[crussell85]

I am looking at buying a 2006 Ford Freestyle. The car is in really good shape. There are a few things that concern me though. The biggest thing is the engine. It is a 3.0 liter V6. Will the car have any power with this engine? Seems like its a big vehicle for that size engine. And the other concern is what is the average fuel mileage with this vehicle?

[DanielC]

Just as important as the size of the vehicle and engine, is the rear axle ratio.

I have a Ford Aerostar, 4.0 engine, that I use to tow my 1997 Ski Nautique 19' 6" ski boat, with a 351 engine in it. The van has a 3.73 limited slip rear axle, and 14 inch rear wheels.
Is the Aerostar the quickest vehicle out there, no. But it has beaten a lot of other vehicles off the line at stop lights. Usually jacked up trucks, with oversize tires on them.

The biggest variable on the fuel mileage is how you drive. The Aerostar, on the freeway gets 20 to 22 MPG, but I do not cruise at 75 MPH either.

[Valkyrie5.7]

The 2006 freestyle has a Continuously Variable Trans axle. It's actually a fwd-based vehicle and it has a final drive ratio of 5.54:1, so I'm sure it's got more than enough mechanical assistance to get it around town.

[DanielC]

I have never driven a CV transmission, or transaxle.

I would suggest an extensive test drive before you commit.

[crussell85]

This model does not have the cv transmission in it, I have driven the car and can feel it shift. Ford offered a model in 06 with a regular transmission.

[Valkyrie5.7]

Originally Posted by crussell85

This model does not have the cv transmission in it, I have driven the car and can feel it shift. Ford offered a model in 06 with a regular transmission.

You might want to double check that info. All Freestyles were equipped with a CVT. The FWD Montego and Five Hundred used a 6 speed, but all other models were equipped with a CVT.

[LATECH]

I think they make the "shift" feel, by making the ratio change abrupt enough to give you a shift sensation.
One way to know if it is a cvt is to floor it, if the speedo climbs but the tach stays at a constant rpm, then it is cvt. Of course reading the original sticker on the door would help, if you have it.

[bigdog7373]

Its gonna be slow, heavy, and get horrible gas mileage. Not to mention it will not be fun to drive at all, and it looks like a lowered minivan. Cvt is terrible. Fwd sucks in suvs and larger vehicles. Its probably the most useless car out there.

[willowbilly3]

Originally Posted by bigdog7373

Its gonna be slow, heavy, and get horrible gas mileage. Not to mention it will not be fun to drive at all, and it looks like a lowered minivan. Cvt is terrible. Fwd sucks in suvs and larger vehicles. Its probably the most useless car out there.

Don't hold back, tell us how you really feel,lol. I can't argue except I think those torosaurus first gen Toronados are awesome, I would love to own a 70 GT.

[crussell85]

I work construction so I am constantly traveling, I have a 2002 Chevrolet Impala that I have put 280,000 miles on and still driving it. The car has ben very good to me. I am going to continue to put miles on this car until it just won't go no more, I have a feeling that when it goes its gonna be all at once. I'll just be running down the road and parts will start flying everywhere and it'll be all over with. I hope to get several more miles out of my current vehicle but was given an opportunity to purchase this vehicle for a pretty decent price, but I am going to end up passing on it and not give up on my Impala as long as it dont give up on me.

[Mojo56]

I may be an old ogre but how does this question fit into "hotrodding basics"... just wondering....

[crussell85]

Originally Posted by Mojo56

I may be an old ogre but how does this question fit into "hotrodding basics"... just wondering....

The same way your response helps my question! Where would've you liked me to put it?

[matt167]

CVT's work ok.. It's just new technology that noones used to. Generally the vehicles are slow off the line, but acceleration increses around 40 MPH..

My dad had a '05 Five Hundred AWD with the CVT, and it was smooth.

FWD in a Freestyle sized vehicle is a good idea. If it was RWD based it would have to have AWD in todays markets. With a FWD, not everyone will need it

[bigdog7373]

Originally Posted by crussell85

The same way your response helps my question! Where would've you liked me to put it?

Nice.