Overview

What's New
The Ford Freestyle rolls into 2007 with four new comfort and convenience packages: Interior Convenience Group, Interior Power Group, Limited Convenience Group, and a Safety and Security Package. Front-seat, side-impact air bags and side air curtains are now standard on all models, while all Limited models now come standard with 18-inch wheels. Two new exterior colors are also available.

Overview
Ford introduced the Freestyle in 2005 as part of its growing crossover utility vehicle (CUV) line. Blending the space of an SUV with the flexibility of a minivan and fuel efficiency of a sedan, the Freestyle CUV targets active families who want a multifaceted vehicle. The Freestyle is offered in two trim levels: SEL and top-of-the-line Limited. It can seat up to 7 passengers and features a versatile fold-flat, third-row seat that makes increasing cargo capacity a breeze. For optimum passenger comfort, Ford raised the roofline above the third-row seat and designed a low-profile independent rear suspension system below the floor. Customers can choose between standard reclining bucket seats in the second row, or a 60/40 split-fold bench. On Limited models the bucket seats can be mounted on optional tracks to adjust leg room. To facilitate driver eye contact with rear-seated passengers, Ford installed a convex mirror in the front-seat overhead console.

Freestyle buyers can tailor their comfort and convenience with a selection of four new packages, three of which are available on SEL models. They are: the Interior Convenience Group, which includes fog lamps, automatic headlamps, an outside-temperature display, dual temperature controls, and a variety of audio system upgrades; Interior Power Package, featuring an 8-way power driver seat, 4-way power passenger seat, and adjustable pedals; and Safety and Security Package with an anti-theft alarm, heated exterior mirrors, and perimeter lighting. (Not a part of this package, but standard on all models, are side-impact air bags and a three-row Safety Canopy side air curtain with rollover detection.) The fourth package is the Limited Convenience Group-available only on Limited models-that features Ford's Reverse Sensing System, memory adjustable power pedals, a universal garage door opener, and a rear cargo net.

All Freestyle models are powered by Ford's Duratec 30 engine-a 203-hp, 3.0-liter V-6 that doesn't require a tune-up in its first 100,000 miles. The Duratec 30 is mated to a continuously variable transmission (CVT). In lieu of gears, the CVT unit uses two variable-size pulleys, connected by a chain, to transfer engine power to the drive wheels. Front-wheel drive is standard, but all-wheel drive is available.

The Competition
The Ford Freestyle competes in the Midsize Crossover Utility Vehicle (CUV) segment, which consists of 13 models. Buyers in this segment look for comfort, reliability, and quality, according to the J.D. Power and Associates 2006 Avoider Study^SM and the Escaped Shopper Study.^SM

The top sellers in the segment during calendar year 2006, according to the J.D. Power and Associates Sales Report,^SM were the Toyota Highlander (129,794 units sold), Nissan Murano (81,362), and Chrysler Pacifica (78,243). The Ford Freestyle sold 58,602 units in 2006, a decrease of 23.6 percent compared to the previous year. Other models offered in the Midsize CUV segment include the Buick Rendezvous, Subaru B9 Tribeca, and Hyundai Santa Fe. Joining the segment in 2007 are the Ford Edge, GMC Acadia, Mazda CX-9, and Saturn Outlook.