What does a continuously variable transmission do?
Basically, a CVT transmission turns the standard gears of a transmission into a million smaller ratio gears, thus smoothing out the transmission and virtually eliminating the shift you feel when a car changes gear.

Is the Freestyle’s all-wheel-drive system available all the time?
No. It’s electronically controlled and will kick in when sensors indicate a need to push power to all four tires. Ford claims that their all-wheel-drive system kicks in faster then the competition version, thus saving vital seconds and increasing effectiveness. Based on a gravel hill test, we’d have to concur.

What’s the best thing about the 2005 Ford Freestyle?
The interior. Materials are nice, fit and finish is good, and there’s plenty of room. The third-row, for example, really can fit two adults.