2006 Ford Freestyle Earns IIHS 'Best Pick'

doh · 10-13-2005, 04:22 PM

http://www.hwysafety.org/news/2005/pr101305.html

NEW FRONTAL CRASH TEST RESULTS:
FORD'S FREESTYLE SUV IS A TOP PERFORMER

PDF version of this release
Full test results for the Ford Freestyle • results for all midsize SUVs tested by the Institute

ARLINGTON, VA — Ford's Freestyle, a midsize SUV introduced for the 2005 model year, earned the highest rating of good in a 40 mph frontal offset test recently conducted by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. The Freestyle also earned the "best pick" designation for frontal crash test performance.

This brings to seven the number of current midsize SUV designs that have earned good ratings in the Institute's frontal crash test. Four of the good performers also are "best picks." Results show that manufacturers have made dramatic improvements in how well their vehicles perform since the Institute first began frontal offset tests in 1995.

The integrity of the Freestyle's occupant compartment was maintained very well. There was minimal intrusion. Injury measures recorded on the dummy's neck, chest, and both legs were low. However, a high head acceleration occurred when the driver dummy's head bottomed out the airbag, indicating that a person in a similar crash could sustain a head injury such as a concussion.

"In the frontal test, the driver's side of the vehicle needs to absorb the energy of the crash and keep the occupant compartment intact," says Institute chief operating officer Adrian Lund. "The Freestyle's performance is what we like to see. A driver in a real-world crash of this severity would be likely to sustain only minor injuries. The Freestyle is a good performer and a 'best pick' in the frontal test."

Ford requested the test: It's unusual for the Institute to release crash test results for just one vehicle. Ford requested the Freestyle test, and the Institute's longstanding policy is to grant such requests if a manufacturer provides reimbursement for the cost of the vehicle.

When the Institute first evaluated midsize SUVs in frontal tests in 1996 and 1997, none of the vehicles earned a good rating. Four designs were rated marginal or poor. In contrast, it's now rare for an SUV to earn a rating that's less than good.

"Ford has done a good job of designing its newest vehicles to better protect occupants in frontal crashes," Lund says. Other recent good performers include the Five Hundred family sedan, F-150 pickup, and Freestar minivan.

Institute and government crash tests complement each other: The Institute's crashworthiness evaluations are based on results of frontal offset crash tests at 40 mph. Each vehicle's overall evaluation is based on three aspects of performance — measurements of intrusion into the occupant compartment, injury measures from a Hybrid III dummy positioned in the driver seat, and analysis of slow-motion film to assess how well the restraint system controlled dummy movement during the test.

The federal government has been testing new passenger vehicles in 35 mph full-front crash tests since 1978. This New Car Assessment Program has been a major contributor to crashworthiness improvements, in particular improved restraint systems in new passenger vehicles. The Institute's offset tests, conducted since 1995, involve 40 percent of a vehicle's front end hitting a deformable barrier at 40 mph. This test complements the federal test involving the full width of the front end hitting a rigid barrier. Both tests are contributing to improvements in crashworthiness, in particular improved crumple zones and safety cages. The same 40 mph offset crash test is used to evaluate new cars by the European Union in cooperation with motor clubs, by an Australian consortium of state governments and motor clubs, and by a government-affiliated organization in Japan.

genjy · 10-13-2005, 04:41 PM

I feel Ford has always made pretty safe cars compared to most other manufacturers. Freestyle being a modern Ford and based on a Volvo platform, I am not surprised of the test results.

mbukukanyau · 10-13-2005, 05:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by genjy

I feel Ford has always made pretty safe cars compared to most other manufacturers. Freestyle being a modern Ford and based on a Volvo platform, I am not surprised of the test results.

What is a Volvo? It’s a Swedish Ford , and what is a Ford.. A ford is a Ford.. So it follows that a Volvo is a ford ..
Its good they earned good marks.. but.. I would not buy a Ford.. I just do not like em..

**Ming** · 10-13-2005, 06:14 PM

Yet another reason to buy a Freestyle over an Explorer (If you're a Ford guy):

2006 Ford Explorer 15/21 mpg
2006 Ford Freestyle 20/27 mpg

doh · 10-13-2005, 06:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ming

Yet another reason to buy a Freestyle over an Explorer (If you're a Ford guy):

Or a Volvo guy.

asim · 10-13-2005, 06:32 PM

I rather have the Freestyle over the Explorer anyday.

01cavalier · 10-13-2005, 06:36 PM

Id agree about taking a Freestyle over an Explorer, doesnt justify the cost & lack of effeciency. The freestyle may look bland, but thats fine, better than the SUV. Im glad to see good safety scores.

GM_Fanatic · 10-13-2005, 06:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mbukukanyau

What is a Volvo? It’s a Swedish Ford , and what is a Ford.. A ford is a Ford.. So it follows that a Volvo is a ford ..
Its good they earned good marks.. but.. I would not buy a Ford.. I just do not like em..

haha wow, thats some pretty crazy logic right there. Volvo hasn't always been Ford, and Volvo has always been known for building safe vehicles. I think his implication was that if the 500 is built off a Volvo engineered platform it would make sense that it is safer.

SteveWallace · 10-13-2005, 10:24 PM

The only thing that has kept me from trading my wife's Escape on a Freestyle is the CVT. I just don't trust them! They aren't selling well and I'd bet that it's because of that CVT.

uujjj · 10-13-2005, 10:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mbukukanyau

What is a Volvo? It’s a Swedish Ford , and what is a Ford.. A ford is a Ford.. So it follows that a Volvo is a ford ..
Its good they earned good marks.. but.. I would not buy a Ford.. I just do not like em..

The S80 platform the Freestyle is based on predates Ford's buyout of Volvo cars.

BTW I see little reason other than towing for anyone to buy an Explorer rather than the Freestyle these days. The Freestyle looks bland but the Explorer won't win any beauty contests either. That, plus better safety, fuel economy, handling, ride, and interior room are superior on the Freestyle.

FStephenMasek · 10-14-2005, 12:34 AM

The Five Hunddred / Montego / Freestyle have a few flaws which will probably be fixed for the 2008 model year, and there will be a Lincoln version(s) for 2007/8 which will offer the 3.5 V6 and a V8 (possibly the same one in XC90).

The interior of the Freestyle looks way better than that of the 2006 Explorer. The freestyle is downright classy with the black interior (they offer black, gray, and light tan).

The narrow foot and knee space of the Five Hunded and Montego is somewhat better in the Freestyle due to the narrower console, but the cars needs a telescoping steering column before I could be comfortable. I really wanted to buy one, but the lack of foot and knee space is ultimately the thing which kept me from doing so.

The brakes are also sub-par (see Edmunds review and Popular Mechanics November review of the Five Hundred).

The 3.0 engine may be barely fast enough with the CVT and AWD, but it makes way too much noise struggling to move the thing. The 3.5 V6 should fix that.

It is a mystery why the cars are not available with Bluetooth for safe cell phone usage (OnStar is also good for this), rain-sensing wipers, exterior mirrors which dim and tilt down in reverse, and Satelite radio.

rodd62 · 10-14-2005, 12:55 AM

oooo a "suv" that is 90% car...oh my god!!! it gets awesome ratings... i now wonder about my Harley with a trailer car will rate...wooptie doo...its a impala max oooooo omg its the best in the world. oh come on, its a station wagon reguardless to what the press says. kudoos to ford for making it, but as far as it being the best, have you seen my radio flyer?

stevews602 · 10-14-2005, 07:43 AM

A Ford 500 station wagon called a SUV, what a bunch of crap.
Either Detroit thinks all it customers are idiots or they are.
Maybe it gives cover to folks who don't need an SUV (90% of current SUV owners) but want to say they have an SUV just like all the other macho soccer mom's driving SUV's.

joey · 10-14-2005, 08:00 AM

Well cross-over or station wagon. It's a reasonable priced Volvo. Just get that 3.5L in there and Ford would have a winner. Now why doesn't GM have anything like this?

XCR440SP · 10-14-2005, 09:17 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SteveWallace

The only thing that has kept me from trading my wife's Escape on a Freestyle is the CVT. I just don't trust them! They aren't selling well and I'd bet that it's because of that CVT.

I don't agree with this 100% (but I also don't disagree 100%). GM's CVT sucked, no doubt about it, but this one is built by ZF and is the same transmission as Audi's Multitronic that they've been using for several years so I'm not dead set against it. I trust it more than the Displacement on Demand that Chryslers running on the Hemi (think Cadillac 4-6-8), due to its success with Audi, but I don't blame those that are slightly nervous on about it.

Quote:

Originally Posted by FStephenMasek

The brakes are also sub-par (see Edmunds review and Popular Mechanics November review of the Five Hundred).

I strongly disagree with this one. Brakes are the one place that the Freestyle/500 are a definate hit. The suspension design does a good job of preventing nose dive, ABS/EBD is standard, and most importantly it has 4 wheel Disc brakes that are LARGE. 12.4" Front rotors and 13" rear rotors, compare that to a 2006 Tahoe that weighs substancialy more and has 12" front and 13" rear rotors and you'll see that the Freestyle/500 has plenty of brakes. If you don't belive me take one for a spin and try a panic stop and see what I'm talking about.

10-13-2005, 04:22 PM	#1 (permalink)
doh 6.0 Liter LS2 V8 Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: N.W.Ontario Posts: 4,723	2006 Ford Freestyle Earns IIHS 'Best Pick' http://www.hwysafety.org/news/2005/pr101305.html NEW FRONTAL CRASH TEST RESULTS: FORD'S FREESTYLE SUV IS A TOP PERFORMER PDF version of this release Full test results for the Ford Freestyle • results for all midsize SUVs tested by the Institute ARLINGTON, VA — Ford's Freestyle, a midsize SUV introduced for the 2005 model year, earned the highest rating of good in a 40 mph frontal offset test recently conducted by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. The Freestyle also earned the "best pick" designation for frontal crash test performance. This brings to seven the number of current midsize SUV designs that have earned good ratings in the Institute's frontal crash test. Four of the good performers also are "best picks." Results show that manufacturers have made dramatic improvements in how well their vehicles perform since the Institute first began frontal offset tests in 1995. The integrity of the Freestyle's occupant compartment was maintained very well. There was minimal intrusion. Injury measures recorded on the dummy's neck, chest, and both legs were low. However, a high head acceleration occurred when the driver dummy's head bottomed out the airbag, indicating that a person in a similar crash could sustain a head injury such as a concussion. "In the frontal test, the driver's side of the vehicle needs to absorb the energy of the crash and keep the occupant compartment intact," says Institute chief operating officer Adrian Lund. "The Freestyle's performance is what we like to see. A driver in a real-world crash of this severity would be likely to sustain only minor injuries. The Freestyle is a good performer and a 'best pick' in the frontal test." Ford requested the test: It's unusual for the Institute to release crash test results for just one vehicle. Ford requested the Freestyle test, and the Institute's longstanding policy is to grant such requests if a manufacturer provides reimbursement for the cost of the vehicle. When the Institute first evaluated midsize SUVs in frontal tests in 1996 and 1997, none of the vehicles earned a good rating. Four designs were rated marginal or poor. In contrast, it's now rare for an SUV to earn a rating that's less than good. "Ford has done a good job of designing its newest vehicles to better protect occupants in frontal crashes," Lund says. Other recent good performers include the Five Hundred family sedan, F-150 pickup, and Freestar minivan. Institute and government crash tests complement each other: The Institute's crashworthiness evaluations are based on results of frontal offset crash tests at 40 mph. Each vehicle's overall evaluation is based on three aspects of performance — measurements of intrusion into the occupant compartment, injury measures from a Hybrid III dummy positioned in the driver seat, and analysis of slow-motion film to assess how well the restraint system controlled dummy movement during the test. The federal government has been testing new passenger vehicles in 35 mph full-front crash tests since 1978. This New Car Assessment Program has been a major contributor to crashworthiness improvements, in particular improved restraint systems in new passenger vehicles. The Institute's offset tests, conducted since 1995, involve 40 percent of a vehicle's front end hitting a deformable barrier at 40 mph. This test complements the federal test involving the full width of the front end hitting a rigid barrier. Both tests are contributing to improvements in crashworthiness, in particular improved crumple zones and safety cages. The same 40 mph offset crash test is used to evaluate new cars by the European Union in cooperation with motor clubs, by an Australian consortium of state governments and motor clubs, and by a government-affiliated organization in Japan.

10-13-2005, 04:41 PM	#2 (permalink)
genjy 7.0 Liter LS7 V8 Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Los Angeles, CA Posts: 5,091	Re: 2006 Ford Freestyle Earns IIHS 'Best Pick' I feel Ford has always made pretty safe cars compared to most other manufacturers. Freestyle being a modern Ford and based on a Volvo platform, I am not surprised of the test results.

10-13-2005, 06:14 PM	#4 (permalink)
Ming GMI Staff Member Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: SE Texas Posts: 13,396	Re: 2006 Ford Freestyle Earns IIHS 'Best Pick' Yet another reason to buy a Freestyle over an Explorer (If you're a Ford guy): 2006 Ford Explorer 15/21 mpg 2006 Ford Freestyle 20/27 mpg __________________ The Latest: Necromancer A Web Browser for the Commodore 64?

10-13-2005, 06:32 PM	#6 (permalink)
asim Firebird Concept (the turbine one) Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Houston, TX Posts: 11,270	Re: 2006 Ford Freestyle Earns IIHS 'Best Pick' I rather have the Freestyle over the Explorer anyday. __________________ I'll make a new sig. Later.

10-13-2005, 06:36 PM	#7 (permalink)
01cavalier 6.0 Liter LS2 V8 Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Portland, OR Drives: 2007 Cobalt Posts: 4,818	Re: 2006 Ford Freestyle Earns IIHS 'Best Pick' Id agree about taking a Freestyle over an Explorer, doesnt justify the cost & lack of effeciency. The freestyle may look bland, but thats fine, better than the SUV. Im glad to see good safety scores.

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10-13-2005, 10:24 PM	#9 (permalink)
SteveWallace 3.5 Liter V6 Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Sykesville, Md Posts: 211	Re: 2006 Ford Freestyle Earns IIHS 'Best Pick' The only thing that has kept me from trading my wife's Escape on a Freestyle is the CVT. I just don't trust them! They aren't selling well and I'd bet that it's because of that CVT. Last edited by SteveWallace : 10-14-2005 at 12:11 AM.

10-14-2005, 12:34 AM	#11 (permalink)
FStephenMasek 6.0 Liter Vortec V8 Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Southern California Drives: 2006 Ford Explorer EB RWD V8 2002 Mercedes-Benz Posts: 1,999	Re: 2006 Ford Freestyle Earns IIHS 'Best Pick' The Five Hunddred / Montego / Freestyle have a few flaws which will probably be fixed for the 2008 model year, and there will be a Lincoln version(s) for 2007/8 which will offer the 3.5 V6 and a V8 (possibly the same one in XC90). The interior of the Freestyle looks way better than that of the 2006 Explorer. The freestyle is downright classy with the black interior (they offer black, gray, and light tan). The narrow foot and knee space of the Five Hunded and Montego is somewhat better in the Freestyle due to the narrower console, but the cars needs a telescoping steering column before I could be comfortable. I really wanted to buy one, but the lack of foot and knee space is ultimately the thing which kept me from doing so. The brakes are also sub-par (see Edmunds review and Popular Mechanics November review of the Five Hundred). The 3.0 engine may be barely fast enough with the CVT and AWD, but it makes way too much noise struggling to move the thing. The 3.5 V6 should fix that. It is a mystery why the cars are not available with Bluetooth for safe cell phone usage (OnStar is also good for this), rain-sensing wipers, exterior mirrors which dim and tilt down in reverse, and Satelite radio.

10-14-2005, 12:55 AM	#12 (permalink)
rodd62 3.5 Liter V6 Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Grosse Pointe, Mi/ Kalamazoo, Mi Posts: 248	Re: 2006 Ford Freestyle Earns IIHS 'Best Pick' oooo a "suv" that is 90% car...oh my god!!! it gets awesome ratings... i now wonder about my Harley with a trailer car will rate...wooptie doo...its a impala max oooooo omg its the best in the world. oh come on, its a station wagon reguardless to what the press says. kudoos to ford for making it, but as far as it being the best, have you seen my radio flyer?

10-14-2005, 07:43 AM	#13 (permalink)
stevews602 2.0 Liter Supercharged ECOTEC Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: USA Drives: WS6 Posts: 197	Re: 2006 Ford Freestyle Earns IIHS 'Best Pick' A Ford 500 station wagon called a SUV, what a bunch of crap. Either Detroit thinks all it customers are idiots or they are. Maybe it gives cover to folks who don't need an SUV (90% of current SUV owners) but want to say they have an SUV just like all the other macho soccer mom's driving SUV's.

10-14-2005, 08:00 AM	#14 (permalink)
joey 3.8 Liter V6 Join Date: May 2003 Posts: 414	Re: 2006 Ford Freestyle Earns IIHS 'Best Pick' Well cross-over or station wagon. It's a reasonable priced Volvo. Just get that 3.5L in there and Ford would have a winner. Now why doesn't GM have anything like this?

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