Vehicle Segment:
Mid-size crossover SUV / Station Wagon
Target Audience:
Families seeking versatile, practical, and comfortable transportation with available AWD.
Key Competitors:
Toyota Highlander, Honda Pilot, Chevrolet Equinox, Pontiac Torrent, Mazda CX-7, Subaru Outback.
Design Philosophy:
Focus on interior space, ride comfort, and practicality, offering a more car-like driving experience than traditional body-on-frame SUVs.
Body Styles:
Four-door wagon/crossover.
Powertrain:
Engine mechanical, fuel system, ignition system, exhaust system, lubrication system, cooling system, engine control systems (PCM), transmission (automatic), driveline, axles, differentials.
Chassis:
Suspension (front and rear), steering system, brake system (front and rear disc, ABS, DSC), wheel alignment, chassis components.
Electrical:
Battery, charging system, starting system, lighting (headlamps, taillamps, interior), instrumentation, power accessories (windows, locks, seats), climate control electricals, audio system, body control module (BCM), powertrain control module (PCM) diagnostics, wiring diagrams, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs).
Body:
Body panels, doors, hoods, liftgates, bumpers, interior trim, glass, mirrors, safety restraints (airbags, seatbelts), weatherstripping, sealant.
Maintenance:
Scheduled maintenance intervals, oil changes, filter replacements (oil, air, cabin), fluid checks and top-offs, spark plug replacement, brake pad and rotor replacement, tire rotation.
Diagnostics:
Troubleshooting guides for common symptoms, diagnostic trouble code (DTC) interpretation and resolution, electrical system diagnostics, fuel system diagnostics, emission control system diagnostics.
Repair:
Engine overhaul, transmission repair and overhaul, brake caliper and master cylinder replacement, suspension component replacement (struts, control arms, ball joints), steering rack replacement, electrical component replacement, body panel repair and replacement.
Specifications:
Torque specifications for all fasteners, fluid capacities and types, electrical system specifications, diagnostic specifications, clearances and adjustments.
Depth Level:
Comprehensive, from basic maintenance to complete engine and transmission rebuilds, including detailed wiring diagrams and diagnostic procedures.
NHTSA Frontal Driver:
5 Stars (for models equipped with side airbags)
NHTSA Frontal Passenger:
5 Stars (for models equipped with side airbags)
NHTSA Side Driver:
5 Stars (for models equipped with side airbags)
NHTSA Side Rear Passenger:
5 Stars (for models equipped with side airbags)
IIHS Frontal Offset:
Good
IIHS Side Impact:
Good (with optional side airbags)
ABS:
Standard Anti-lock Braking System
Traction Control:
Standard Traction Control System (TCS)
Electronic Stability:
Available AdvanceTrac Electronic Stability Control (ESC)
Airbags:
Front airbags, available front side-impact airbags, available side-curtain airbags.
Seatbelts:
3-point front and rear seatbelts with pretensioners and load limiters.
Audio System:
Standard AM/FM/CD player, optional premium audio systems (e.g., Audiophile), available SiriusXM satellite radio.
Navigation:
Optional factory navigation system.
Connectivity:
Auxiliary audio input jack standard on most models, optional Bluetooth (SYNC system not prominent in early Freestyle models but may appear late in the run).
Cruise Control:
Standard electronic cruise control.
Rear Camera:
Optional rear parking camera on some later models.
Oil Change Interval:
Every 5,000 to 7,500 miles or 6 months, depending on driving conditions (consult manual).
Air Filter Replacement:
Every 30,000 miles or as needed based on inspection.
Cabin Air Filter Replacement:
Every 15,000 to 30,000 miles or annually.
Spark Plug Replacement:
Approximately 100,000 miles for iridium spark plugs.
Transmission Fluid Flush:
Every 50,000 to 100,000 miles (consult manual for specific recommendation).
Engine Oil Type:
SAE 5W-30 Synthetic Blend or Full Synthetic (check manual for specific API certification).
Engine Oil Capacity:
Approx. 5.5 quarts (with filter) for 3.0L V6.
Coolant Type:
Ford Premium Engine Coolant (Green) or equivalent (ethylene glycol based).
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 3 or DOT 4.
Common Complaint 1:
Transmission shudder or harsh shifting (especially in earlier models, sometimes related to valve body or torque converter).
Common Complaint 2:
Front suspension noise (e.g., clunking, rattling) often from worn struts, ball joints, or sway bar links.
Common Complaint 3:
EGR valve issues leading to rough idle or check engine light.
Common Complaint 4:
Power steering pump noise or leaks.
Common Complaint 5:
CVT transmission issues (though the Freestyle primarily used a conventional automatic, earlier versions or specific configurations might have variations - the manual will clarify).
Ford Legacy:
Ford has a long history of producing reliable and practical vehicles, with a strong presence in the SUV and wagon segments.
Platform:
Ford CD3 platform (shared with Mazda 6, Ford Fusion, Mercury Milan).
Design Intent:
Positioned as a more car-like alternative to traditional truck-based SUVs, emphasizing interior space and passenger comfort.
Discontinuation:
Discontinued after the 2010 model year, replaced by the Ford Explorer (a smaller, more car-based model at the time) and the Ford Edge.
Manufacturing Location:
Oakville Assembly, Ontario, Canada
IIHS Top Safety Pick:
Achieved 'Good' ratings in IIHS frontal and side impact tests (when equipped with side airbags), contributing to strong safety perception.
Family Vehicle Awards:
Often recognized by automotive journalists for its practicality and family-friendly features.
Consumer Reports Evaluation:
Mixed to average reliability ratings over its lifespan, with specific areas like transmission requiring attention.
