Overview

What's New
Two thousand six is the second and final year for the Ford Freestyle. When the 2007 model year begins, the Freestyle will be replaced by the 2007 Ford Edge. Hence, changes for 2006 are limited to a new exterior paint color (Silver Birch) and a new optional navigation system.

Overview
The Freestyle is Ford's first midsize crossover utility vehicle (CUV). The tall wagon-like body offers a higher seating position and the 6- or 7-passenger capacity of an SUV, while its car-based platform gives it the sharper handling response of a car.

The Freestyle is mechanically similar to the Ford Five Hundred sedan. It's based on the same Volvo platform and uses an identical powertrain: a 203-hp, 3.0L V-6 backed by a continuously variable transmission with a choice of front- or all-wheel drive. EPA fuel economy estimates are 20 mpg city/27 mpg highway for the front-wheel-drive version, and 19 mpg city/24 mpg highway with all-wheel drive.

Ford offers the Freestyle in SE, SEL, and Limited trims. Anti-lock brakes, air conditioning, power windows/mirrors/locks, remote keyless entry, power driver's seat, alloy wheels, cruise control, and three-row seating for six are standard across the board. SEL models add automatic headlights, 6-disc CD changer, heated mirrors, and leather-wrapped shift knob and steering wheel. The top-of-the-line Limited includes heated leather seats, a high-end stereo, dual-zone climate control, and wood-grain interior trim. Some of the Freestyle's options include seating for seven, power-adjustable pedals, moonroof, side air bags, and a DVD entertainment system with wireless headphones.

The Competition
The Midsize CUV (Crossover Utility Vehicle) segment in which the Ford Freestyle competes consists of six models (the Ford Edge and Saturn Outlook join the party for 2007). All are similar to the Freestyle in that they mix SUV-style bodies with passenger car-like construction and road manners.

According to the J.D. Power and Associates Sales Report,^SM Freestyle ranked third overall in segment sales for calendar year 2005 with 76,739 units sold. The Toyota Highlander was the top-selling model in the segment with 137,409 sales, followed by the Chrysler Pacifica with 85,557 sales. Other models currently for sale in this segment include the Nissan Murano, Buick Rendezvous, and Subaru B9 Tribeca.