2005 Ford Freestyle Review (continued)
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Summary

The new Ford Freestyle is a nice package, with nice looks, a nice powertrain, and a nice starting price, given all that it buys. But the option list is lengthy and full of temptations. Just as the Freestyle's designers did, buyers may face compromises, too.

New Car Test Drive correspondent Tom Lankard filed this report from the Great Lakes area.

(Source: New Cars Test Drive)

Model Line Overview

Model Lineup:	Ford Freestyle SE ($24,945); SEL ($26,345); Limited ($28,545)
Engines:	3.0-liter dohc 24v V6
Transmissions:	CVT
Saftey Equipment (standard):	two-stage, dual frontal airbags; three-point seatbelts and adjustable head restraints at all seating positions; child safety seat LATCH anchors; front seat belt use reminder; two-stage collapsible steering column; antilock brakes with electronic brake-force distribution
Saftey Equipment (optional):	front seat-mounted side airbags, full-coverage side curtain airbags; reverse sensing system
Basic Warranty:	3 years/36,000 miles
Assembled In:	Chicago, Illinois

Specifications As Tested

Model Tested (MSRP):	Ford Freestyle SEL ($26,345)
Standard Equipment:	air conditioning; power windows, heated outside mirrors, central locking and six-way driver's seat; cruise control; AM/FM stereo with 6-disc in-dash CD changer; 6-way power driver's seat with manual lumbar; tilt steering wheel with redundant audio controls; leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift lever; driver-door keypad entry; 1st and 2nd row floor mats; accessory power delay; auto headlamps; electrochromic inside rearview mirror; electronic message/function display; perimeter lighting with puddle lamps; fog lamps; roof rack
Options As Tested (MSRP):	Safety and Security Package ($695) includes front-seat side airbags, side curtain airbags and anti-theft alarm; leather seating ($795); Comfort Package ($495) includes dual-zone air conditioning, 8-way power driver and 4-way power front passenger (with manual lumbar) seats, outside temperature display; rear seat DVD entertainment system ($995); power moonroof ($895); rear-seat air conditioning ($595); reverse sensing system ($250); all-wheel drive ($1,700)
Destination Charge:	650
Gas Guzzler Tax:
Price As Tested (MSRP):	33415
Layout:	all-wheel drive
Horsepower (hp @ rpm):	203 @ 5750
Torque (lb.-ft. @ rpm):	207 @ 4500
Transmission:	CVT
EPA fuel economy, city/hwy:	19/24
Wheelbase:	112.9
Length/width/height:	199.8/74.4/64.9
Track, f/r:	64.6/65
Turning circle:	40
Seating capacity:	7
Head/hip/leg room, f:	39.4/55.2/40.8
Head/hip/leg room, m:	39.4/56.4/39.8
Head/hip/leg room, r:	38.5/45.9/33.6
Cargo volume:	86.5
Payload:
Towing capacity:	2000
Suspension, f:	independent strut, coil springs, stabilizer bar
Suspension, r:	independent, multi-link, coil springs, stabilizer bar
Ground clearance:	6.3
Curb weight:	4112
Tires:	P215/60R17
Brakes, f/r:	disc/disc with ABS and EBD
Fuel capacity:	19