DETROIT, MI - Ford calls its new 2005 Ford Freestyle a crossover vehicle, but let's recognize it for what it is - a butched up station wagon version of the new 2005 Ford Five Hundred sedan. But don't think that labeling the Freestyle a wagon is some kind of slam, because this appears to be one handy utility vehicle that doesn't give up comfort, ride or handling to accommodate those weekend trips to Home Depot. Designed from the start to serve as a roomy, seven-passenger utility vehicle, the 2005 Ford Freestyle is offered in two styles and three trim levels to meet consumer needs. Choose between front-wheel or all-wheel drive, and select SE, SEL or Limited trim.

All come equipped with the company's revised Duratec 30 engine, a 3.0-liter V6 producing a modest 200 horsepower and 200 lb.-ft. of torque. Given the Ford Freestyle's curb weight, just either side of two tons depending on the presence or absence of AWD, this power rating seems merely adequate. The Freestyle's tow rating is also rather unimpressive at 2,000 pounds.

A continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT) is the only way that the motor's hard-working ponies can be transferred to the ground. The optional AWD system is a Volvo-based Haldex system that can transfer almost all of the engine's torque to the rear wheels in the event that the fronts slip. Ford claims that this transfer occurs in just 50 milliseconds. Don't plan to take the Freestyle four wheeling, because ground clearance is nothing to brag about at a relatively scant 5.1 inches. Traction control is standard on every Ford Freestyle.