The crossover no one knows about.

So I was recently in the market for a new (to me) vehicle. Despite gas prices I've really been wanting a suv/crossover. I've always been a huge Ford fan, my previous car being a 2002 taurus. I eventually decided on and purchased a 2005 Ford Freestyle sel awd.

The first question is why would anyone want a car such as the freestyle. Best put, it gives you the room of a suv, with better gas mileage than the typical suv. The freestyle is based on a car platform, the ford five hundred sedan, rather than a truck platform such as the ford explorer.

Coming from a sedan, the increased ride height took a little getting use to, but not as much as a traditional suv.

The sole engine choice is the 3.0L duratec engine that was also used in the ford taurus. Some call this engine underpowered for this size of vehicle, but I have no problem maneuvering in traffic or getting up to passing speed on the highway.

The freestyle is also useful for those with kids or needing a lot of cargo area. The freestyle seats seven with the middle bench seat or six with the captains chairs in the middle. All the seats (with the exception of the drivers of course) fold flat to allow cargo to be loaded throughout the vehicle.

As for gas mileage, its not the best, but its not too terrible either. I've been averaging from around 18-21 in the city, which isn't too bad for a vehicle this size.

All in all the freestyle (and its replacement, a slightly updated form called the taurus x) are very good vehicles. I'd describe it as having the practicality of a car and the advantages of an suv

2005 Ford Freestyle Sel Awd