"We have taken to calling 2004 the year of the car inside the company because we are introducing five new cars and crossover vehicles plus a few surprises," Scheele said. "We are moving forward with... great products, a strong business, and a better world. These three simple texts will see us through our next 100 years."
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| The new 2005 Ford Freestyle, sitting here outside of Detroit's Cobo Convention Center, combines the ride and performance of a sedan with the cargo and people carrying capabilities of a minivan, and the styling of a sport utility vehicle. (Photo: Ford Motor Company of Canada) |
Examining the Freestyle and Five Hundred
The Ford Freestyle crossover is built off of the Volvo P2 platform--the same one as the award-winning XC90 sport-utility vehicle--and comes with standard front-wheel drive or optional all-wheel drive. It is also equipped with a standard 3.0-liter, 24-valve Duratec 30 V6 engine, manufactured at Ford's Cleveland Engine Plant Number One, which delivers 200-hp and 200 lb-ft of torque and is mated to a continuously variable transmission (CVT).
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| The Freestyle's instrument panel is uncluttered with controls and gauges where a driver would expect them. (Photo: Ford Motor Company of Canada) |
The vehicle features SUV design cues, such as its upright stance, a large front grille, large prominent side mirrors, a roof rack, standard 17-inch aluminum wheels, and a rear hatch.
"In San Diego, we had a guy, in his mid 30s, went to the clinic and after the clinic he put his hands on his hips and said, 'I like this vehicle. It works for my family but it also works for me, because when I go out, I want to be stylish,'" said Amy Marentic, marketing manager for the Freestyle and Five Hundred.
Competition for the Freestyle would include the Chrysler Pacifica, Buick Rendezvous, Honda Pilot, and the Toyota Highlander.