DecodedCars2006 Ford Freestyle
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2006 models.
- Class
- Sport Utility Vehicle - 2WD
- Body styles
- 4dr Wagon/SUV AWD Limited, 4dr Wagon/SUV FWD /Se/Sel
- Engines
- 3.0L 6-cyl
- Drivetrain
- Front-Wheel Drive, 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Regular Gasoline
- MPG (best)
- 20 combined · 18 city / 25 hwy
- Length
- 200 in
- Curb weight
- 3,649–3,825 lb
- NHTSA rating
- Not rated
- Recalls
- 0 campaigns
Pros & cons
What's good
- AWD / 4WD available
- No recalls so far
Watch out for
- Many owner complaints151 complaints filed with NHTSA versus about 34 for similar models — most often about the power train.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 23 similar 2006 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2006 Ford Freestyle is a SUV - offered with a 3.0L 6-cyl engine and front-wheel drive and 4-wheel or all-wheel drive.
It measures about 200 inches long and 75 inches wide on a 113-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 3,825 lb (4dr Wagon/SUV AWD Limited).
EPA rates its most efficient version at 20 MPG combined (18 city / 25 highway), 9% better than the 2006 SUV - average of 18.3 MPG, for an estimated $3,350 a year in fuel.
It has 0 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 151 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the power train.
What changed for 2006
- Lightest version 311 lb lighter
Compared with 2005; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2005 Freestyle →
Dimensions & weight
| Body | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Track F / R | Curb weight | Weight F/R |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4dr Wagon/SUV AWD Limited | 200 in | 74.8 in | 65 in | 112.6 in | 64.2 / 64.6 in | 3,825 lb | 55/45 |
| 4dr Wagon/SUV FWD /Se/Sel | 200 in | 74.8 in | 65 in | 112.6 in | 64.2 / 64.6 in | 3,649 lb | 55/45 |
Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.
Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →Engines, MPG & running costs
| Version | Engine | Transmission | Drive | City / Hwy / Comb | vs. class | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Freestyle FWD | 3.0L 6-cyl | Automatic (variable gear ratios) | Front-Wheel Drive | 18 / 25 / 20 | +9% | $3,350 | 444 |
| Freestyle AWD | 3.0L 6-cyl | Automatic (variable gear ratios) | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 17 / 22 / 19 | +12% | $3,550 | 468 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2006 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2006 Ford Freestyle under the current (2011+) test program.
Similar 2006 SUV -s
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2006 Ford Freestyle (this car) | 20 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2006 Toyota Land Cruiser | 13 MPG | Not rated | 2 |
| 2006 Ford Explorer | 16 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2006 GMC Yukon | 16 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2006 Chevrolet Tahoe | 16 MPG | Not rated | 1 |
| 2006 Ford Expedition | 14 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2006 Dodge Durango | 16 MPG | Not rated | 2 |
Recalls (0)
No vehicle recalls on file with NHTSA for the 2006 Ford Freestyle.
Check your VIN for open recalls at NHTSA ↗Not every 2006 Ford Freestyle is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2006 Ford Freestyle buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. No recalls on file, but check anyway.
- Power Train — 57 owner reports. Test-drive through all gears, including reverse; note slipping, harsh or delayed shifts.
- Vehicle Speed Control — 35 owner reports. Ask the seller and mechanic specifically about this system.
- Engine — 34 owner reports. Cold-start the engine, listen for knocking, and watch for warning lights or hesitation on acceleration.
- Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 128,700 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
- Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.
Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2006 Ford Freestyle. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.
Other Freestyle years
Compare all years →| Year | MPG (best) | Length | Overall | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2007 Freestyle | 20 | 200 in | Not rated | 0 | 101 |
| 2005 Freestyle | 20 | 200 in | Not rated | 0 | 160 |
Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Ford. How we calculate this →