I have yet to test drive a Freestyle and I’m looking forward to doing it soon. In the meantime I have a brochure and have done some research, and I have looked at a couple in the dealer lots.
Here are just a couple of my thoughts and comments;
Overall I like the concept, not too big or too small, & not too high. 2-WD option is FWD vs. RWD & AWD is option & hopefully a good one (& not too expensive to maintain). Third row sitting appears to be adult useable & will fold out of the way & “flat”. Handling and gas mileage is car-like NOT SUV like.
I like the overall exterior looks and style of Freestyle, but I can’t really decide whether I like the 2-tone paint or not. I have only seen a couple of colors, and I may need to see a few more before deciding.
Interior, I do not like the Pebble Ash leather, it too bright/light, and too much toward the yellow side and too much of it. They (Ford) should have tone it down more towards the khaki/brown/taupe side That is just my opinion.
I have not seen a Shale interior, hopefully it doesn’t have the dreadful cement grey look, like in some other vehicles that I’ve seen. The pictures in the brochure look very promising. And black well black is black, you either love or hate it. It seems a bit strange that black is only available on the LTD.
I wished the white face gauges were standard across all trim levels. In looking at the brochure on the steering wheel controls, I notice that the cruise controls are on the left, and the audio on the right. That seems backwards from everyone on else, is there a reason or purpose or is Ford just being different? Audios on the left allow for changes via left or right hand, now there all right handed maneuvers via steering wheel or console.
Are the roof rails usable or just there for looks. I didn’t see any available crossbars, or even groves for them to be added.
Does anyone know if the leather seats in the SEL is different or the same as in the LTD.? Also can you get heated on the SEL, or is it only available on the LTD?
I’m a sucker for new models and I’ve been burned in the past. Anyone care to comment on Ford being able to get the Freestlye right in the first year?
I am thinking to buy a Freestyle, but I am wondering how is the experience of who has already bought it. I am only worried by the fact it is a new car and maybe there is something could be fixed in future revisions...
I have 2nd row console and only got 2 cup holder pads--struck me as odd since the car is so full of cup holders. They included some other pads I can't even find the location for. Finally figured out the 4 small rectangular pads are for doors. (Those will probably disappear fast when I vacuum the thing out.)
Hit 500 miles over the weekend---nicest car I have owned. Love it! Getting lots of looks and questions from people in parking lots, etc. Ford should send me a nice gift (or rebate) for touting their car so much! :-)
"The 2005 Ford Freestyle is the closest we've seen to a "tri-brid" — a car that combines SUV, wagon and minivan features into one. Technically a wagon, it features all-wheel-drive technology and the step-in height and fold-flat seats of a minivan."
I'm sure you will get many replies from the Freestyle owners on this forum. We are a friendly, helpful bunch and we seem to be pretty much unanimous in our positive experiences with our new Freestyles. The biggest issue seems to be for the poor people who have to wait for theirs! I needed the space of my Expedition, but really got tired of poor mileage, guilt of driving something so big, but felt frustrated because I really do need the space. The Freestyle is such a smart car! It's got more fun-factor in driving it, it's comfortable, and has just as much space as my behemoth did. Since I don't need to tow anything and don't offroad, it is the perfect vehicle for me. As for the rumors of lack of power--don't you believe it. It's quite zippy and the CVT transmission probably won't seem weird at all. If you are carrying a full load of people/cargo, I'm not sure how the power would feel--other posts do address it. If you do a search of this board using the search feature, you can quickly gather all of the posts dealing with that issue. As for quality, I've had a couple of minor fit and finish issues that were quickly and easily resolved. Drive one--look at the maintenance schedule and see how little maintenance is needed on that transmission. I was worried at first about buying a "prototype" but now I'm glad I made the plunge--I have total confidence in my car. The safety features are great, and it has nice creature comforts even at the mid-trim level (SEL).
I haven't had a chance to ask the dealer yet, but according to barnstormer64, (what happened to him?) he had a set for the rear console also. Let me know what you find out pls.
We've had our SEL FWD for a week now and it is running great. We drove from San Jose to Petaluma and back (200 miles) very comfortably. The power was fine. There is a long grade in Marin County where we would have to shift our 3.0 liter Ranger out of overdrive and it would still ping all the way up. The Freebie hauled right up at 70. I think we were averaging 24 mpg overall. We also keep a log, so we can calculate after the next fill up.
<jgriff wrote> "I wished the white face gauges were standard across all trim levels"
I agree, I wish we had white faced gauges. It seems with sunglasses on and the shading effect of the dash, we have difficulty seeing the instrument panel. Maybe there will be an aftermarket stick-on kit available shortly.
I tried to buy a locking gas cap, but no listings yet and it appears to be unique. Nothing at the auto parts store matched.
I did order a rear console at the Ford Parts Department. It is due this week. Should be straight forward to put in. Only costs 3x what it would as an option.
Has any one noticed an unused electrical connector behind the right rear tire (just in front of the rear bumper)? Any ideas what that might be for? Trailer lights hookup perhaps or reverse sensor harness?
Thanks for the link to the article Mr. Steve. Again the lack of power was mentioned--have these people actually driven it??? It's an undeserved rap, I think. Caveat would be if you load up to it's maximum payload and try to go up steep hill at 80 mph. But really, how many people do that on any kind of regular basis?
Hi sj freebie. Good to hear the car is doing well for you. I've kept a lookout for your Norsea Blue Freebie but haven't seen you. I bought mine on Jan 3 and still haven't seen another one anywhere in my travels (and I've got 3,500K on mine already). I keep thinking I see one, but it always turns out to be an Acura MDX. I agree with you about the difficulty of seeing the displays. The stereo display is almost impossible to see with the sun out. I also have trouble seeing if the "auto" climate control is lit when the sun is bright and shining inside the car. Oh well, nothing is perfect but this car comes close.
Power is a funny thing. People buy power when they may really want or need torque. And it's hard to advertise a 5 or 6 speed tranny when you have a smooth CVT transmission installed.
hmmm, I guess saying CVT transmission is redundant <g>.
Does any body know any thing new about the duratec 35? Will the extra power improve towing capacity? And how much will fuel economy suffer? Im not really worried about the lack of power. But I am worried about wether or not it can pull what I need it to. I do lots of camping, and pulling atvs. So during the summer I have a pretty full load(3 kids and all their stuff + 2 atvs). I imagine, the 3.0 could do wut i want it too. But the engine would be screaming at me the whole time!!
Hi Freestyle gal (fsg!). Yes we have been looking for that Silver SEL also. My wife will be the one crossing paths with you most likely as she commutes. Me, I sit at home and plot where we can go on the weekends when I actually get to drive it. I retired extra early on Dec 10.., and haven't felt any urges to go back yet like someone you may know. Life is good.
Hi --live in the Twin Cities in MN--have AWD SE model now with 2000 miles. Best snow car I have ever had (better than Jeep liberty and escape have had both). Drove home in around 4-6 inches new snow on interstate--never a problem passed up many off the road vehicles--AWD is very quick can't really feel it come on at all and very stable to side to side slipping--Has also been great in the ice and rest of Minnesota winter--met my best expectations --hope this helps
Maybe one of you nice folks can point out the (not so) obvious to me?? All the literature says my Freestyle LTD AWD has 3 power points in it. Well, after 2 weeks, I'll be darned if I can find the 3rd power point. One on dash--found it! Another way in back for 3rd row seats--found that! Is there one for 2nd row seats I am not seeing (I have 2nd row captains chairs & center console)?
Third power point -- Under the hood on the battery terminals where your jumper cables go after the battery goes dead from all the extras you run from the other two....Just kidding.... It is inside the front console way down in the dark. It is covered with a rubber cap.
Aha! I was not alone in finding the second power point cloaking device turned on. Kidding aside, open the arm rest on the driver's console. You will find it low and to the left. Look for the black round cap in the black abyss of the console.
Cep1- I asked about the dealer locate thing and was told the price would be invoice plus $500. For an order or vechicle on the lot the dealer will take "invoice". So now we are looking at a loaded LTD thats on the lot w/several options we don,t require and a different interior color. The dealer already took a deposit for the order so I think I either have to wait or take what he has. Advice?
We were going to order one because we couldn't find what we wanted. The dealer said if one turned up after we ordered, we could get that one instead and he would just put the one we ordered into inventory. So, you could just keep looking for what you want and if it turns up get the dealer to trade for it. No sense settling for what you don't want now that one is on order. Make sure the dealer will agree to that in advance. It doesn't really hurt them at all. He'd rather have the money in the bank sooner than later.
Luckily for us, we found what we wanted less the rear console and I ordered that last week. We benefitted because the price for an ordered vehicle was up a couple of hundred bucks over the one on a lot that our dealer had transferred to him when I found it after scouring the not so local dealers's inventories.
We drove both a Freestyle Limited and and AWD Magnum RT this weekend, and both dealers allowed us to drive as long as we wanted on Freeways and streets to see how the cars rode on different surfaces. The Freestyle is better than the Ford sedans, but I still felt cramped, with my leg touching the console. With the seat adjusted in the best position I could find, I could not rest my left arm on the armrest in the door. The Freestyle was quieter and smoother than my '02 Mountaineer. However, the Magnum was quieter and smoother than the Freestyle, and the inside felt wonderful - I could sit comfortably in various positions without my legs touching the door or console, and could see our without problems (contrary to the appearance of the car, the roof is not lowered, instead the bottom of the glass is raised). The steering wheel tilts and telescopes over a large range, and the seat could move back so far that my feet barely touched the pedals, plus the pedals adjust back and forth. It feels like a luxury car. I am glad that the Freestyle is working out for those who have one, but goodbye to the Edmunds forums, as I am ordering a Magnum RT AWD (I agree with ANT14 that the AWD is a safety feature even on dry roads, so Ford and Chrysler/Dodge are way ahead of GM and Toyota in offering it).
late last night I was reading a Freestyle review (from a Google search), and I don’t remember by whom or which site. However they mention what a pain the memory seats were in, that by design they would always go back to a standard setting. Therefore each time you entered, you had to press your 1 or 2 number for the settings to take place.
I’m familiar with memory setting that will set on your FOB ie. mine FOB would execute the #1 memory setting, the spouse #2 etc.
Can anyone confirm this?? If this is so, I’m not sure it would be worth it. If I drive the Freestyle 90% of the time, I don’t want to have to remember to hit the M1 button all the time. I might have to step down to the SEL.
Rollover...
It seem almost a given that the Freestyle will most likely get 5 Star crash rating.
Anyone care to comment/predict on what the rollover rating, in percent or stars might be.
Canadian guy I work at the plant that makes the D30/D35 engine. As you read this the target for hp. is in the range of 280.We are starting to cut cylinder heads and blocks to get ready for 06 production. Things are going smoothly so this should make a big improvement in power and performance. trailer hitches should be available in 1 to 2 weeks from Curt mfg. Eau Clair WIS.Hope this helps
The seats don't move unless you push either 1 of the 2 buttons on the door, or 1 of the keyfobs. Maybe the person hadn't reset the key fob to have it set to their personal preferences. You could set both buttons and both keyfobs to the same setting if you don't want to worry about which keys you pick up, or like our house, we make use of the memory settings for both the Explorer and the Freestyle.
You're right, 5 stars is a given, by the NHTSA testers none the less. The 5 stars all around were even without the side air bags and curtains.
I would expect the rollover to be about egual, although it should be somewhat better with a lower center of gravity and 300 lbs less weight.
Haven't seen any on the road, I'll look out for a red one!
mine is that pueblo gold color
Great car, only complaint is you can't retrofit the SE model for radio controls on right part of steering--thus I would suggest the SEL not the SE for people reading this since it comes standard
very minor complaint and this is one of the best driving cars I've had
drives tight like a volvo with great road worthiness but not as hard and stiff
Congrats- buying one from stock I hope. Is the dealer charging a premium for the AWD? Since no more are being built for the 2005 model year, I have read of some dealers charging a premium for models in stock with AWD. (That's on the Dodge Magnum, not the Freestyle)
280hp!! Awesome. I wonder if they will offer stability control. I sure hope they do. And maybe a more creative, bigger sunroof. like in the land rover LR3. That would be great. But 280hp!! Im definatly getting rid of my f-150. Cant wait till next year!!! I hope my son gets a scholarship(hes going into automotive design). I have no idea how im gonna pay for a new car and his education. I guess Im gonna have to win the lottery..lol..
Don't get your hopes up yet about those 280 horses. I don't know this for sure but have read it here and other places. The 3.5L engine won't be in the Freestyle until at least MY 2007. Ford will be using the 3.5 in MY 2006 but I think that will only be in Lincolns. I believe that Ant14 has already posted that here. Also the 3.5 will probably be mated to the new ford/chevy collaborated designed 6 speed and not the CVT.
Thanks to all for de-mystifying the 3rd power point location--I was all over that 2nd row console searching for it! I'm sure future models will have 2nd row power point--only makes sense.
Finally saw another Freestyle on the road yesterday. That was the first one. We do seem to be an exclusive crowd at the moment!
Okay--I can hear everybody groan because I'm sure you all know the answer but I don't: Are the last bunch of numbers on the VIN (mine is 15087) mean mine was the fifteen thousand and eighty seventh one made for MY 2005? (Geez, I don't even know how to write it).
RE: power points: The one deep in the console is fairly inconvenient if you actually put stuff in there. I keep CDs in it and have to remove them to use that power point.
RE: sac ltd awd: Congratulations on your Freebie sighting! I still haven't seen one yet. sj freebie's wife is driving one around the area in which I work but I haven't spotted her yet. I think there is another one further up the peninsula, Pacifica or San Bruno maybe, on this forum, but haven't seem him either.
RE: stereo controls on right side of steering wheel. I'm right-handed and use those controls far more than the cruise control, so even though I'm used to having the cruise control on the right, I'm glad they arranged them the way they did in the Freestyle. Besides, in San Francisco Bay Area traffic, you seldom get to use CC anyway. It is a right-handed world, unfortunately for left-handed people.
Talked to the salesman today and he said "yep, makes sense to get two sets since you have two consoles, I'll have to order you one". Hubby suggested taking a pack from a car on the lot and replacing that one. They are suppose to drop them in the mail to us.
"I'm right-handed and use those controls far more than the cruise control, so even though I'm used to having the cruise control on the right, I'm glad they arranged them the way they did in the Freestyle. Besides, in San Francisco Bay Area traffic, you seldom get to use CC anyway. It is a right-handed world, unfortunately for left-handed people."
Freestyle gal: but if they were on the left, you could drive, turn up/down the radio with your left hand on the wheel and hold your phone w/your right hand. (gasp!) Gotta save up for the hands free gizmo. I do like the mute feature.
Had a SEL sighting here, it was green. I've actually seen it a couple of times, they are in a huge community down the road a bit.
Gurrrrl! I can totally use my phone with my left hand :-0 And at $400 bucks or so for the hands free gizmo, sorry, but that's a nice shopping trip to Nordstrom or somewhere!
There's various state of tune. Same as the 4.6L where in Explorer and CV makes 239HP, but in the Mustang it made 260HP (before 3V was implemented). As for the Duratec 3.5L, anywhere from 230-270HP depending upon the vehicle. Still needs to be finalized. And regular will work for some of those tunings. But all that is still being finalized.
ant14 you didn't read my note I said target is 280. Dyno guys are telling us they are at 265 and still tweaking. but your right in saying it won't be 280
Add to that - 280 horsepower with a lone engine on the dyno is not 280 at the wheels.
Regarding "ranger's" question about torque, take the horsepower number and torque will be within ~5% of that value. True for most typical cars.
And the right hand/left hand volume thing reminds me that its a matter of habit. I like my left hand free for the turn signal lever - it works on my Freestyle. I can't say it does on some Escalade's or Lexus that go flying by. My right hand always reaches for the radio anyway, so it just has a shorter travel these days. Mute is nice, and auto volume adjust is very nice.
Yep! We are enjoying it. The boys just love it which is kind of neat. Hubby who gets excited about very little keeps wanting to drive it - Still need to spend some time figuring out memory settings and folding stuff but we love it. Haven't even had to put gas in it yet.
I am on my fourth day and I am loving Freestyle SEL. It rides beautifully and my entire 6 person family fits in it beautifully. And it is really a sharp looking car!
Thanks to the person who recommended the fordwarranties.com site. My dealer originally quoted a much higher price but matched the price with the discount in an email sent to me by fordwarranties.com. If you go to the site and register, you'll get an email for an additional 175.00 off. Because I am a low mileage driver (I traded in a 99 Contour with only 31,000 miles on it), I purchased a premium care extended warranty for 7 years / 60,000 miles.
Wouldn't it be nice, IF Ford products were or became good enough that extended warranties were just merely a 2nd thought and NOT necessary. And Ford had enough confidence to step-up to 4-years 50k bumper-to-bumper, like Mazda.
Oh well,,,Just dreaming.
Depending on how long I plan on keeping a vehicle, I tend to bypass the extended warranties. And if the vehicle tends to be problem prone, then before the factory warranty expires, I'll dump-it and move on to something else.
I normally keep my vehicles for a very long time (traded in the contour because I needed something bigger for the growing family). I don't have the luxury of just dumping a vehicle as soon as it has a problem. I prefer the peace of mind of having the extended warranty, and would buy it whether it was a Ford, GM, Honda, Toyota, or any other brand.
jjay: don't get me wrong I'm not faulting your's or anyone's decision to purchase an extended warranty. Heck my wife's first-year Mazda6 we plan to keep for the long haul, so we bought the extended warranty. It just depends on my long range game plan, and whether or not the reliability history of the vehicle is good or bad.
Comments
Here are just a couple of my thoughts and comments;
Overall I like the concept, not too big or too small, & not too high. 2-WD option is FWD vs. RWD & AWD is option & hopefully a good one (& not too expensive to maintain). Third row sitting appears to be adult useable & will fold out of the way & “flat”. Handling and gas mileage is car-like NOT SUV like.
I like the overall exterior looks and style of Freestyle, but I can’t really decide whether I like the 2-tone paint or not. I have only seen a couple of colors, and I may need to see a few more before deciding.
Interior, I do not like the Pebble Ash leather, it too bright/light, and too much toward the yellow side and too much of it. They (Ford) should have tone it down more towards the khaki/brown/taupe side That is just my opinion.
I have not seen a Shale interior, hopefully it doesn’t have the dreadful cement grey look, like in some other vehicles that I’ve seen. The pictures in the brochure look very promising. And black well black is black, you either love or hate it. It seems a bit strange that black is only available on the LTD.
I wished the white face gauges were standard across all trim levels. In looking at the brochure on the steering wheel controls, I notice that the cruise controls are on the left, and the audio on the right. That seems backwards from everyone on else, is there a reason or purpose or is Ford just being different? Audios on the left allow for changes via left or right hand, now there all right handed maneuvers via steering wheel or console.
Are the roof rails usable or just there for looks. I didn’t see any available crossbars, or even groves for them to be added.
Does anyone know if the leather seats in the SEL is different or the same as in the LTD.? Also can you get heated on the SEL, or is it only available on the LTD?
I’m a sucker for new models and I’ve been burned in the past. Anyone care to comment on Ford being able to get the Freestlye right in the first year?
I am thinking to buy a Freestyle, but I am wondering how is the experience of who has already bought it. I am only worried by the fact it is a new car and maybe there is something could be fixed in future revisions...
Thank you in advance for any thought.
Fabrizio
Hit 500 miles over the weekend---nicest car I have owned. Love it! Getting lots of looks and questions from people in parking lots, etc. Ford should send me a nice gift (or rebate) for touting their car so much! :-)
The Crossover Continuum
What's funny is that editorial is calling it a wagon, but we've listed it in SUVs here and haven't cross-linked it to the wagons forums.
Steve, Host
That is something I am going to have to retrain myself. I did notice it is the opposite on the Focus. Not sure why it is different....
Cross bars are now listed on the Ford accessories page.
Heated seats only on LTD. Don't know if the seats are different? I do know 2nd row moves on LTD but not SEL.
We got the black leather in our LTD. It looks good, I'm sure I'll remind myself of that in Aug. I was worried about keeping the light tan clean.
Have fun shopping...
I'm sure you will get many replies from the Freestyle owners on this forum. We are a friendly, helpful bunch and we seem to be pretty much unanimous in our positive experiences with our new Freestyles. The biggest issue seems to be for the poor people who have to wait for theirs! I needed the space of my Expedition, but really got tired of poor mileage, guilt of driving something so big, but felt frustrated because I really do need the space. The Freestyle is such a smart car! It's got more fun-factor in driving it, it's comfortable, and has just as much space as my behemoth did. Since I don't need to tow anything and don't offroad, it is the perfect vehicle for me. As for the rumors of lack of power--don't you believe it. It's quite zippy and the CVT transmission probably won't seem weird at all. If you are carrying a full load of people/cargo, I'm not sure how the power would feel--other posts do address it. If you do a search of this board using the search feature, you can quickly gather all of the posts dealing with that issue. As for quality, I've had a couple of minor fit and finish issues that were quickly and easily resolved. Drive one--look at the maintenance schedule and see how little maintenance is needed on that transmission. I was worried at first about buying a "prototype" but now I'm glad I made the plunge--I have total confidence in my car. The safety features are great, and it has nice creature comforts even at the mid-trim level (SEL).
I am glad to know you are satisfied of your car. I am seriously thinking to buy it. I will try to have the chance to try it before to buy it.
Thank you again.
Fabrizio.
http://autos.msn.com/advice/article.aspx?contentid=2898&src=L- P%20vans
<jgriff wrote> "I wished the white face gauges were standard across all trim levels"
I agree, I wish we had white faced gauges. It seems with sunglasses on and the shading effect of the dash, we have difficulty seeing the instrument panel. Maybe there will be an aftermarket stick-on kit available shortly.
I tried to buy a locking gas cap, but no listings yet and it appears to be unique. Nothing at the auto parts store matched.
I did order a rear console at the Ford Parts Department. It is due this week. Should be straight forward to put in. Only costs 3x what it would as an option.
Has any one noticed an unused electrical connector behind the right rear tire (just in front of the rear bumper)? Any ideas what that might be for? Trailer lights hookup perhaps or reverse sensor harness?
hmmm, I guess saying CVT transmission is redundant <g>.
Steve, Host
Any info will be greatly appreciated
canadian*guy
Thanks for any guidance.
Another one for the second console would be nice.
Good luck!
Luckily for us, we found what we wanted less the rear console and I ordered that last week. We benefitted because the price for an ordered vehicle was up a couple of hundred bucks over the one on a lot that our dealer had transferred to him when I found it after scouring the not so local dealers's inventories.
Good luck
Steve, Host
late last night I was reading a Freestyle review (from a Google search), and I don’t remember by whom or which site. However they mention what a pain the memory seats were in, that by design they would always go back to a standard setting. Therefore each time you entered, you had to press your 1 or 2 number for the settings to take place.
I’m familiar with memory setting that will set on your FOB ie. mine FOB would execute the #1 memory setting, the spouse #2 etc.
Can anyone confirm this?? If this is so, I’m not sure it would be worth it. If I drive the Freestyle 90% of the time, I don’t want to have to remember to hit the M1 button all the time. I might have to step down to the SEL.
Rollover...
It seem almost a given that the Freestyle will most likely get 5 Star crash rating.
Anyone care to comment/predict on what the rollover rating, in percent or stars might be.
Better or worse than the Pacifica?
Hopefully the price won't be too much, less than a grand would be nice. And without killing the MPG too much.
Yep, I want the speed without the gas penalty.
You're right, 5 stars is a given, by the NHTSA testers none the less. The 5 stars all around were even without the side air bags and curtains.
I would expect the rollover to be about egual, although it should be somewhat better with a lower center of gravity and 300 lbs less weight.
mine is that pueblo gold color
Great car, only complaint is you can't retrofit the SE model for radio controls on right part of steering--thus I would suggest the SEL not the SE for people reading this since it comes standard
very minor complaint and this is one of the best driving cars I've had
drives tight like a volvo with great road worthiness but not as hard and stiff
thanx for the info
canadian*guy
Finally saw another Freestyle on the road yesterday. That was the first one. We do seem to be an exclusive crowd at the moment!
RE: power points: The one deep in the console is fairly inconvenient if you actually put stuff in there. I keep CDs in it and have to remove them to use that power point.
RE: sac ltd awd: Congratulations on your Freebie sighting! I still haven't seen one yet. sj freebie's wife is driving one around the area in which I work but I haven't spotted her yet. I think there is another one further up the peninsula, Pacifica or San Bruno maybe, on this forum, but haven't seem him either.
RE: stereo controls on right side of steering wheel. I'm right-handed and use those controls far more than the cruise control, so even though I'm used to having the cruise control on the right, I'm glad they arranged them the way they did in the Freestyle. Besides, in San Francisco Bay Area traffic, you seldom get to use CC anyway. It is a right-handed world, unfortunately for left-handed people.
So, you should get two w/both consoles.
Freestyle gal: but if they were on the left, you could drive, turn up/down the radio with your left hand on the wheel and hold your phone w/your right hand. (gasp!) Gotta save up for the hands free gizmo.
Had a SEL sighting here, it was green. I've actually seen it a couple of times, they are in a huge community down the road a bit.
Still having fun with your new car?
Ford and Chevy collaborating?
THAT's why the past two winters have been so cold...hell is starting to freeze over!
:-)
Regarding "ranger's" question about torque, take the horsepower number and torque will be within ~5% of that value. True for most typical cars.
And the right hand/left hand volume thing reminds me that its a matter of habit. I like my left hand free for the turn signal lever - it works on my Freestyle. I can't say it does on some Escalade's or Lexus that go flying by. My right hand always reaches for the radio anyway, so it just has a shorter travel these days. Mute is nice, and auto volume adjust is very nice.
Thanks to the person who recommended the fordwarranties.com site. My dealer originally quoted a much higher price but matched the price with the discount in an email sent to me by fordwarranties.com. If you go to the site and register, you'll get an email for an additional 175.00 off. Because I am a low mileage driver (I traded in a 99 Contour with only 31,000 miles on it), I purchased a premium care extended warranty for 7 years / 60,000 miles.
Oh well,,,Just dreaming.
Depending on how long I plan on keeping a vehicle, I tend to bypass the extended warranties. And if the vehicle tends to be problem prone, then before the factory warranty expires, I'll dump-it and move on to something else.