Ford Freestyle - Taurus X

13738404243146

Comments

  • barnstormer64barnstormer64 Member Posts: 1,106
    My "customer loyalty rebate" came in the mail. Not sure how/when they determine to send it to somebody, though.

     

    Mine was based on 1.5x my current payment. (I have about 9 months left to pay on this 4-yr loan, BTW).

     

    It does stipulate, however, that to get this rebate, you must finance or lease through Ford Credit.

     

    PS: the rebate period didn't start until AFTER I had received it in the mail.
  • johnk6johnk6 Member Posts: 7
    can any of you ford inside people tell me if the line is up to full speed yet.

    .waiting for more units to show up in my area.
  • anotherwagonanotherwagon Member Posts: 301
    As of a few posts back (i'll try to find it) it was...

     

    ours was built on the estimated build date of 1/10-
  • anotherwagonanotherwagon Member Posts: 301
    "Yes they are up and running again. No issues cited."

     

    from Jan 5, 05
  • nh drivernh driver Member Posts: 2
    Has anyone found a cargo area mat fitted for the Freestyle?

     

    In particular, I am looking for one that will cover the area behind the 2nd row (I expect to have the 3rd row of seats usually "put away").

     

    I will be hauling trash and groceries (not at the same time!), and don't want to have to worry about spills.

     

    Thanks!
  • barnstormer64barnstormer64 Member Posts: 1,106
    This might work

     

    http://www.fordaccessoriesstore.com/fas/consumer/FAS_ProductDetai- ls.asp?PartNumber=5F9Z7411600AAB&oid=528&sOldOid=504&- detail=yes

     

    No picture, though.

     

    Part Description: A smart way to protect the cargo area and keep cargo restrained. Liner features molded construction that provides a stain- and moisture-resistant barrier to protect the cargo area floor, while L-shaped Cargo-Loks hold cargo secure. The liner’s heavy-duty looped polyware surface offers an ideal fastening surface for Velcro® hooks on the underside of the thermoplastic Cargo-Loks. Simply place Cargo-Loks at diagonal corners of the cargo you’re carrying to keep it from shifting. Four Cargo-Loks supplied. Offered in colors to complement your interior.
  • lumber2lumber2 Member Posts: 184
    I've been so busy recently I haven't done anything, which is ok since I'm still a few weeks away from selling the other car.

    I'm thinking that I might have the time to do back to back pil*t/Freestyle test drives with the kids in tow.

    I feel the need!
  • freestyle galfreestyle gal Member Posts: 79
    "If you're going by the the MPG numbers in the message center, it's averaging over your last 500 miles."

     "I'm not sure that's right. In the MPG mode, try hitting the "Reset" button."

     

    Well, I looked in the manual and the 500 miles averaging number I'm thinking of was "xxx miles to E." That is averaged over 500 miles, at least according the manual.

    Also, word of warning if you are putting down all your seats to haul cargo. I have a leather bench seat for my second row. My car was completely loaded with equipment all week and when I unloaded everything and put the seats back up, I noticed a deep dent in the middle of the seat back. I didn't notice where the middle seat seat belt buckle was when I had the put the seat down and after 24 hours, it's still there; looks kinda ugly.
  • freestyle galfreestyle gal Member Posts: 79
    Thanks barnstormer, for doing the research on the mats. What color is "heathered pebble" I wonder? Is it the tan color of Ford Pebble cloth seats? Is it gray, which is often called heather? Hmmmmm. Up further in the paragraph that describes the product, it says "comes in colors to complement the interior" I will probably get on of those, though. Whatever color it is will better than dirt and sand....
  • mas23mas23 Member Posts: 38
    "Are you enjoying your car? Any problems?"

     

    So far it's been great! I have only driven it 3 times in local traffic (only 68 miles on the ODM) and am still learning the controls and functions. The only issue I had is that my groceries and stuff slides around in the cargo area because I have so much room back there.
  • paulh05paulh05 Member Posts: 2
    Does the interior light on the Freestyle turn on every time when you remove the key from the ignition? If so, is there a way to deactiviate it?

     

    Oh, and can you turn off the auto dimming rear mirror?
  • canuck6canuck6 Member Posts: 24
    We have the same problem with grocery shopping. If you leave the 3rd seat up, then items slide under the seat and knock around. If you have the 3rd seat down, again bags slide around the back. Anybody have any suggestion? One that we think of is to bring plastic bins on shopping days.

    I know it's early - kid's hockey practice 7am in Calgary minus 32C.
  • anotherwagonanotherwagon Member Posts: 301
    Ford has a little bucket/bin that fits in behind the 3rd row if up. Looks like it would fit 2x.
  • xnappoxnappo Member Posts: 47
    Tried that is the first hour after I got mine home yesterday! Sorry - doesn't work. I am just happy it reads recordable discs.

     

    Anyone tried multiple MP3 CDs in the dash with shuffle? Does it shuffle all the MP3 discs or just the current one?

     

    xnappo
  • canuck6canuck6 Member Posts: 24
    Just the current one.
  • barnstormer64barnstormer64 Member Posts: 1,106
    I'd check some more about those mats before you buy, though. They may be only for the cargo area that's BEHIND the third row.
  • barnstormer64barnstormer64 Member Posts: 1,106
    "Sorry - doesn't work. I am just happy it reads recordable discs."

     

    So the DVD player also reads DVD-R and DVD+R? Just can't do mp3's, I guess?

     

    I'm not familiar enough with the DVD-audio format, but I'll bet one could burn a "DVD" that had no video, and just audio. Could probably set "chapter points" at the beginning of each song, too.

     

    But I guess you couldn't switch chapters from the driver's seat, you'd have to be in the back?
  • barnstormer64barnstormer64 Member Posts: 1,106
    "Just the current one."

     

    That's the way my other Ford's were . Shuffle only shuffles the current CD.

     

    What if you have your mp3's arranged into folders? Do you know if it shuffles just the current folder, or everything on the CD?

     

    If you're willing to fill all six CD slots with CD's filled with mp3's, you can get about 4GB of mp3's in the system. That's as much as an Apple iPod Mini.
  • nh drivernh driver Member Posts: 2
    barnstormer64, thanks for your help!

     

    I wish the mat at the Ford site included a picture, to answer the question about whether it covers the area behind the 2nd row, or just the 3rd row.

     

    The mats shown at the ExactMats website do not include an outer lip, a useful feature for spills.

     

    As an aside, I really wish the Freestyle included a cargo area cover for the area behind the 2nd row. In the cargo area behind the 3rd row there appears to be a "track" for a cover, but I've seen no reference to a cover any where. Does anyone know anything about that?
  • barnstormer64barnstormer64 Member Posts: 1,106
    I think what you're calling a "track" may be what's used to hold in the "cargo organizer, rear parcel shelf"

     

    http://www.fordaccessoriesstore.com/fas/consumer/FAS_ProductDetai- ls.asp?PartNumber=5F9Z74115A00AAD&oid=634&sOldOid=504&amp- ;detail=yes

     

    No picture there, either, but there is a picture of it in the Freestyle brochure.

     

    I've checked a few sites (like AutoAnything.com) and there aren't any mats available yet for the Freestyle. One of the problems of buying a new model year.

     

    Ideally, they'd have a mat that covers the area when you've folded down the third row, and perhaps sell a second mat that would go into the area available when you fold down the second row, as well.

     

    And hopefully they'd be a non-slip type rubber. Those Exactmats might be a bit slippery. Hard to tell.
  • paulh05paulh05 Member Posts: 2
    Diesregard the question about the interior light coming on when you remove the key from the ignition, I believe that is because the car I test drove had a dealer added security system, and that system turns the interior light on. Regular Freestyles don't do that do they?
  • barnstormer64barnstormer64 Member Posts: 1,106
    Regarding the auto-dimming mirror. It doesn't appear that you can turn that feature off.

     

    On my Taurus, there's a button on the mirror to turn off the auto-dim (though I can't imagine why one would want to do that).

     

    Perhaps placing some electricians tape over the sensor(s) would have the same effect as turning off the feature.
  • xnappoxnappo Member Posts: 47
    Well, I can confirm it reads DVD+R. It will very likely read DVD-R as well. It *does* support MP3s on a CD ISO, but the DVD ISO I tried didn't work. You could definately convert your MP3s to DVD-AUDIO format, but that would be a pain - the 6-CD MP3 player is probably good enough.

     

    xnappo
  • elev8ormanelev8orman Member Posts: 2
    I'm looking for suggestions about what I should look for when I pick up my car on Monday. I've read about body panel fitment issues and liners in the door bins. Anything else that I should look for.

    Thanks

     

    John
  • xnappoxnappo Member Posts: 47
    Regarding a third-party GPS - I found a really good deal on the Navman iCN510 at Outpost.com ($329).

     

    There are people talking about this deal over here: http://www.fatwallet.com/forums/messageview.php?start=0&catid- =18&threadid=418601

    (while this is a link to another forum, I assume that is okay since it isn't a car forum.)

    Also there is a good review here:

    http://www.pocketgps.co.uk/navman-icn510-review.php

     

    There is a lot of talk on the web comparing this product to the TomTom Go - but for $329 there is no contest. I also like that this one can go out Geocaching with me and has a battery so for short trips we won't need wires all over the dash.
  • barnstormer64barnstormer64 Member Posts: 1,106
    "Anything else that I should look for."

     

    Just drive it and make sure it seems to run and accelerate smoothly.

     

    Issues like "fit" aren't all that important and can easily be fixed after the fact.

     

    But an engine or transmission that isn't performing correctly is very important, and can be a lot harder to diagnose and fix.
  • steverstever Guest Posts: 52,454
    Fatwallet is an interesting site (as is techbargains.com, etc.). I'm not much of a shopper so don't go there much though. I'm going to link your post over in Navigation / GPS Systems; hopefully your link won't die too soon (but I bet the deal goes away fast).

     

    Steve, Host
  • johnk6johnk6 Member Posts: 7
    in late 04 some owners reported these proplems .

    have they been corrected.

    and did the fix work.

    i like this car suv.and im concerned.about first year vehicle,s
  • figueroafamilyfigueroafamily Member Posts: 223
    You may opt for collapsible milk crates like these:

    http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=20621&- amp;item=4350933337&rd=1&ssPageName=WDVW

     

    Others may have interest on mats:

    http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item- =7948378960&category=63690

     

    I present those links for illustration only. I have no commision, etc. from them. You can see the latter on the e-bay offers on the left side of the forum pages.

     

    Sam
  • bob17bob17 Member Posts: 8
    At 5500 miles, the Freestyle is doing very well. No real problems at all. The ride and handling can't be beat. Getting 22-23 mpg on hwy. Couldn't get snow tires, had the Continentals siped, this vehicle has massive grip on the road. Love the quiet, can listen to the stereo and hold a conversation at the same time. The ease of raising and lowering the seats is very nice. Acceleration is not a problem.

     

    Most of our complaints are pretty minor. Struts on tailgate could be beefier, it doesn't want to go up very easily in cold weather. Needs privacy glass in second row. Auto headlights only come on when almost totally dark. Needs arm rests on second row seats to avoid the second row console. Waiting on 2 inch receiver hitch for bike rack.
  • anotherwagonanotherwagon Member Posts: 301
    Word is Draw-Tite is making the hitch for the bike rack. Might want to check a local installer.

     

    Glad to hear all is well.
  • ecbmp1ecbmp1 Member Posts: 19
    Oiginally I had a transaxle oil leak due to improperly installed power transfer seal (assembly defect). Dealership replaced it (it took 2 weeks, including waiting for the part, and they took apart half of the drivetrain). 3 weeks later I found chunks of lubricant sprayed all over the right wheel well. Turned out that my CV joint boot is falling apart. Car is at the dealership since Friday. To tell you the truth, this is the worst $32K I've ever spent. The car is total crap from the quality perspective, at least from my experiences.
  • barnstormer64barnstormer64 Member Posts: 1,106
    "Diesregard the question about the interior light coming on when you remove the key from the ignition, I believe that is because the car I test drove had a dealer added security system, and that system turns the interior light on. Regular Freestyles don't do that do they?"

     

    Mine does this. Checked it this morning. It MAY be related to the "auto lamp" feature (that keeps the headlights on after you've stopped the car), but I'll have to check that out.

     

    Basically, as you remove the key, the interior light comes on. Once you've closed and locked the door, though (with the remote), the light goes off.

     

    If it's like my Taurus, if you lock the door manually with the interior switch before you shut the door, the light will stay on for a while before shutting off.
  • sac ltd awdsac ltd awd Member Posts: 12
    Hi all---new to Forum today....

     

    Well, a week ago I had never heard of a Ford Freesyle and then Saturday I became the owner of a fully-loaded Limited AWD (Merlot). Traded in my beast (2002 Expedition). I was going to go with a new Explorer, but the Freestyle caught my eye.

    So far, (only 50 miles later) I am very impressed with the car---handling, feel, creature comforts---all very nice. Gotta love those butt warmers too!! :-) Just the sort of vehicle I had been wanting. Love the feel of the CVT too!

     

    I will be keeping an eye out for the steering pull some have noted as well as fluid leaks.

     

    Seems to be plenty of available Freestyle supply in my area (Sacramento). Don't see many on the road yet, but several dealers in my area had a nice selection of AWD models to choose from so I was able to wheel and deal to get very best trade-in/price.

     

    Note: I was told Husky cargo liners (with the "lip")for the rear area behind the 2nd row seating will probably not be available for 6 months or more since it is new model. For now, I will get the cheaper Exactmat cargo mat for behind 2nd seat. It will serve its purpose until Husky liners are available. PetSmart stores also sell a $40 universal vinyl type cargo liner for those with wet/muddy dogs (like me).

     

    I'll be reporting back on my impressions and experiences as a new Freestyle driver/owner.

     

    BTW---No rebates or anything offered in CA (to my knowledge)---you guys getting this $$ back are lucky!! (I financed thru Ford Credit too.)
  • johnk6johnk6 Member Posts: 7
    thanks [ecbmp1] not what i wanted to hear.
  • anotherwagonanotherwagon Member Posts: 301
    Indeed not. Not what any of us want to hear. Sounds like the dealer is not doing the right thing by them either!

     

    However, I have yet to find a car w/a perfect record. I've lurked on many other sites as well and have found folks w/problems w/all of them - Honda, Toyota, Volvo, Subaru & Acura - probably more.

     

    The difference is how it is handled, and it doesn't sound like it is being handled correctly.
  • barnstormer64barnstormer64 Member Posts: 1,106
    "Well, a week ago I had never heard of a Ford Freesyle and then Saturday I became the owner of a fully-loaded Limited AWD (Merlot)."

     

    Hey, that's just like mine! LOL

     

    Hope you like it as much as I've liked mine so far.
  • northlakesnorthlakes Member Posts: 368
    Unfortunate set of circumstances. I wonder if the CV boot damage occurred after the dealer "took apart half of the drivetrain"? I would be tempted to have the dealer inspect all CV boots while the Freebie is up on the hoist. Let us know how the latest round of repairs come out.
  • jaki30jaki30 Member Posts: 73
    I was wondering where all the cars were. One website lists the Year to Date sales for the Freestyle as 8,509 for the year ending 12/31/04. The dealers are showing stock numbers in the 31-32,xxx range. Somewhere there should be about 75% of the production. It definitely isn't here in the mid-Atlantic area.
  • andyman73andyman73 Member Posts: 322
  • andyman73andyman73 Member Posts: 322
    Owner's manual may answer some of your questions.
  • barnstormer64barnstormer64 Member Posts: 1,106
    The "antenna" behind the mirror is simply the power that goes to it.

     

    The two blanks are simply blanks. I have everything you can get on the Freestyle (same color as you, and a Limited), and mine are also blank.
  • barnstormer64barnstormer64 Member Posts: 1,106
    Try this:

     

    Fully retract the moonroof (sunroof if used during the day LOL).

     

    Turn off the radio and heating/air-conditioning/vents.

     

    Get up to a speed of about 25 - 30 mph.

     

    Hear that noise? Thump-a-thump-a-thump-a

     

    Must be some interesting airflow at those speeds with the moonroof retracted causing that.
  • barnstormer64barnstormer64 Member Posts: 1,106
    I've noticed that even when it's cold outside (35F, temperature set for 70F), that the "A/C" lights up when the climate control is set for automatic.

     

    Seems a bit odd to me.

     

    I can't tell if my Taurus does this, because there's no indication of when the A/C is on or off.

     

    Does yours?
  • tincup47tincup47 Member Posts: 1,508
    Well, there are about 5,000 Ford Dealers in the U.S. and probably another 500-1,000 in Canada. 30,000 vehicles divided by that many dealers doesn't add up to that many cars sitting on dealer lots.
  • hank5658hank5658 Member Posts: 11
    Hi - we are researching the Freestyle Ltd and could use some help. We visited the dealership and took a test drive but from researching on the web we knew more than the salesman. We still have unanswered questions:

    - Will the mp3 player play Windows Media format?

    - Are ski racks available?

    - On Sundays Eagles-Viking game, the New England Ford Dealers advertised two American Ski "All for One Season Passes" to their ski areas w/the purchase of a Freestyle by 1/31. They advertised a web address of www.newenglandford.com. I've typed this address in only to be directed to the Ford main site and cannot find info on this incentive on any of the boards. If the ski passes are for 2004-05 season its not much of an incentive at this point but if they are available for 2005-06 I'm very interested. Does anyone have any info?
  • northlakesnorthlakes Member Posts: 368
    Jay, in general, traction control uses the ABS sensors to determine when one drive wheel is spinning faster than other. The computer will then use the brakes and/or engine (on many systems) to reduce the wheel spin. So, if your right tire hits a patch of ice while your are accelerating around a corner from a stop, your car stays going in the intended direction. If a wheel is not slipping (or if both (all?) wheels are slipping at the same speed), the traction control should not activate and you should not notice a difference with TC on or off.

      Applying traction control to an electronic AWD Freestyle almost hurts the brain. Freestyle AWD power is normally FWD, but is transferred to the wheel(s) that can handle more torque, under electronic control. Add traction on top of that...

      Perhaps the best example I can think of is:

    1) Kick the accelerator with all four wheels on snow, and AWD kicks in. No brakes involved.

    2) Kick the accelerator with one front tire on ice and you get Traction kicking in. Brakes and engine retard included.

      There is probably some overlap in the functions, but both features use some of the same wheel sensors. Find a snowy, deserted parking lot after the stores close and have fun testing...
  • barnstormer64barnstormer64 Member Posts: 1,106
    As I understand it (on the Freestyle), AWD only affects the front vs. rear.

     

    Traction control only affects left vs. right (probably separately on each axle).
  • barnstormer64barnstormer64 Member Posts: 1,106
    "Will the mp3 player play Windows Media format?"

     

    Pretty sure that it won't do that. Haven't tried, though.
Sign In or Register to comment.

Your Privacy

By accessing this website, you acknowledge that Edmunds and its third party business partners may use cookies, pixels, and similar technologies to collect information about you and your interactions with the website as described in our Privacy Statement, and you agree that your use of the website is subject to our Visitor Agreement.