As
newbie status wears off, Ford's Freestyle moves
into its second year all grown up. Its biggest
news for '06 is the eagerly anticipated nav system
increasingly demanded by crossover vehicle buyers.
That refines the "Goes Anywhere, Holds Everything"
tough attitude of Ford's front-drive utility.
The
midsize Freestyle fills a crossover gap already
populated by other auto makers' vehicles. Now
this utility with wagon flexibility fills a needed
spot in the lineup between smaller Escape and
its true sport utility brother Explorer. The SUV-inspired
Freestyle is car-based, but has sufficient ground
clearance and grunt for legit off-pavement duty
or perhaps more.
Demeanor
is important with Freestyle. There's nothing sissy
about the bold, handsome face, roof rack trim
and wide glass-topped tailgate that keep "sporty"
a top priority. Open the door and there's easy-in/easy-out
seating. Seat height is slightly raised with a
low step-in for free-footed access. Interiors
are roomy, especially with seats folded flat.
Exterior styling cues lend a deceptively lean
look. Silver Birch joins exterior colors for '06.
Inside,
the instrument cluster and trim give a strong
sport utility sense, anchored by a passenger side
"rough off-roading" grab handle and
handsome controls with center console-mounted
floor shifter. Freestyle can comfortably hold
seven, with leg-wiggling comfort even for full
size adults in row three.
Available
all-wheel-drive, passenger avoiding crash force
redirector, adaptive two-stage steering column
with seatbelt use detector, and Side Canopy side
curtain airbag keep driving security and safety
center stage. During its first year, the Freestyle
won top safety honors in governmental rollover
stability tests. Powered by Ford's 203-HP aluminum
Duratec 3.0-liter V-6, with a continuously variable
transmission (CVT), it rides on an independent
suspension for quiet, supple ride.
Freestyle
comes in three versions, starting in the mid-$20K
range -- base SE, mid-model SEL and top model
Limited, with lots of amenities for each. Among
them, optional adjustable pedals with memory,
DVD family entertainment system with two wireless
headphones, reverse sensor and auxiliary climate
control that ensure flexibility of use for this
crossover staple.
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