Anyone have a Ford Freestyle?

[essnce629]

I'm not shopping for a new car or anything, but I've been looking anyways and I like the looks of the Freestyle. It was also rated as one of the best cars for parents in Parents Magazine (in the wagon category)-- http://www.parents.com/articles/moms_dads/6028.jsp?page=1
It looks like a wagon from side and an SUV from the front, but the inside is like a minivan-- 3 rows of seats with 2 captain chairs in the second row. The Freestyle's 3rd row was also voted as having the most leg room and even with the 3rd row up there's lots of cargo space. Anyone have one and want to give a review?

***Latia
Conner 8/19/03
http://www.babiesonline.com/babies/a/aug2003angel
http://www.gynosaur.com/assets/ribbons/ribbon_emerald_18m.gif 23 months & counting! http://www.windsorpeak.com/dc/user_files/9870.gif

[lmintzer]

Our friends have one and like it so far (they haven't had it too long). From what I hear, it's a great car except for having lousy pick-up. I bet they will improve this with year's model.

[DebbieJ]

Our new neighbors just bought one and it looks really cool! I've been meaning to go over and check it out. Just met the wife last night (met the husband and kids last week) so maybe I'll get to see it soon!

~ deb
DS born at home 12/03

http://www.windsorpeak.com/dc/user_files/10029.gif

[amp]

I've not checked one out in person, but look forward to hearing more about it. It's one that DH and I are seriously considering in another couple years!

[essnce629]

BUMP

***Latia
Conner 8/19/03
http://www.babiesonline.com/babies/a/aug2003angel
http://www.gynosaur.com/assets/ribbons/ribbon_emerald_18m.gif 23 months & counting! http://www.windsorpeak.com/dc/user_files/9870.gif

[mamato1]

FWIW- The Freestyle will be discontinued in the '07 model year according to AutoWeek magazine (My DH is a walking car encyclopedia) I don't know if that matters to you, but it could effect resale values down the road.

Chris

Mama to Brendan (aka Boomer) 01/04

http://lilypie.com/baby2/040116/0/1/3/-6/.png

[linsei]

My parents have one and really like it. I've been a passenger a few times and my DH has driven it, so I'll attempt a mini-review.

It's more like a Pacifica than anything else (similar layout, that is). It doesn't have walk-thru (or crouch thru) room like a minivan would have d/t the bench seat.

According to my dad, it has a Volvo engine and you don't feel the car shift when accelerating. They have leather seats and the quality of the leather is not as soft as that in other cars. They have the option of rear A/C control, which is confusing to operate and so loud that it would be difficult to converse with someone in the second row, and darn near impossible in the third row.

For the second row, they have the bench (I think it folds 60/40). The middle seat in the second row is not for an adult butt. I attempted to ride in the middle of this seat with my ds in a Marathon on my right and my mom on my left. I had to move to the third row b/c the buckle part of the seatbelt poked unpleasantly :(.

As for cargo, I believe the rear seats fold flat, which allows for plenty of room. The third row is comfy, but I wouldn't want to be back there for a long time. The seats are theater style, which is supposed to prevent motion-sickness.

They've had it a couple of months now and have been happy with it. It surprised me that my parents would buy one since it looks sort of rugged and they're really not that type of people.

I've focused mainly on the negatives, but I think it is a nice vehicle, just not to my taste. PM me if you have any specific questions. I'd be happy to answer them or ask my parents if I don't know.

Linda



http://lilypie.com/baby2/040428/1/5/1/-5/.png[/img][/url]

[Marcy_O]

We actually just looked at some today at the lot (we like to go on Sundays when we aren't bombarded by sales people). We've been talking about getting something else since both of our vehicles have 100,000 + miles. My Escape will be the one to go even though I love it. We were looking at the Ford 500 also. It looks pretty cool, but the freestyle looked more "practical" as far as space for the price. It's only a couple thousand in some cases more than the 500. I'm anxious to see anyone elses' reviews. Read some online at auto.com and so far so good!

[Melanie]

We just looked at one today, too!

I loved that the 2nd row had plenty of leg room (due to the space under the first row accommodating your feet). I also though it had a great amount of cargo space with the 3rd row folded down, and even with it up!

HOWEVER, 6 ft Dh said he couldn't have ridden 20 minutes in that third row if someone was next to him. Almost no leg or foot room. Since our third row needs will primarily be adults we looked more towards the Explorer instead.

I think if you mostly need the 3rd row for children it would be an excellent choice!