2005 Ford Freestyle

[coastal]

Here are the production pics of Ford's new "crossover" wagon. Not as sexy as the original concept, but reasonably close...

http://server5.uploadit.org/files2/231203-freestyle.jpg

Original Concept:
http://xc70.com/misc/ford_freestyle1.jpg

[Chipshot]

Thanks for posting.  Any interior photos out there?

[TrueBlue]

Looks quite nice; like this particular car's colour http://xc70.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif

Didn't I "hear" - somewhere not to far from this site that it might be based on the LR Freelander - in which case, no thanks http://xc70.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/devil.gif, but then I am most interested in the bits that break.....

Havng started you'll have to dripfeed us with more info:

MikeN

[XCMark]

I like the original concept better, although it looks more like the Audi Allroad with the wheel wells and overall look. Funny, considering Ford's relationship with Volvo, it would resemble Audi...

I don't like the final product, looks to 'safe', not too daring, kinda plain and resembles the Freelander with the front end's angled slant.

It also looks like a scaled down and squashed Explorer.... I give it a D+

My 2¢...

[Pennhaven]

The concept was far nicer. But I think if the production vehicle were trimmed out with aluminum accents similar to the concept it would help a lot. Regardless I particularly dislike the rear hatch / bumper treatment. Just not a clean design with those protruding bumper ends. I hope these at least reduce low speed crash damage. The hatch looks too "Explorish". On the positive side, the designers have included a "tread" area on top of the bumper, something valuable that Volvo missed on the XC70.

[NeuDaddi]

Its better than some things I've seen from Ford over the past few years, but I can't say I see the point of this vehicle offering.  Where exactly is this vehicle supposed to fit in?  Its a small sport wagon?  Its a lower version of the Ford Escape?  Its an American version of the Jetta wagon?  What is it supposed to be?  And, it would seem to be in the same space as the Volvo V50, although I imagine it will be cheaper and will not have the same available features.

If Ford does to Volvo what GM is doing to Saab, I will be very disappointed.

[Chipshot]

I agree The Freestyle has lost something since the concept.  Most production vehicles do, usually due to the realities of mass manufacturing constraints and cost.  I believe the Freestyle is significantly larger than the Escape and wouldn't be surprised if it has more interior room than the Explorer.  I think it's aimed at a different audience than any Volvo.