Great all around SUV

The Ford Freestyle is really a Volvo with Ford clothes. The new 3.5 liter engine was not ready for production, so Ford modified the trusty, old 3.0 liter V6 that was in dire need of attention anyway. They managed to squeeze out just over 200 horsepower out of that little motor, and it mated well to the CVT transmission in our model.
We bought the Freestyle AWD as a family vehicle and are thoroughly satisfied. Going on about two years, we have had very little trouble with it, and it continues to perform quite well. We have driven across the country through two major ice storms, through snowy passes, and over long mountain ranges. This is the most sure-footed family vehicle we have every owned. It hugs corners, eats up the steep climbs, and rides like a luxury car. It is quiet and roomy, even in the third row! It even road well loaded down with a large cargo container on top, and full of people. Suburbans, Hummers, Land Rovers, all struggled going up steep grades, but we had no trouble at all. The engine does get a little noisy when it’s working extra hard, but other than that, this large SUV moves about with grace and power. I have never felt more comfortable taking my family through slippery, snowy, or icy terrain. I even tried to make it slide in areas where big four wheel drive vehicles were having trouble. Nope. This thing is very sure-footed.
Behind the third row is sufficient for shopping and daily use. It’s limited if you want to pack luggage for 6 people, though. All seats are surprisingly comfortable. I have a 6 foot 3 inch friend who has ridden in the third row. He said it was just right. Access is easy, and all controls are at your finger tips. Steering, handling, and overall performance is excellent. We have crawled all around the Pacific Northwest trails around Mount Rainier and Mount Saint Helens. This vehicle is as versatile as they come.
I highly recommend this to anyone looking for a versatile, comfortable, sporty, luxurious, and economical SUV. If Ford’s overt support of highly controversial political issues prevent you from purchasing one, check out the Saturn Outlook, GMC Acadia, Hyundai Veracruz, or Toyota Highlander.
It is my opinion that Ford’s political agenda is preventing many from buying their products. That is a shame. Ford is currently building some of the best vehicles ever. The Ford Freestyle (new model is the Ford Taurus X) is proof of that.