Initially, Ford was planning to name its creation CrossTrainer, but at the last moment decided to reward the car with a more neutral name - Freestyle. Debut took place in 2005. The model combines the features of an SUV and a station wagon: a long hood, high belt line, an aggressive grille design, a 2-level roof, large rear-view mirrors and door handles. Inside, three rows of seats. Freestyle was delivered in two versions - with six or seven passenger seats. In the second row of seats could be either a 3-seater sofa with a back, folding in the ratio of 60:40, or two separate chairs.
Due to the high body above the heads of the passengers, there is a considerable reserve of space. Since Freestyle is primarily a family car, there are many compartments for small items in the cabin, including a drawer above the center console and an optional compartment above the front seats where you can put sunglasses or garage keys. In the basic version, the interior is decorated with a carbon fiber coating, and in a more expensive version - covered with leather. The center console is trimmed with wood. Cargo volume is 0.50 m³. The maximum volume of cargo with the second and third rows of seats folded is 2.41 m³.
The first Ford Freestyle was offered in three versions: SE, SEL and Limited. The manufacturer included an air conditioner, a CD player, separate second-row seats (in this configuration, a six-seat salon), an electric driver’s seat adjustment, full electric equipment, and ABS. SEL includes a built-in CD changer, automatic headlights, heated mirrors, 17-inch alloy wheels and an on-board computer. Limited installed 18-inch wheels, leather seats of the first and second rows, automatic climate control for two zones, electric adjustment of the front passenger seat and driver’s memory, as well as heated front seats and the ability to fold the third row in relation to 5/5.
As an option, side cushions for the first row and curtain pads for all three rows were proposed. Among the options are also: automatically adjustable pedals, rear parking sensors, DVD, panoramic roof, satellite radio Sirius and navigation system (for 2006-2007 model years). In the last year of the Freestyle release, the SE package was not offered. The basic version is with front-wheel drive, an all-wheel drive electronics (Intelligent 4WD system) that was automatically connected by electronics was offered for an extra charge. Under the hood is a powerful 3.0-liter 6-cylinder Duratec engine rated at 203 hp. and a torque of 281 Nm.
Torque from the engine to the wheels is transmitted through a continuously variable CVT (CVT), developed in conjunction with the German company ZF. Unlike a conventional automatic transmission, the CVT does not shift gear ratios abruptly, but continuously changes them, achieving optimal performance and fuel economy. Fully independent suspension allows Freestyle to move gently and confidently when cornering. On guard for passenger safety are disc brakes for all wheels, front and side airbags and an extra roll-over protection system. The list of options includes parking sensors. Since 2007, all Freestyle cars began to install the Safety Canopy system (six PB).
The assembly was carried out at a plant in Chicago.
