Ford Freestyle - Taurus X

Kirstie_H

A reporter with a major daily newspaper is looking to speak with people who’ve purchased a crossover/sports wagon in the last few months. Specifically, vehicles like the Saturn Vue, Chevy Equinox, Ford Freestyle, Ford Escape, Honda CRV, Nissan Murano, or Toyota Highlander.

If you have, please reply to pr@edmunds.com no later than Tuesday, September 27, 2005 with your daytime contact information and a brief description of your recent crossover/sport wagon purchase experience.

indybell

This was the write up for the Ford Fairlane in the "New Car Buyer's Guide) from the latest (October, 05) issue of Motor Trend.

Ford Fairlane

Freestyles and Freestars are nailed to Ford showroom floors, so why not cut your losses and make the two, one? The Fairlane concept has all the style the Freetwins lack, with surface tension in profile and a warm, inviting interior. The tailgate flips down or swings open from either side, taking the 1965 Country Squires's "magic tailgate" to new levels of complexity. Look for this to replace the Freestyle in the 2008 model year and take its name. Ford still plans a Mercury version of the current Freestyle, however, but it's said to be a more expressive car. (emphasis, mine)

Base Price Range $25,000 (est)
Body Type 5-door station wagon
Drivetrain Front engine, FWD
Base Engine 3.5L / 250 -hp DOHC V-6
Basic Warrant;y 4 yrs / 50,000 miles

johnclineii

For that word expressive you could also substitute the word expensive. I think Ford has underpriced the Freestyle and is looking for a graceful way to raise the price....as it is, it is costing the company too many highly profitable Explorer sales...thus the nearly total absence of marketing for the Freestyle...

webbcam

Hi lax123,

I am routinely carrying 5 passengers, luggage, a golden retriever and bikes on the back. We have never had any problems with power in the mountains. Above 40mph this car really accelerates well.

With a full load but without the bikes I got nearly 26 mpg going over the Cascade Mountains in Washington. Traveling with the same load and 4 bikes on the rear dropped it to 23 mpg (presumably be cause of wind resistance).

I think the people who are complaining about the power issue drove it around the city (where it is just fine) and never opened it up to pass on the interstate.

lax123

Thanks to all for the feedback on Freestyle engine power. I think you have helped eliminate my concerns. We should be owners of a new Freestyle here within the next few days. Thanks again.

stmss

This is an interesting comment. While making the next to final deal on my Freestyle yesterday I overheard a couple looking for a SUV comment that the Escape was too small for them and the saleman promptly pointed them directly to the Explorer not even mentioning the Freestyle.

passat_2002

Yeah... that sounds about par for the course. God forbid that a Ford Dealership would actually promote the Freestyle.

funfun

Thanks for the advise. My local sound shop wants to install a Code Alarm. I think they make Ford's remote. The local shop is much cheaper and it has a great reputation.

funfun

Thanks for the advice. Yes it is an extra cost item. There are only two of us, but every so often we do transport our grandkids. Presently we have a Sienna Van with aux air for the rear passengers. They only use the air on really hot days. I just don’t know if it is worth $600+.

funfun

Does anyone have information about Freestyle's “roof rails” not the “roof rack.” The Freestyle does not seem to have a channel in the rack to attach the rails like the Explorer. The rails I am familiar with stay in that channel. They are not added to the top of the rack. A while back Edmunds listed roof rails as a factory option for $45. They are no longer listed. The dealer wants $175 for them. I think they attach to the top of the rack. I would use them to carry plywood sheets, canoe, and kayak. Are there other options?

stever

What you call roof rails I think I call cross bars.

The cross bars I see clamp to the rails of the factory rack -- here's one example.
Assuming you have the side rails (i.e., half a rack), getting the clamping cross bars may be the cheapest option, since an entire Yakima or Thule type rack could cost twice what the dealers are charging for the bars.

Aftermarket suggestions can be found in the Roof racks, Bike Racks and Cargo Carriers (OEM, Thule, Yakima) discussion.

Steve, Host

frosty5

Better air filters do have an effect on performance. First, do you think it would also effect the warrantee? I suppose they want to see genuine Ford or Motorcraft parts, but if the actual filtering specs of an aftermarket filter meet or exceed the stock offering, they shouldn't have an issue. I guess I just answered my first question! Secondly, did you also see a difference in mileage? Thanks

blue05

Most of the filters you buy off the shelf are made with paper and K&N filter are made with 4 to 6 layers of cotton gauze placed between a wire screen. One important thing is this isn't a disposable filter; clean it and reinstall it and it comes with a 10 year or million mile warranty. Looking at their flow charts stock filter 319 cfm vs. 441cfm (Cubic Feet per Minute). You are protected by the Magnuson-Moss warranty ,in short if the manufacture doesn't provide you with a free replacement filter your warranty can't be voided. My mileage is 20.1 city haven't had chance to experience the open road yet.

stever

If your non-OEM part damages the car somehow, the dealer may deny warranty coverage for anything related to that item. So, if a filter is over-oiled, for example, and takes out a sensor, the dealer may deny warranty coverage. You can then bring up Magnuson-Moss and enter into some sort of dispute resolution with the dealer. But it's not automatic that you're going to win.

SEMA.org has some good consumer oriented info about aftermarket parts and consumer rights. (link)

For air filters, check out the K&N Air Filters, bolt-on power? discussion.

Steve, Host

bigred13

Hey Barnstormer64 and sj Freebie, I'm a bit confused on the Aux RCA adapter for the Freebie. Just got mine in the mail and ironically the dealership called to tell us that the new stereo just came in. Ideally what we would like to do is have them install the adapter while installing the replacement stereo.

My question for you guys is: Where should I put the box? Is there anyplace hidden in the dashboard that it would fit where only the actual RCA jacks are accessible? Let me know your thoughts and thanks in advance!"> :confuse:

stever

The Edge will be "positioned in Ford's lineup between the Escape and the Explorer."

New Ford Edge Crossover Caught Testing (Inside Line)

Steve, Host

sj freebie

Hi Bigred13, I haven't installed mine yet (had to get a biopsy last week, tests are negative..yahoo!). My idea is to install it back inside the radio/dash console somewhere using nylon ties or double stick foam tape. I was going to get some short RCA cables from Radio Shack and use them to extend the hook ups to the blank switch positions next to the flasher switch (below the heater control). Haven't quite worked out the detail as to mounting the RCA jacks. I might make a new blank switch plate in place of the factory ones just so I don't feel guilty about drilling holes.There are some panel mount RCA jacks that have a knurled nut to hold them in place. Those are at Radio Shack too. That way I don't have to mount the box in any proximity to the dashboard for direct access to the jacks.

While you are talking to the tech who will do your radio replacement, see if he knows of a way to tweak the software so the radio lights don't dim when the headlights turn on. I can't get close enough here to the tech to convey that request. Thanks.

deasun

Good morning all,

Just wanted to say thanks for all the help and advice in the last week or so. This forum has made buying out next vehicle a very easy time of it. We signed the papaers at the dealers last night.

We went with a Black/Shale AWD SEL 2006 FreeStyle.
Got the Safety package, Front row comfort package, Auxillary Climate Controls,
Reverse sensor, 2nd row bench seat and the 3rd row seat.
Total $ was 29031.26.

We traded in our Suzuki Aerio 2003 AWD that had 17K+ miles on her. this had some passenger side dents and scratches. From someone in a mail parking lot who opened their door without thinking, . Dealer gave us $6000 for her. After my wife did some great haggling with them.

In the end with the trade in and the discounts we got the new car for $26582.66.

What do ye all think? Hope to get her in a few days as the dealer has to have it shipped from Delaware to here in NJ.

we are happy and hope to have her for a trip to upper NY that we will be going on very soon. Also Our WolfHound puppy will be joining us in about 3 weeks, so just in time. Should have all the gadgets learned by then.

Thanks all.
Deasun :shades:
http:www.tirnaog.com

scootertrash

scootertrash

I could buy one of those.

It corrects the two things I like least about the Freestyle's style.
I don't like the current Ford's beak with the 85 Taurus headlights and 89 Escort Grille or the lumpy body cladding.

wevk

regarding K&N:

http://home.usadatanet.net/%7Ejbplock/ISO5011/SPICER.htm

blue05

Your info was very informative and I know there are no perfect products that do it all they all have trade offs. I really appreciate your article and I will pass it along.
Thanks

tidester

This may be helpful also: K&N Air Filters, bolt-on power?

tidester, host

blue05

The subject you just referred to, does it mean cold air systems that are stuffed in a fender or wheel well; or does it include the panel type in an O.E air box?

freestylegal

Hey SJ Freebie--hadn't seen you post for awhile. I don't post as often, either, being a "seasoned" Freestyle owner and all. I'm very glad to hear your good health news and hope that you weren't off your bike for too long.
I'm starting to see more and more Freestyles around--still not as many as Expeditions and Explorers, of course.
I'm still on the lookout for your Norsea Blue Freebie!
Regards and stay well,
freestylegal

stever

The K&N discussion just covers the drop in filter. For replacement intake systems, check out the Breathe Easy: Int. & Exh. Headers + Mufflers and Pipes discussion over in Speed Shop.

A variation on the recent Edge news story:

Ford Tests Whether It Will "Edge" Out Other Midsize Crossovers (Inside Line)

Steve, Host

manasota

Blatant ripoff of a Cadillac. I like it! But considering that it's probably going to be priced like a Cadillac, I don't see much of a future in it.

wevk

Is Ford going to make the new 3.5 V6 available in thr Freestyle, if so, when?

WVK

stever

Anyone here from Michigan?

inspired, "Talk to the Press!" #944, 28 Sep 2005 1:16 pm

Steve, Host

daire

Just got word from the dealer that the 2006 FWD Freestyle Limited we ordered last month is in, and we can pick it up tomorrow. I was anxious to get this before our long road trip to Philadelphia for dog shows. Now I can see if I can actually do long distance dog shows in a vehicle this size over that extra long E 250 I have been driving! I know I'll like the gas mileage better!

passat_2002

Congratulations on your new Freestyle. I think it's an excellent road-trip vehicle. Try to get some city break-in miles on her before hitting the highway. The key is to vary the engine RPM's frequently during the first few hundred miles.

You forgot the most important part.. what color?

daire

Yes, we will be driving it around town through the weekend before we hit the road on Monday. It isn't hard to put a couple hundred on that way. We were planning to take "Grandma" for a ride, and she lives over an hour away.

dzdncnfzd

I just ordered a 2006 FWD LTD about two weeks ago. The dealer told me 6-8 weeks. It sounds as if yours came in a shorter amount of time than that. How long did yours take to come in?

naffy

Hey! We just picked up our 2006 FWD LTD yesterday. Can't wait to drive it more! We ordered the Pebble interior and I would like to get some heavier duty floor mats. I saw a post about them earlier, but as I have been looking on line, I found a couple of different websites and I am wondering if you know anything about them. I think I would like to order the Husky Floor mats, as was recommended by someone earlier. The first wesite is http://www.premiermotoring.net/cgi-bin/webc.cgi/st_main.html?catid=1919&sid=5iRDJe1Fb0FnCH- a-08105122286.c .
The second is: http://www.autoanything.com/products/product_fm.aspx?p_id=1456&se=husky_liners_floor_mats.- I like the looks of the floor mats better on the first web site, but have to pay shipping. Was wondering if the 2nd web site's floor mats were the same, but just look different in a different picture. Anyone have any experience with these? THANKS! By the way, daire, we waited about 4 weeks to get our car.

rbco

hi guys,

I was wondering if you all had suggestions on where to get crossbars. i can get from Ford ( i think), or any place you all might suggest. I did get some nice mats from a site you all suggested. darn, i forget the site, but i certainly like the mats!

thanks

ron

rbco

hi guys,

I have read the boards on MPG. I am somewhat disappointed in my 2005 SEL Freestyle city MPG. I have posted before. Here is a summary of what I have experienced.

I travel about 5 miles to work. 1/4 mile up-hill, 2 miles downhill and the rest flat. Obviously, the opposite on ride home. Most of my other driving is going to stores, etc. some stop and go, and route 22 in NJ from Mountainside and going West to Green Brook. I am averaging on highway 24 mpg (yet , i am rarely on highway), so that is awesome. My city MPG is around 15.6. I calculate both with computer as well as by Dividing miles driven, by gallons to fill. I brought my car in for service, and they said I should give it till 10,000 miles. I currently have 4000 miles. They said they ran some diagnostics on Oxygen levels, leaness, mixture and all seemed fine.

I do not think it is my driving style, as I am fairly careful with the gas pedal, and my other cars over the years have been fine. I just came off of a Lexus RX300, and averaged around 17 mpg. I think that was in line with the 2002 Lexus. I use regular gas , typically Exxon.

any suggestions?

thanks very much

ron

rbco

Hi,

i got my mats here http://www.drivingcomfort.com/

i am happy with them.

ron

bobnu75

I have a FWD with not quite 4000 miles and I get just over 20 mpg around town (suburban stop and go) but just over 21 on two recent trips (although I was cruising at close to 80 on these trips). I think since you get 24 on the hwy you probably are OK and its just the driving conditions on your local trips.

northlakes

A friend with a Nissan Murano reported getting only 15 MPG around town and was given similar advice about waiting for more miles. A friend of hers got a Murano a month later and was achieving 17 - 19 MPG within 2000 miles. It took her 10,000 to get the same. Why does this matter here? The Murano has a CVT transmission too. I speculate there may be some CVT calibration issues that cause such differences. Just a hunch. :shades:

bobw3

Check your tire pressure to see how low it is. Or try different gas stations.

stmss

Well, pulled the trigger yesterday and a new 06 Limited AWD, full load with DVD and nav package on its way. Be here in two weeks. Thanks for all your advice and assistance in helping me make a decision.

stever

Congrats! Please report on your deal over in Ford Freestyle: Prices Paid & Buying Experiences.

Steve, Host

cmuniz

For some reason the mpg for city driving in the new Freestyles has been dissappointing for several owners. The highway mpg generally is satisfactory. So your experieince is pretty typical. Don't know why - it could be driving style or it could be that the computer is trying to figure out the balance between power and econony, which is more complex in stop & go traffic than on the freeway. If that is true, then time is the answer. I would wait until 10-12K on the odo to see if it changes, then talk to the dealer about it if it is still low.

ranger2001xlt

I honestly believe that some of the cause for this mileage discrepancy is the way some people drive a CVT. They drive it like a 4 speed automatic. They expect the tach to wind up to 3200 rpm and hold it there until they reach the speed limit. A regular auto transmission will drop the rpm three times before getting to 55mph but a CVT will use more gas at that higher RPM longer. I was getting poor mileage also in my AWD Freestyle (and complained about it) but after 3500 miles it is getting better. (Not quite to 19 in the city yet but an improvement over my original 15.7) I noticed I drive the Freestyle differently than I do my other automatics. I consistently try not to let the tach wind up too much in the Freestyle. I try to never let it get over 2200 to 2300 rpm. The speed picks up on it's own if you hold the rpm steady.
Be patient on acceleration and just try this on a tankful. I would bet your mileage will improve.

daire

Ours came in about 4 1/2 weeks. It was ordered around the 3rd, built on the 12th and delivered on the 29th.

daire

We have been extremely pleased with our mileage, and we have only had one full tank of use so far! The average MPG when I zeroed out at refill time, was 27.7 MPG with about 80% done on highway driving. We have used about 40 miles on the second tank, and this one has been mostly city miles, and we still are averaging over 25 MPG since refill. If it tends to get better when it's broken in, I will be VERY pleased with the mileage. Oh, and living in Minnesota, all our gasoline has to have "gasahol" in it by state law (they're trying to help out the farmers), so the gas isn't as efficient as other states, where 87 octane doesn't have any alcohol in it.

I do have to agree that how you drive makes a big difference. We never got the tach up over 2200.

skovatch

Did anyone see the November 2005 Consumer Reports? Mid-size SUVs were reviewed, and the Freestyle came in ninth. But, the predicted reliability now has a black dot, meaning 'much worse than average'. The CR web site still says they can't predict reliability, but it sounds like they're getting negative reports? Not good news, even if you're happy with the car (which I am...)

barnstormer64

I don't know why anybody places any faith in Communist Reports magazine for car reveiws. LOL.

lemoncars

We would like the car if it could stay out of the repair shop. Ford hasn't been able to fix it, wouldn't replace it, finally refused to work on it when we requested our money back under GA lemon laws - even though the computer shows numerous errror codes and it has been in the shop four times, 22 days. Then to show how nice they were the Ford rep told GA dealerships they are NOT to work on ANY of our three Fords still under warranty since we have filed suit.
I wish I knew someone who would write a news article on this intimidation tactic by FORD !!!!
Suggest you read our complaint under Freestyle problems before purchasing one.

northlakes

Welcome to the Minnesota Freestyle club. There seem to be a number of us on this site. You will be glad to know that the Freestyle is well poised in winter driving. :shades: