Critics claim that the 2005 Ford Freestyle is underpowered. An argument could be made to support that theory. A 203-horsepower V6 charged with motivating a seven-passenger vehicle that weighs two tons would indicate, on paper, that the Freestyle is a lethargic slug barely able to maneuver out of its own way.

With one or two people aboard, the way most people commute most of the time, power is simply not an issue. Though the engine proves merely adequate, the Freestyle's CVT does a decent job of keeping the motor within the thick of its powerband. Our biggest complaint is that when accelerating from a standstill, it takes a moment for the engine to motivate the Freestyle. When the Freestyle is loaded with passengers, however, the 3.0-liter V6 becomes overwhelmed, especially during hill climbs. That's a shame, because the Ford Freestyle is otherwise so perfectly suited to serving as the ultimate do-it-all family vehicle. The new 3.5-liter V6 that Ford is readying for production cannot arrive soon enough.

Otherwise, we can complain very little about the comfortable and competent 2005 Ford Freestyle. The brakes are extremely effective with terrific pedal feel, the steering is linear and responsive, the ride taut but composed. The Freestyle is not a sporting machine, and the handling falls apart pretty quickly when the car is pushed hard, but at the speeds that most people travel it's nimble, easy to park thanks to excellent outward visibility, and filters harsh road imperfections from the cabin with ease.