Safe & Stable
Written: Jan 11 '05
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Pros: Interior space. AWD system. Silent ride while cruising. Custom build options that YOU want.
Cons: Missing cross-bars, slight underpowering of engine, poor sound system quality with base model.
The Bottom Line: Best in show for the cross-over / non-off-road sector. Nice alternative to a mini-van. It wins my vote.
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| tj_of_calgary's Full Review: 2005 Ford Freestyle AWD |
Had an AWD SE for an extended test drive (overnight). Going to purchase the SEL AWD shortly. Moving from the Honda CR-V to make more room for the growing family.
Initial impressions.
Sparse interior decor. Doesn't really stand out although it is well laid out. On the plus side, lots of storage and material all feels solid.
Doors are difficult to latch properly when compared to either my Honda or VW. Typical to NA vehicles, doors have to be slammed to properly seat. Hard to get used to after driving a German vehicle.
AWD system rocks. Had the opportunity to test both the FWD and AWD on an extreme snow day in Calgary. Thought that the FWD would be enough, but it understeers in snowy turns and just doesn't grip like the AWD. After 10 mins in the AWD I was convinced this is the better choice for snowy climates. Took it to an empty snowy parking lot and had some fun making the traction control and AWD systems work together -- fantastic. Together they gripped and steered through turns where most FWDs would have had me hitting the snow banks.
50/50 rear bench and 60/40 middle bench provide loads of options for carrying car seats, adults and cargo. Figure with a ski box, we can have 4 adults and 2 kids, and all the luggage and skis in this thing -- saves those multi-vehicle trips to the ski hill. The interior space is a major plus, yet, while providing the room similar to a mini-van, it really feels like a car.
Agree with others. Engine is a tad under powered and is noisy at high RPMs -- engine note does not inspire confidence while passing. Otherwise, cruising at highway speeds is very comfortable and quiet. The posted 26Mpg is hard to beat when comparing a similarly sized SUV.
Standard stereo system for SE model is disappointing. Poor sound quality but controls are easy to fiddle with to try to dial in the right mix of bass and treble.
Although the vehicle comes with roof rails there are no options for stock cross-bars to mount a ski box -- boo. Forces us skiers to purchase an after-market rack.
I've compared this vehicle to: Odyssey, Pilot, Sienna, Terazza, and Relay. Equipped with AWD, DVD, Safety and Security System, 50/50 Rear and 60/40 middle, the Freestyle comes in at the best pricing and in my opinion, the best ride in this class of vehicle.
Recommended:
Yes
Amount Paid (US$): C36498
Condition: New
Model Year: 2005
Model and Options: SEL AWD, DVD, 50/50 rear, 60/40 middle
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Epinions.com ID:
tj_of_calgary
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Location: Calgary, Alberta, Canada
Reviews written: 5
Trusted by: 2 members
About Me:
Heavy researcher. Reviews technology, sports, outdoor equipment and household goods.
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