Page 2: FeaturesLike most vehicles of this ilk, the Freestyle is most comfortable on paved roads, where the MacPherson strut front and multilink independent rear can shine. If AWD is ordered, the Freestyle is equipped with load leveling rear shocks. Bringing the Freestyle to a stop is a four-wheel-disc system with ABS and electronic brake force distribution. The SE and SEL ride on 17-inch alloy wheels with P215/60R17 tires; P225/60R18 rubber comes on the Limited's standard 18-inch wheels.Where the 2005 Ford Freestyle excels is passenger comfort and cargo carrying utility. With tall seating and lots of foot room, the Freestyle offers good thigh support and impressive comfort for all occupants. Available second-row captain's chairs slide fore-and-aft to increase legroom if desired. All seats except the driver's can fold flat, creating a cargo area as long as 9.5 feet from the dashboard to the rear hatch. When all three rows are raised, there is space for seven adults - Ford claims the rearmost bench seat is designed to be comfortable for a person who is over six feet tall. Fold that seat into the floor and the Ford Freestyle can hold 47.4 cubic feet of cargo.
Storage was a priority, too. Cupholder mavens will appreciate that there are 12 beverage containers littering the Freestyle's cabin. A dashtop storage bin can be used for small items and an optional overhead console stows sunglasses and remote controls out of sight. A conversation mirror similar to the one in the
Ford Freestar allows the driver to see every rear seating position and play referee, if necessary. The center console has a power point, and a cutout in the lid helps to keep cords from getting pinched. On the Limited, the third-row seat is split so that each side can be individually folded for maximum utility.
Page 3As any good family vehicle should, the 2005 Ford Freestyle is designed to offer its occupants excellent crash protection. The structure employs a version of Volvo's Side Impact Protection System, and a package including side airbags and a Safety Canopy with rollover protection for all three rows is available.All 2005 Ford Freestyles will be equipped with power windows, power door locks, keyless entry, power windows, air conditioning, tilt steering, cruise control, a CD player, floor mats, privacy glass and alloy wheels. Stepping up from SE to SEL trim, buyers receive appearance upgrades inside and out, automatic headlamps, dual-zone air conditioning, a message center, premium sound with an in-dash CD changer, Homelink universal transmitter, and leather wrapping for the steering wheel and gear shifter. Limited adds a monochromatic exterior, 18-inch wheels, heated exterior mirrors, an Audiophile sound system, automatic dual-zone climate control, heated perforated leather seating, a 50/50 third row seat, a power passenger seat, an outside temperature gauge, and special cream-colored gauges. On the Limited, simulated burled wood interior trim replaces the faux carbon fiber of the SE and SEL.
In addition to AWD and the Safety Canopy package, options include power adjustable pedals for the driver, a DVD entertainment system, a moonroof, a reverse sensing system, and rear air conditioning.
The 2005 Ford Freestyle takes on the
Chrysler Pacifica and
Toyota Highlander when it goes on sale in the fall of 2004. 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.
--Photos courtesy of Ford Motor Company
