Automotive
The Freestyle represented a unique crossover model developed by Ford, serving as a bridge between a conventional station wagon and an off-road vehicle, while also functioning as an MPV alternative.
Distinct from other Ford off-road vehicles, the Freestyle utilized a unibody construction rather than a traditional body-on-frame design. Built on the D3 platform shared with the Ford Five Hundred, Volvo S80, and Volvo XC90, it succeeded the Ford Taurus station wagon in the North American market.
Externally, the vehicle showcased a distinctive design within the Ford lineup. Its grille was framed by body-colored elements and bumper, while the large headlights featured a squared design with integrated turn signals. The sloping A-pillar contributed to aerodynamic efficiency, with the remainder of the vehicle exhibiting station wagon-like characteristics.
The interior offered a spacious and expansive cabin with an elevated driving position that emphasized its SUV-like nature. The dashboard included a front passenger grab handle typical of off-road vehicles. The interior design blended various elements tastefully. Standard captain’s chairs came with a convenient folding mechanism for easy access to the rear bench. An optional middle bench was available to increase seating capacity from six to seven passengers, similar to an MPV configuration. All seats except the driver’s could be folded flat, providing a maximum cargo capacity of up to 85 cubic feet (2406 liters) – exceeding that of the Ford Explorer.
To enhance its MPV capabilities, the Freestyle was equipped with a Duratec 3.0-liter engine paired with a CVT transmission supplied by ZF.
