Classifying the Freestyle
New for 2005, the Freestyle is instantly identifiable as one of the Ford family of passenger cars. From the front view it looks like the result of a big ‘ol Explorer SUV coupling with a new Five Hundred sedan.The Freestyle is an interesting vehicle but one that’s difficult to slot into the usual categories. While it’s not an SUV, the Freestyle’s as tall as most and also offers four-wheel-drive. Nor is a minivan, though it’s as roomy as most. I guess you’d have to call it a crossover although it’s much more truck-like in appearance than, say, the Chrysler Pacifica, which I think of as the classic American crossover vehicle. A crossover offers multiple seating and cargo carrying variations with more than a hint of luxury and a bit of performance. However, while it’s comfortable enough, I think the Freestyle leans more towards the more utilitarian SUV than to the classic more occupant-oriented crossover.
Actually I think it’s probably more what the Europeans call an MPV or multi purpose vehicle – something like the upcoming Mercedes B-Class. But on steroids. If you’ve got five 200 lb pre-teens you fodder at McDonalds, then Ford built this one for you.
