Ford sells the 2005 Freestyle in three trim levels with either front-wheel or all-wheel-drive. The standard Freestyle SE has 17-inch painted seven-spoke wheels, body-color grille surround, and dark gray door handles. Inside, the Freestyle SE is equipped with fake carbon fiber trim, a handy conversation mirror that allows the driver to see all occupants in the rear seats (Big Brother for parents), and a six-way power adjustable driver's seat. The Freestyle SE also includes a tilt steering wheel, one-touch up and down for the driver's window, power door locks with remote keyless entry, air conditioning, a CD player, and cruise control.

Stepping up to the 2005 Ford Freestyle SEL adds dual-zone climate control, a trip computer, leather trim for the steering wheel and shift knob, a premium sound system, steering wheel stereo controls, automatic headlights, fog lights, a chrome grille surround, body-color door handles, and polished alloy wheels.

Ford Freestyle Limiteds have a monochrome exterior décor with unique 18-inch eight-spoke alloy wheels and heated outside mirrors. Fake burled wood trim, tinted red with gray interiors and light brown with tan interiors, combines with perforated leather upholstery for an upscale appearance inside. Additional Limited equipment includes an Audiophile sound system with a six-disc in-dash CD changer, heated front seats, an eight-way power driver's seat, and a four-way power passenger's seat.

Options for the Freestyle include all-wheel drive, power-adjustable pedals, rear climate control, a rear-seat DVD entertainment system, a reverse sensing system, and side-impact airbags with rollover protection. Freestyle SEL and Limited can be equipped with a power sunroof, while Limited models are available with a memory feature for the seats, pedals and exterior mirrors.

We test drove a 2005 Ford Freestyle SEL, equipped with front-wheel-drive, power adjustable pedals, and Ford's Safety Canopy system of side-impact and side-curtain airbags with rollover protection.