Based on the Volvo XC70 platform, Ford introduced it's successor to the Taurus wagon in the fall of 2004 without actually saying it. They called it the Freestyle and it was styled similarly to the Australian Ford Terrain, which was rear wheel drive. Although the Freestyle had a different dashboard and the exterior shared no sheetmetal with the Five Hundred sedan, it was actually a wagon version, and still a real car.

The Freestyle was an excellent example of the things wagons didn't provide you with that SUVs did. You sat about 6 inches higher up on a body that was 10 inches larger. The length was nearly identical. The third row seat was turned around and the seating had options and variations. Although Ford kept the 3.0 Duratec engine as the only powertrain, the curb weight shot up by 500 lbs, so acceleration wasn't very different from a 2005 wagon with a similar engine.
     The big new things were a continuously variable transmission and available all wheel drive. The new tranny was supposed to wring more usable power from the engine, and the AWD made this a very capable vehicle in the rough. With a nice taught ride, very good handling and terrific visibility, the Freestyle should have been a smash hit. Instead it was only a middling seller.

SE and SEL models had a two-tone appearance, standard alloy wheels and roof rails.

6 or 7- passenger seating was available, with 2nd row console and 3rd seat split seatbacks as options.

Woodgrain appearance was standard on Limited and available on SEL.

Rear wraparound privacy glass was standard, as was dual exhaust.

Cargo area was very generous: 20.2 cu. ft. all seats up, 46.4 3rd row folded, 84.2 2nd row folded. In addition, the passenger seat could fold flat to accommodate very long items.

You could fold the 2nd row down leaving a limousine like rear seating area.

The equipment level was very high with navigation, homelink and heated seats available.

The rear portion of the roof kicked upwards for more back row headroom.

Highly versatile, the cargo compartment was easy to configure and to load.

Limited models were monotone in appearance with minimal chrome.

Freestyle offered a complete set of audio controls on the steering wheel in addition to cruise control.

Unlike the Taurus, you could order from dozens of accessories for every kind of lifestyle.