail).

northlakes

You are correct. When all seats in back (and second row console)are folded flat, there is a slope to the load floor. It is lowest by the tailgate. The cargo volume spec takes that into account.

 

Regarding the tailgate configuration of the third-row seats, I believe I got it to happen by accident by pulling the #2 strap while pulling on the seat back. That aside, I read in one Ford document that use in the tailgate config is not recommended. Certainly, no one should be driven in that seat configuration.

 

I hope that helps.

barnstormer64

Has this slope ever posed a problem? I'm used to putting things in and not having them roll backwards. LOL

 

Hmmm, I bet somebody will come up with a rubber insert that gets rid of this slope.

barnstormer64

http://www.caranddriver.com/article.asp?section_id=3&article_- - id=8897

 

I particularly like the first "Counterpoint" by Csaba Csere

 

"When a vehicle arrives late to a crowded segment, it had better arrive with some advantages, and that's exactly what the Freestyle does. The new car-based SUV delivers an efficient package with a roomy second-row seat and a third row that's bearable for adult males. Ford's new CVT with the proven Duratec V-6 provides unexpectedly brisk performance with no weirdo slipping-clutch sensations. Although not touted as sporty, the Freestyle takes to rapid motoring very well while maintaining fine ride comfort. And this goodness comes at a price that undercuts most competitors'. Anyone seeking a versatile people mover should definitely check out the Freestyle."

lumber2

Don't expect the diesel hybrid anytime soon. The v6 diesel Non hybrid is a great engine used in Europe and elsewhere. You can find it installed in Jaguars and Land Rover LR3s. The media promo may claim a particular engine but it doesn't always actually exist under the hood.

Yer more likely to find the 3.0 or perhaps the 3.5 in the mercury

northlakes

Since most of my larger loads are boxes or bags, it has not been a problem for me. Perhaps even more important, the slope can reduce the possibility of cargo coming forward in a sudden stop.

 

Cargo organization/securing is a good idea, especially with a full load.

anotherwagon

Nope, still waiting. The build date is still set for 1-10. We visited a couple of models in other lots over the weekend though - just to look again.

 

I've seen the tailgate configuration but I don't remember how it got there. It was in a SEL - I think 50/50 - the sales rep showed us during the pitch.

 

Hang in there!

branty

In order to have air come out of the rear of the centre console you need to take the ventilation system off "auto".

Push the air control button (between the driver's seat heater button and the A/C button. You can cycle through the positions (defrost, face, foot combinations) until you get air coming out at face level on the instrument panel vents (face). You will then get air coming out of the vents at the back of the console for the rear passengers.

canuck6

Thanks, branty. I was hoping that there would be a control for the passengers to get air flow through "their" vents, but I geuss that it makes sense if the air that comes through those vents is hooked into panel air.

cment

I placed an order for a freestyle limited fwd. Was told that production of limited fwd would begin in the first quarter of 05. How might I get more information about production scheduling? I would like to get this car asap.

amiret

Too bad that the Freestyle is limited to 2000 tow capacity. I regret that I had to leave the Ford Family and buy a Honda Pilot. When they get up to 3500# I'll be back.

ANT14

Ranger,

 

The Hybrid/Diesel is just a experimental concept at this stage. There is no set plans to offer such an engine at this point. This is to test consumer reactions over such an engine.

andyman73

Hey ANT(Adam or Man?) you can officially put me on the list for being seriously interested in the diesel hybrid. Especially if it is in the Freestyle/Meta One, Ranger, Escape, 500 or Fusion.

However, that Meta One is totally radical, man, ya dig?

ANT14

When more information is officially released, you can contact Ford be email and express your interest on such a concept. IN the next few days of auto-shows, I'll link more information as it becomes publically available.