Ford Freestyle - Taurus X

ltdfwd2

Thanks for the response. I usually go with Ford accessories myself and will probably do the same this time,
Also, I found the following 2006 Freestyle Fleet Info if anyone is interested. It's the first info I have found on the next model year. Looks like people will get their wish on a navigation system. Also a of couple of color changes, but other than that I didn't see any differences.
https://www.fleet.ford.com/showroom/2006fleetshowroom/2006-Freestyle.asp

jjay

I really like the look of chrome exhaust tips, but not to the tune of $104.00. I checked out the local auto parts supplier, but could not fine tips that would work on the freestyle. Has anyone found some? Where and what were the specs on them (length, diameter, etc.)? Thanks.

jethrojackson

Hi Bruneau1,

Can you provide some additional info on the coverage and price you paid for the extended warranty you mentioned in your posting #3273....would love to have some leverage when I negotiate for one. Thanks!

tim156

One thing I forgot to mention is, make sure you have the window vent lined up. The adhesive is extremely sticky and you get one shot to get it right.

jeromejim

I had some worries about the CVT when we purchased AWD Ford Freestyle 4 weeks ago. So we DID in fact get the extended warranty particularly because of this "new" transmission. :confuse:
Love that smooth acceleration and deceleration and the Ford Freestyle is a much smoother ride than our previous Ford Explorer or Dodge Dakota.
In short, we like this Ford Freestyle more than any past vehicle, though enjoyed a Dodge Lancer with a turbo engine ca. 1987 just about as much.

canddmeyer

My 2003 4Runner has VSC. But in the rain, the wife's 1999 Accord still feels more stable due to better tires. To make a long story short, if you have crappy tires for the conditions you are in, VSC and traction control ain't gonna help much if the tires won't grip.

hank5658

A heads up for the board - I just discovered a transmission leak at 5400 miles on my AWD LTD. The leak is drivers side toward the front. I saw some fluid on the garage floor, got under the car and its soaked. Went to the manual to find that there are no instructions for checking the fluid level and adding fluid to the CVT. The manual says to refer to a Tech and to stop driving if there is a problem shifting into drive or reverse - the manual indicates a warning light may come on if your low on fluid. Other than this problem we love the car.

Were off to the dealer Tues and I'll post the outcome.

bruneau1

There is nothing wrong with the Aisin transmission- it is doing its job in keeping the engine in the power band. It's that the CVT does the job much more smoothly. I am not sure about getting excited about a joint Ford-GM project.

bruneau1

Go to message 3287 for the contact. We paid $800 for a six year Premium Care plan. It even covers the stereo and ANY LEAKS. Leaks have been our most common problem with American brand vehicles. Good luck.

ANT14

Joint venture with GM is actually a benefit. Ford is putting up most of the money, while GM is mostly putting in the engineering over it. I use the word "mostly", because they have imput on both spectrums, but one moreso than another on those senarios.

GM's transmissions have usually been reliable overall, and their shift quality (hydraulic mechanisms) very effective and smooth as well. Naturally, each manufacturer will tailor their transmission gearings, and computerized shift points, according to the product it'll be used in.

This also allows Ford to concentrate on transmissions for RWD vehicles, thru ZF.

BTW 6 speeds, is pretty much as far as it'll be taken. Do not expect 7 speeds since (depending on the vehicle), it keeps the transmission a bit too busy, and annoying if shift quality is noticable.

Now over the Aisin unit, the 5 speed version used in numerous other vehicles such as the Camry, and even the Volvo (anything teamed with the 2.5 LT engine), seem to have a higher number of units experiencing breakdowns. I don't have all the details on that just yet.

The 6 speed version (now implemented into the Mazda6 this year, used in the 500) doesn't seem to be having any issues, go figure...

ltdfwd2

Please post the details of the warranty you purchased for $800. I know from your posts that it is Premium Care, but for how may miles and how long is the time period. I've been looking at Ford's ESP site in anticipation of my LTD FWD coming in, hopefuly next month and found that the 7 Year 100,000 mile plan is about $2000+. I'd like to know which version you got for $800. Thanks!

willie19

But Industry Professionals do not include Ford among top 5. Yet using their own criteria Ford is doing much better than GM which according to a lot of media reports is teethering on the brink of Chapter 11. At least the Auto Enthusiast group still has Ford listed.
Interesting but kind of a weird divergence of opinions.
http://www.autoextremist.com/research/reports.html :confuse:

webbcam

When I purchased my SEL AWD last month the dealer wanted over $2000 for the extended warranty (I choose 5 year 75,000 powertrain only). I offered him $1000 and he countered with $1600. I declined and next day went online with Ford ESP.

http://www.fordwarrantys.com/

After I registered they sent me a promotional code good for $185 off any warranty. The two I considered was the BasicCare plan (one step up from Powertrain only) for $870 ($685 after discount) and the ExtraCare plan for $960 ($775 after discount). I purchased the ExtraCare plan for less than half of what the dealer wanted for the Powertrain only!!! I'm happy.

BTW I love my Freestyle..... even more than my 93 Explorer!

Regards,

Webbcam

kjnorman

Right, we finally did it. We signed on the dotted line and today we are the proud owner of a titanium green metallic AWD limited with black interior. The car is loaded apart from the DVD system. It was the exact spec. we wanted. We also got the remote starter included.

I was interested to note that the dealer told me not to drive the car using the cruise for the first 500 miles or so. This was so that the transmission and car can learn our driving style. Well immediately after picking up the car I headed home put in the child seat pick up my wife and headed for the in-laws. I noticed that the engine was a bit busy on the way out (about 45 miles) but on the way back it was a lot smoother and already had a reduced desire to over rev when I called for power. Just the way I like it. So I guess it is already beginning to learn my driving style.

Our freestyle will be mostly my wife's car and I'll get her Audi A4 Avant. Jumping from my old Mitsubishi Eclipse (which I traded) or even from our Audi to the Freestyle, makes the car seem huge and high but we'll get used to it.

bobw3

I put a lot of highway miles on my car, so I always bust the mileage limit before the year limit on any extended warranty. Plus I've never had problems with cars until over 100K miles. In fact, I always wonder why people get the extended warranty when the chances are that they won't use them anyway. If they did, then companies selling the warranty wouldn't make their profiit. I just think with the quality of cars today, the chances are pretty low that people will have $1000-$2000 worth of repairs that will actually be covered under their extended warranty.

bruneau1

Could I ask you if you had your Freestyle serviced before you discovered the leak? If so, I wonder if the "technician" screwed the transmission check plug or whatever it is properly? Frankly, I do not like the idea that the tran fluid can't be checked by the owner. By experience, I know that there are too many careless and incompetent service people out there. I have had transmissions under and over filled after service, same with oil, and tires- forget it. They come back like rocks and usually all four different.

cdndriver2

Congrats! Lol ... you bought the one I actually wanted. I could not get a green Limited here without a DVD. I did not want to place a build order and so I reconsidered and bought a white SEL AWD with shale cloth interior and moonroof. I saved some money but gave up options. All the same it looks 'smart' and love it. I was a little worried about the CVT transmission as to whether I could experience problems in the future. After some research, I learned that the CVT transmission exists in other vehicles today and lots of refinements have been incorporated to work out the problems that once existed. It sure is smooth.
Hope you enjoy the Limited.

nitromax

A whole day without a post!!

I rely on you Freestyle owners to keep me updated!
c'mon...chop chop! updates.....keep us posted

I suppose no news is good news? Everyone is out enjoying their Freestyles? Or is everyone at the shop getting something fixed?
Just stirring the pot.
:-)

I lurk....therefore...I am

:-D

saram

Two months and still loving our Freestyel. Took it to the dealer last week and had the c.d. player/radio swapped out for a new one. New one isn't skipping a beat! Don't see very many around. Hope everyone else is enjoying their Freestyles too! Awesome car.

nitromax

I haven't see many around my area either. I saw the back end of a dark blue one as it turned down a street. (big whoop de doo)
Very elusive in the Boston area even with all of the dealers around.

I'm waiting to see one on the highway so I can do circles around it and catch a glimpse of it from every angle. Seeing it on a dealers lot isn't the same...I like to view cars in their natural environment.
:-)

northlakes

Glad your Freestyle is still pleasing you. Regarding sightings, in the last month or two, I have seen about two dozen (two yesterday). They are beginning to be more common around Minnesota. I guess it takes a while for people to catch on. :shades:

mabers

This sounds like a really great vehicle. I am seriously looking at one as a possibility, but don't see many on the roads yet here in the Toronto area. I would have to order one, and am not crazy about that idea...... want side airbags.....I guess not a popular feature, as none in stock seem to have them.
Keep telling me how you love it!
M.

kjnorman

I have only seen one other Freestyle in Milwaukee and that was many many months ago. So, i guess I have just doubled the stock in Milwaukee!

Actually, now that Ford is giving $1000 direct to dealer marketing incentives and that these cars are now being sold below invoice and think that this will help drive new customers to purchase the cars.

However, it must be said that I am sure the CVT will dissuade a few buyers and the interior does look kind of cheap (even in the limited) compared to its arch rival the Pacifica (this is from someone going to the Freestyle from an Audi :P). Still the overall packaging is good and once people figure out this I am sure more will sell.

Having had the car for a few days now my annoyances (perhaps nit-picking) and suggestions for improvements are as follows:

- Improve the quality of the fit of the dashboard to the A-pillar (it just seems unfinished to us and helps cause the feeling of the interior being cheap. I checked many Freestyles to make sure that our car was not the only one like it).

- Do something to minimize the side air vents reflecting in the side mirrors. I find it distracting.

- The dashboard reflects too much in the windscreen.

- A front auxiliary input on the audiophile system would be nice for portable music players.

- Have an option to add a Sat radio system to the car.

- Lower the rear view mirror by 1/2 to 1 inch so that it is not showing the moon roof controls.

- Allow us to program the power window lock out so that the passenger can still operate their window when the rears are looked out. This is a major annoyance for my wife who would like to use her window when I am driving but have the rears lockout for the kids. In this car you can not do that. If anyone knows how to do this please let us know.

- have an option to install a divider behind the second row seats to help protect them when the third row is laid flat so that car is more (dare I say :P) "wagon like". Without the divider, if we are carrying things in the back and have to brake hard, there is a risk that they can shoot through the second row center console A potential safety issue. We will probably end up travelling with the third row flat most of the time and have stroller and other clutter in the back so this would be a nice option.

Well that is it for now, for new suggestions. Obviously a 3.5l duratec with addition sound insulation would be nice as the current engine gets a bit buzzy at higher revs, but everyone has mentioned that so i didn't think I would bring it up again

tim156

I contacted by e-mail the Ford Customer Relationship Center, who suggested I contact Ford Collections, who suggested I contact Genuine Ford Accessories, regarding molded splash guards for the Freestyle. The answer from Ford Accessories was something like... we don't know anything about that issue and I should contact my dealer. Looks like all the accessories available have already been decided upon. Too bad Ford didn't see the need for splash guards despite the fact the tires extend beyond the wheel wells and the lower cladding can be damaged by road debris. Sounds like no molded splash guards for the Freestyle until an after market shop designs a set and gets it on the market.

willie19

Very good observations and suggestions for the Freebie improvements.Those bean counters need to loosen their purse strings just a tad to bring about the quality improvements and the aesthetic value of this beautiful designed family vehicle.

This minimal incremental cost will surely increase the demand for wider distribution and greater profitability for FMC.So listen to your customers,Ford, and get the job done right.
I'm still waiting for my Limited FWD, and don't force me to get AWD if I don't require it.

kjnorman

Yep, if the engineers had just installed a rubber gasket between the dash and the A-piller that would improve the look a lot. I've even been wondering if you can but a bit of black rubber (I have the black interior) that can be wedged down there to give a clear "tight" look.

This *one* thing almost made me reconsider buying the Freestyle and jumping to the Pacifica instead. My logic being, if they have cut corners where you can see it (literally in the corners of the dash) then where else have they cut corners where you can not see it.

My wife much preferred the pacifica up front, but in the end the Pacifica fell way short on space at the back and this is why we continued with the buying the Ford.

One other annoyance my wife has - because she is the passenger when we are together - is that in the passenger foot well, there is a large bit of plastic hanging down (to the left) that appears to be protecting something. It really is not very well secured - it flops around a bit - and it gets in the way of the passenger's feet.

Any idea what this protects, and what might we damage if we remove it and my wife kicks something "sensitive"? I seem to remember a post a while back about how someone's Freestyle had come to a halt after a passenger had managed to kick a wire loose on something sensitive in the passenger foot well...

lumber2

Kjnorman said" Lower the rear view mirror by 1/2 to 1 inch so that it is not showing the moon roof controls. "

There are two pivoting points for the mirror. One where the stalk is attached to the windshield, the other where the stalk is attached to the mirror.

Have you adjusted both? Its pretty stiff but theres 1-2 inches maybe more of vertical adjustment

mattame

We have a 2000 MPV and how do you think your freestyle rates with pickup against the sluggish MPV? Comparable or better (would hope)? We are considering a Freestyle AWD and liked the feel of it, but it seems the power is the biggest complaint. Not looking for a zippy car...just a reliable & comfortable one. Sounds like the MPG is better, woohoo! Thanks for the info.

ANT14

Compared to an MPV, the acceleration will be much MUCH better with either transmission. Unfortunately for the MPV, it first debuted with a 2.5L Duratec V6 that was a poor match for a vehicle in it's weight class. As the years continued, the 3.0L Duratec V6 was incorporated, as well as other components that have added a bit of weight since it's debut. And THAT version of the Duratec30, is better for a car, rather than a vehicle of such weight which should have adopted the Duratec30 that has lower torque response.

And again we will see it this year, where Mazda will introduce the Mazda5, which is a mini-mini van-like creature with 3 rows of seats to offer buyers such accomodations for under a $20K pricepoint... and already I can see the whining about the 2.3L I-4 not being powerful enough.

branty

In comparison to the 200 MPV (2.5 L engine 170 hp) the Freestyle is far better...even though it is heavier. Obviously the Freestyle does not have a big V6 or V8 but the acceleration is much better than the MPV even with several passengers on board. As I have said before power is not an issue with the Freestyle. The transmission more than makes up for what appears to be a small engine. I know that some people have some reservations about the CVT transmission but this is one smooth transmission and for us has worked flawlessly. I have no reservations about recommending this vehicle and the transmission.

We currently have 10,000 km on our AWD Freestyle Limited and I certainly find it to be very reliable (no problems to date) and extremely comfortable.

The MPG's are far better than the MPV was. On a couple of recent highway trips the computer indicated 8.8 L/100 km and 9.2 L/100 km (sorry about the metric but in Canada MPG's are a thing of the past and I don't have a conversion factor). I have made calculations manually and they are very close to the computer. This mileage was obtained by using cruise control and keeping speeds to a reasonable level (roughly 90 km/hr on 2 lane highway and 110 km/hr on 4-lane freeways - the Freestyle will cruise far faster but I'm usually in no rush). You frequently have to watch your speed since you can exceed the limit without really realizing it.

lumber2

Noticed that Ford has opened up their website so you can select a Limited with FWD as well as AWD

willie19

"Noticed that Ford has opened up their website so you can select a Limited with FWD as well as AWD."

Yes! that's for you guys in the U.S., but not offered that way in Canada. Oddly they let us choose FWDs in SE or SEL or AWDs in SE,SEL, LTD. The Limited FWD is NOT available in the '05 model.This is a no brainer if they're only selling SE and SEL in FWD.

Ford has already made up the 2006 Freestyle ordering guide for Canada but it's locked up tight.Hope someone has access to it.

mattame

Thanks ANT14 and branty! Good information. I actually love the feel of the CVT and think it has a pretty unforgettable ride. The CVT would not steer me away at all. I'm disheartened to see so many not-so-good comments about the fit and finish of the interior. The mpv seems to be falling apart at the seams of the door panels on the sliders.

thanks again,
Amy

lumber2

Consolation prize is the 2006 ordering guide for the 500 is out.
http://fordaxz.com/pdf/2006%20Ford%20Ordering%20Guides/2006%20Ford%20Five%20Hundred.pdf

500 gets Nav, silver birch inc on Ltd.

mabers

How does the (driver) seat height compare with that of a minivan like the Caravan?
M.

bruneau1

I complained to Ford about that situation, and two days later the FWD Limited was added. I will try the suggestion about the mirror- thanks.

kjnorman

There are two pivoting points for the mirror. One where the stalk is attached to the windshield, the other where the stalk is attached to the mirror.

Have you adjusted both? Its pretty stiff but there's 1-2 inches maybe more of vertical adjustment

I was not aware that the stalk would be moved. I will take a look at this tonight when I get home. I noticed that the antenna for the remote started is installed behind the mirror, so hopefully that will not get in the way of the mirror adjustment.

Thanks.

nitromax

I was not aware that the stalk would be moved. I will take a look at this tonight when I get home. I noticed that the antenna for the remote started is installed behind the mirror, so hopefully that will not get in the way of the mirror adjustment.

Don't know how well this would work, but another option is to take it to a glass place that replaces windshields on a daily basis. Have them remove the mirror and lower it an inch or two.

anybody know if this would work or not?

explorerx4

LOL! got me on that one!
i'm surprised that so amny post that they don't lile the auto locks. i think they are great. maybe it's because i have kids and work down in the 'hood'. luckily these things are mutually exclusive.

willie19

Saw that too. Again that's the U.S. version of the 500 ordering guide.

Nav is Not available in Alaska. However if I should live there I would rather rely on a couple of sled dogs as an option.I noticed the SEL and Limited FWDs for the 500 get the 6-speed Aisin tranny, however the SE FWD gets the CVT and that's bizarre. CVT goes with AWDs.
Hope the Freebie will continue to get only the CVT.

willie19

"I complained to Ford about that situation, and two days later the FWD Limited was added. I will try the suggestion about the mirror- thanks."

Hey Bruneau:
Use your "influence" to put pressure on Ford so that your distant cousin in Canada can order his '06 Freebie Limited FWD.

mark52

I've been enjoying my Freestyle since mid-December and am new to the forum here. I searched for anything that might have to do with my question but didn't find anything -- forgive me if I missed it!

Anyway, I was wondering if anybody else has experienced the problem I have when filling the gas tank. Every time I fill up, no matter what station I use, or how empty/full the tank is already, I have to pump the last 2-3 gallons a "squeeze" at a time. Even if I let only a trickle flow in, the pump shuts off after only a couple of tenths of a gallon.

Has anybody else had this problem?

northlakes

I have rotated my Freestyle mirror stalk down (pivot at windshield), and rotated the mirror up (pivot at mirror) to give me at least an extra inch below the factory position. I don't have a DVD or moonroof to worry about, but it helps with the rear view. I usually have made some mirror adjustment on all of my cars.

northlakes

I didn't see sled dogs as a Freebie option, but they would be useful in Minnesota also... :shades:

branty

Our MPV was not falling apart but it was developing rust in many places much sooner than I would expect so we felt it was time to offload it.

I have not found the fit & finish of our Freestyle to be bad at all. I am actually quite impressed by the quality of the interior (both materials and fit). Could it be better? Sure but I'll bet you could say that of many vehicles and perhaps the price would increase as well. Again I would not hesitate purchasing a Freestyle.

freestylegal

RE: Post #3320: annoying problem filling up."
Yes, I have had that issue. When I bought the car (Jan. 3rd), it was full, even slightly above the "F" line. Since I don't really enjoy gas stations all that much and I drive 100 miles per day, I really try to get as much in the tank as I can. I have not been able to get it as full as it was that first day. I don't how they did it at the dealership, but even when I try and top it off, the pump just cuts off. So, I've just figured it is what it is... If anyone has figured out a way to get that tank good and full, lay it on us!
Still loving my Freestyle--still got the slight right front torque steer--still haven't seen but one or two in all my travels up and down the state of California.

hank5658

hank5658 - here; were back from the dealer and contrary to my original post it was not the transmission that was leaking - it was the power steering. I saw red fluid and incorrectly assumed transmission. The dealer fixed it on the spot. My wife took it in so I didn't have a chance to speak to the shop but the invoice reads"Steering rack return lines leaking/tightened loose bolts......." The charge was $52 and it was covered by the warranty.

odie6l

if the pump handle has the annoying little black boot, it is for a vapor capture system, which in turn causes the pump to click off. Easy remedy is to pull the handle back out a tiny bit to let the air / vapor to escape. :shades:

another cause can be the way the fuel tube is bent inside the vehicle causes a splash of fuel to trigger the GHOST FILL (then the handle senses liquid and cuts off to prevent overflow). Same remidy, just pull the handle out a tad. :shades:

Hope this helps.

Oh buy the way, took my Escape in for 65,000 service (a little late) and cut a Freestyle SEL AWD as a loaner (I think my wife really wants me to get rid of the escape and probally called the dealer and set up for me to get it... LOL). :P

Odie

willie19

"Steering rack return lines leaking/tightened loose bolts......." The charge was $52 and it was covered by the warranty."

$52 just to tighten loose bolts and add a few drops of fluid?? that sounds like a fictitious price as Ford must have some kind of blue oval service control with their dealers.Imagine all their new car owners taking it in for some minor adjustments and dealers hit Ford on all those service charges....shudder !....no wonder we're all suffering from sticker shock!

nitromax

$52 just to tighten loose bolts and add a few drops of fluid?? that sounds like a fictitious price as Ford must have some kind of blue oval service control with their dealers.Imagine all their new car owners taking it in for some minor adjustments and dealers hit Ford on all those service charges....shudder !....no wonder we're all suffering from sticker shock!

Don't forget that price probably includes the technicians time. It most likely took a better part of an hour to diagnose and fix the problem.
Sounds pretty fair to me.