2005 Ford Freestyle Road Test

After a week of commuting, shopping for furniture, and touring the Southern California countryside, we discovered that the 2005 Ford Freestyle is a wonderful machine to live with on a daily basis. It might not be terribly exciting to drive, its bodywork might not inspire lust, but it is an absolute pleasure to use and it includes a comprehensive package of safety equipment. And though Ford may be reticent to call it a station wagon, that's exactly what it is - a contemporary rendition of the ultimate family cars of the 1960s and 1970s.

Thirty years of evolution has resulted in higher seating positions with a commanding view out, a third-row seat made for adults and facing forward rather than to the rear, and primary drive wheels that have swapped ends. Plus, there's all-wheel-drive, greatly improved safety systems, and styling that doesn't look exactly like a sedan from the front doors forward.

However, nobody's mom is gonna refer to the "big whomping Duratec 30" under the Ford Freestyle's hood, that's for sure.