POINTER94
Vice Admiral
- Joined
- Oct 12, 2003
- Messages
- 5,031
I have been reading about some of the automotive woes we have all been facing and it sucks. But in defense of my Ford Freestyle I got back in June/July, I have turned 20K and I have to say, this is one neat car. It has given me not a moments problem and is as solid as the day I took delivery. Not a rattle anywhere. The brakes are huge and very effective. I have the AWD model and it is a snowmobile. Better in snow than my bronco I swear. It handles like no "wagon" I have ever driven. Try taking an off ramp at 65 or so and the tires don't squeel and the suspension holds the road like velcro.<br /><br />Gas mileage has been around 24 on the highway which is what was advertised. It is surprisingly versitile and much larger than a picture would indicate. I am 6'4" and it has just enough leg room and head, shoulder, and hip room are great. Note the seat coverings tend to hold stains from french fries and the like and feel a little cheap but they are insainly comfortable and haven't shown any signs of wear. Just kind of a strange material. Driving position is high but not like a true SUV or truck. Rear view mirrors are huge like a truck. Visibility is fine and the rear window is cleaned well by the wiper/washer setup. <br /><br />This thing does everything pretty well. For a family of 4 this could do everything you need a vehicle to do. It is rated to tow up to 2000lbs. Reliability from my research has been outstanding. Everyone who ownes one seems to like it. This is not a road racer and the 0-20mph times are a bit slow, but you can put your foot into her and make her move quite smartly. All other speeds she moves real well. The CVT constantly variable transmission is an interesting bird. But you will get used to it and it really moves the car along quickly in passing situations and has proven to be reliable from my limited research and personal experience.<br /><br />Three things, continental tires that come with are loud and I don't care for them, factory radio is weak, as weak a factory radio I have seen since my 1974 duster and the wiper controls are a little confusing. I still have issues picking the right ones front/rear. <br /><br />I beleive this is built on the XC/90 volvo platform. Try pricing one of those out (big $$$). It is a proven and very safe design. It is also rumored that this rig is going to be discontinued for whatever reason. That should make it a pretty good buy on the secondary market and probably force ford into deep discounts for remaining units on the lots.<br /><br />I know the rule of not buying a first year model but this thing is as good a car as I have owned in many many years. It many be one of those sleeper buys in then next year or so. Kudos to ford for a really dependable and versatile vehicle unique to all others on the road. A big thumbs up from a rather particular car owner.
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