2005 Ford Freestyle New Car Buyer's Guide

What's New for the 2005 Ford Freestyle?
Designed from the start to serve as a roomy, seven-passenger utility vehicle, the 2005 Ford Freestyle takes on the Chrysler Pacifica and Toyota Highlander in the battle for buyers who want a car that looks like a truck. Except for the powertrain, the stats for which are lackluster on paper, it appears upon initial inspection that Ford has crafted a competitive crossover package.

Advantages of the 2005 Ford Freestyle:

• SUV looks without SUV ride quality
• Room for seven passengers
• Optional side curtain airbags with rollover protection

Objections to the 2005 Ford Freestyle:

• Underpowered V6 engine
• Unproven Ford CVT technology
• Low towing capacity

Editor's Advice:
Ford calls its new 2005 Ford Freestyle a crossover vehicle, but let's recognize it for what it is – a butched up station wagon version of the new 2005 Ford Five Hundred sedan. But don't think that labeling the Freestyle a wagon is some kind of slam, because this appears to be one handy utility vehicle that doesn't give up comfort, ride or handling to accommodate those weekend trips to Home Depot.