Ford Freestyle problems
The Ford Freestyle is a crossover utility vehicle that was sold by Ford from 2005 to 2009. Largely marketed as the successor to the Ford Taurus station wagon, the Freestyle was the CUV counterpart of the Ford Five Hundred and Mercury Montego four-door sedans. Sharing the Ford D3 platform with the Five Hundred and Montego, the Freestyle was produced with both front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive configurations and six- or seven-passenger seating.
Following the return of the Ford Taurus for the 2008 model year, the Freestyle underwent a mid-cycle revision and was renamed the Ford Taurus X, marketed in the United States and Canada, as well as South Korea and the U.S. territories of Puerto Rico, U.S. Virgin Islands, and Guam. Following the 2009 model year, the Taurus X was withdrawn. From the 2009 model year, the larger Ford Flex has served as the three-row Ford CUV/wagon.
From 2005 to 2009, the Freestyle/Taurus X was assembled at Chicago Assembly (Chicago, Illinois); the final vehicle was produced on February 27, 2009.
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Ford Freestyle model years
Common Ford Freestyle problems
The Ford Freestyle has been reported to have several common problems, primarily related to its transmission, brakes, and engine.
- Rear Brakes Wear Out Prematurely
Another common problem reported by Ford Freestyle owners is that the rear brakes wear out prematurely. This issue is most prevalent in the 2005 model year, with 38 complaints. The average cost to fix this problem is $4,600, and it typically occurs at an average mileage of 105,000 miles. This issue can lead to a decrease in braking performance and safety, requiring frequent and expensive repairs.
- Lurching and Surging
The 2005 Ford Freestyle has also been reported to have issues with lurching and surging, with 27 complaints. This issue can make the car feel unstable and unpredictable, which can be dangerous, especially at high speeds. It can also lead to increased fuel consumption and decreased overall performance.
- Engine Problems
The Ford Freestyle has also been reported to have engine problems, with a total of 103 complaints across different model years. These issues can result in decreased performance, increased fuel consumption, and costly repairs. Some common engine problems reported by Ford Freestyle owners include engine stalling, misfiring, and difficulty starting.
- HVAC Problems
The Ford Freestyle has also been reported to have issues with its heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system, with a total of 36 complaints across different model years. These issues can result in decreased comfort and increased fuel consumption, as the HVAC system can affect the car's overall performance.
- Electrical Problems
The Ford Freestyle has also been reported to have electrical problems, with a total of 25 complaints across different model years. These issues can result in decreased performance, increased fuel consumption, and costly repairs. Some common electrical problems reported by Ford Freestyle owners include malfunctioning lights, faulty sensors, and difficulty starting the car.
In conclusion, the Ford Freestyle has several common problems, primarily related to its transmission, brakes, and engine. These issues can result in decreased performance, increased fuel consumption, and costly repairs. It is essential for Ford Freestyle owners to be aware of these common problems and take preventative measures to avoid them. Regular maintenance and inspections can help identify and address these issues before they become severe and costly.
How reliable is a Ford Freestyle?
As mentioned previously, the Ford Freestyle is an incredibly reliable vehicle that's built to withstand collisions. Despite this, it's not invincible, and its parts are just as susceptible to damage and degradation as any other vehicle's.
What is the life expectancy of a Ford Freestyle?
With careful driving and good care you may get to 350,000 miles, but be prepared for that transmission crapping out unexpectedly. If you are thinking that by trading it in you are cutting your losses, I think at 200K miles you are too late. IF the car drives fine, just drive it until something major brakes.
What problems does the 2007 Ford Freestyle have?
Top 2007 Ford Freestyle Problems
- Wrench Light, Service Engine Soon Light, Possible Poor Throttle Response. ...
- Rear Brakes Wear Out Abnormally Fast. ...
- Transmission Shifter is Hard To Move. ...
- Blower Motor Only Works on High. ...
- Coolant Leakage from Heater Core, Possible Leakage onto Passenger Side Foot Well.
Is the 2006 Ford Freestyle a good vehicle?
The 2006 Ford Freestyle earned a perfect five stars in all frontal- and side-impact crash tests conducted by the NHTSA. In IIHS frontal offset testing, the Freestyle got a rating of "Good," the highest possible.
Percentage distribution of complaints by Ford Freestyle years
We have researched Ford problems and analysed all the complaints filed against Ford Freestyle cars and compiled the top 5 most problematic Ford Freestyle model years:
Below you can see the percentage distribution of known problems by Ford Freestyle model years.
Distribution of the number of complaints by Ford Freestyle years
We've also compiled a chart for you with the number of complaints about Volkswagen Jetta cars of certain model years:
Ford Freestyle car problems categorized by type of issue
After analysing all complaints related to Ford Freestyle , it was concluded that the most common issues with these cars are:
- Vehicle speed control problems
- Power train problems
- Engine and engine cooling problems
- Engine problems
- Fuel system problems
The graph below shows statistics for all Ford Freestyle vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
Distribution of the number of complaints where the accident occurred by Freestyle model years
A total of 101 complaints were registered in which the accident occurred. In the graph you can see the distribution of the number of complaints by model year.
Distribution of the number of complaints with fire by Freestyle model years
There were a total of 14 complaints that resulted in a fire. In the graph you can see the distribution of the number of complaints by model year.
Distribution of the number of complaints with injuries by Freestyle model years
There were a total of 37 complaints that resulted in a injuries. In the graph you can see the distribution of the number of complaints by model year.
The NHTSA has received 3657 complaints about various vehicle components related to the Ford Freestyle . Below are the 25 most recent complaints reported for Ford Freestyle vehicles.
Latest 25 complaints
Ford Freestyle 2005
- Date Of Incident: 2024-07-23
- Date Complaint: 2024-08-23
- VIN: 1FMDK02195G
- Components: STRUCTURE
- Summary: The contact owns a 2005 Ford Freestyle. The contact stated that the vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic for routine maintenance however, the contact was informed that the motor mount torque strap needed to be replaced. The contact had not taken the vehicle to a local dealer to be diagnosed or repaired. The contact stated that the motor mounts had been replaced four times. The vehicle was repaired. The contact stated there was no warning light illuminated. The manufacturer was informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 170,000.
Ford Freestyle 2005
- Date Of Incident: 2023-09-01
- Date Complaint: 2024-02-02
- VIN: 1FMDK04125G
- Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,ENGINE
- Summary: The contact owns a 2005 Ford Freestyle. The contact stated that while at a stop, the vehicle lunged forward. While starting the vehicle, the vehicle revved high. While driving at high speeds, the vehicle decelerated. The contact stated that several times, the vehicle failed to accelerate as needed. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who cleaned and replaced the throttle body. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 160,000.
Ford Freestyle 2007
- Date Of Incident: 2023-09-11
- Date Complaint: 2023-12-21
- VIN: 1FMZK05127G
- Components: STRUCTURE,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: Under carriage is completely rotten floor boards ,shock mounts, rear frame. Garage on lunenburg st.in Fitchburg,MA said that it was so rotten that he couldn't find a safe spot to put the car on the lift to do exhaust work. Put in a complaint in Sept 2023 with NHTSA ID number 11544728. I explained to them that I had contacted Ford Motor Co. and Ford didn't want to hear it. This car is problematic.Transmission does not shift properly. This vehicle never had a recall. There is dozens of consumer complaints. This vehicle is a hazard on the road and is very expensive to repair. Under carriage is unrepairable making this vehicle junk.
Ford Freestyle 2005
- Date Of Incident: 2023-11-27
- Date Complaint: 2023-11-27
- VIN: 1FMZK01105G
- Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: Doors will not close in cold weather. This is a safety issue that was not resolved with prior recall.
Ford Freestyle 2007
- Date Of Incident: 2022-08-23
- Date Complaint: 2023-09-15
- VIN: 1FMZK05127G
- Components: POWER TRAIN,STRUCTURE
- Summary: The contact owns a 2007 Ford Freestyle. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the transmission failed to shift properly. The contact stated that the transmission warning light was illuminated. Additionally, the contact stated that the floorboard, undercarriage, and shock mounts were rusted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and determined that the VIN was not under recall. The failure mileage was unknown.
Ford Freestyle 2005
- Date Of Incident: 2023-04-24
- Date Complaint: 2023-04-24
- VIN: 1FMDK02135G
- Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER,VISIBILITY
- Summary: Driving my 2005 Ford Freestyle today when I suddenly heard a loud explosion or crash sound overhead. At first I thought something had fallen from the sky and crashed into the top of our vehicle. I immediately slowed down and pulled the car off the side of the road. My husband was a passenger in the vehicle. He carefully got out of the vehicle and looked on top of and around the vehicle. That is when we discovered that the glass in the sunroof had literally exploded and blown out of the vehicle. The track was still in place and operating normally. The glass was completely blown out of the vehicle. Because the Ford Freestyle was only in production for 3 years (I believe), there probably are not many still in use. Thus, there are probably not many Ford Freestyle owners having or reporting this problem. Besides being scared, the potential for being hit by the exploding glass and suffering substantial injuries to our heads, eyes, face, shoulders, bodies, could have been tremendous, if not deadly. I reported the incident to Ford Motor Company. The vehicle has not been inspected yet by manufacturer, police, insurance, or others. There were no warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the sunroof glass failure.
Ford Freestyle 2006
- Date Of Incident: 2023-01-04
- Date Complaint: 2023-02-02
- VIN: 1FMZK04146G
- Components: POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,SERVICE BRAKES
- Summary: Car struggles to change gears. ABS, ENGINE, and THROTTLE warning lights on. Rough idle, car does not accelerate when shifted into drive.
Ford Freestyle 2007
- Date Of Incident: 2022-06-13
- Date Complaint: 2022-06-27
- VIN: 1FMDK02187G
- Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: I had an oil change for vehicle. Service technician listed on report of vehicle that the subframe has several holes in it and a long crack along the seam . It was serviced by the facility that does my servicing so I believe that qualifies as a dealer. I transport four children back and forth to school and am very concerned about the vehicle “ falling apart!” I understand that the Taurus and the Freestar have the same subframe and those have been recalled. I would think that the Freestyle should be recalled also. There were no warning lights or messages related to this problem. I have now reported this and am asking you to take action to repair this problem. Thank you!
Ford Freestyle 2005
- Date Of Incident: 2022-06-08
- Date Complaint: 2022-06-08
- VIN: 1FMZK02115G
- Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,UNKNOWN OR OTHER,ENGINE
- Summary: Says transmission data error check engine and trac control all display and only allow me to drive 20-35 MPH some time I can turn the car off and back on and the codes will shut off but they come back on in the middle of the highway what usually takes me 30 minutes takes me an hour and a half to get to some times 2 hours I can't run my AC cuz that over does my alternator and heats my car I've only had it a year and it's been giving me problems 5 months after getting it I have kids and it gets rough going slow in the heat and hoping if I press to much on the gas please help I am broke and have nothing but this car left and I've spent $2000 for people to tell me nothing is wrong with it
Ford Freestyle 2006
- Date Of Incident: 2022-05-17
- Date Complaint: 2022-05-27
- VIN: 1fmzk02136g
- Components: STRUCTURE
- Summary: Took the vehicle in to local Ford for 120000 mile service and was informed the subframe was rusted and starting to separate. The part is no longer available and maybe they could find a used one as they have had to do in other cases. Not sure why just the front subframe is bad and no other part of the frame structure also the car has had rustproofing done on it. Reading on the internet this seems to be a common problem with these subframes.
Ford Freestyle 2006
- Date Of Incident: 2022-03-27
- Date Complaint: 2022-03-27
- VIN: 1FMDK06166G
- Components: ENGINE
- Summary: I was driving down the road and my car just stopped like it went into Neutral but it was in drive the car starts up but when I’m Drive doesn’t go anywhere
Ford Freestyle 2007
- Date Of Incident: 2022-03-23
- Date Complaint: 2022-03-24
- VIN: 1fmdk03147g
- Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: Front crossmember/subframe that supports the motor and transmission as well as connects controls arms for both front wheels rusted out almost causing an accident due to loss of vehicle control.
Ford Freestyle 2006
- Date Of Incident: 2022-01-28
- Date Complaint: 2022-02-03
- VIN: 1FMDK05156G
- Components: LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES
- Summary: The contact owns a 2006 Ford Freestyle. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the rear driver’s and passenger’s side doors would not close securely. The vehicle was not taken to a local dealer to be inspected however, the local dealer was contacted by phone and the contact was informed that the vehicle was not included in a recall. Upon investigation, the contact associated the failure with NHTSA Campaign Number: 06V383000 (Latches/Locks/Linkages) however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was informed of the failure and confirmed that the VIN was not included. The failure mileage was approximately 160,000.
Ford Freestyle 2006
- Date Of Incident: 2022-01-17
- Date Complaint: 2022-01-21
- VIN: 1FMZK01116G
- Components: ENGINE
- Summary: The contact owns a 2006 Ford Freestyle. The contact stated while driving approximately 25 MPH, the vehicle inadvertently stalled with the battery, oil pressure, and check engine warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer but was not diagnosed. The manufacturer was informed of the failure but offered no assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 210,000.
Ford Freestyle 2007
- Date Of Incident: 2021-06-28
- Date Complaint: 2021-12-28
- VIN: 1fmzk06147g
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: The contact owns a 2007 Ford Freestyle. The contact stated that while driving approximately 55 MPH or above, the vehicle would suddenly go into limp mode and fail to accelerate. There was a warning light that displayed a wrench however, the contact did not know what was indicated specifically. The contact had not taken the vehicle to the dealer to be diagnosed. The contact stated that after researching the cause of the failure he became aware that the transmission was faulty. Additionally, that type of transmission was discontinued by the manufacturer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 100,000.
Recalls Ford Freestyle
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 3 recalls for different components of the Ford Freestyle.You can explore the year of the Volkswagen Jetta you are interested in by selecting it from the list.
- Model: Ford Freestyle 2005
- Report Received Date: 2006-10-05
- Manufacturer: FORD MOTOR COMPANY
- Components: LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:DOORS:LATCH
- Summary: ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES CURRENTLY REGISTERED IN THE FOLLOWING STATES: ALASKA, COLORADO, CONNECTICUT, DELAWARE, IDAHO, ILLINOIS, INDIANA, IOWA, KANSAS, KENTUCKY, MAINE, MARYLAND, MASSACHUSETTS, MICHIGAN, MINNESOTA, MISSOURI, MONTANA, NEBRASKA, NEW HAMPSHIRE, NEW JERSEY, NEW YORK, NORTH DAKOTA, OHIO, PENNSYLVANIA, RHODE ISLAND, SOUTH DAKOTA, UTAH, VERMONT, WEST VIRGINIA, WISCONSIN, AND WYOMING. THE SIDE DOOR LATCH MECHANISMS MAY EXPERIENCE WATER INTRUSION ALLOWING THE LATCH MECHANISM TO FREEZE IN COLD WEATHER.
- Consequence: AS A RESULT, THE DOOR LATCH PAWL MAY NOT RETURN TO THE LATCH POSITION WHEN THE DOOR IS CLOSED, AND THE DOOR COULD OPEN WHILE THE VEHICLE IS MOVING.
- Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSTALL A SHIELD OVER THE FRONT LATCHES; SEAL A DRAIN HOLE IN THE REAR WINDOW TRIM MOLDING ON THE FREESTYLE REAR SIDE DOORS; AND APPLY GREASE TO ALL FRONT AND REAR SIDE-DOOR LATCH MECHANISMS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON NOVEMBER 8, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FORD AT 1-800-392-3673.
- Model: Ford Freestyle 2006
- Report Received Date: 2006-10-05
- Manufacturer: FORD MOTOR COMPANY
- Components: LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:DOORS:LATCH
- Summary: ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES CURRENTLY REGISTERED IN THE FOLLOWING STATES: ALASKA, COLORADO, CONNECTICUT, DELAWARE, IDAHO, ILLINOIS, INDIANA, IOWA, KANSAS, KENTUCKY, MAINE, MARYLAND, MASSACHUSETTS, MICHIGAN, MINNESOTA, MISSOURI, MONTANA, NEBRASKA, NEW HAMPSHIRE, NEW JERSEY, NEW YORK, NORTH DAKOTA, OHIO, PENNSYLVANIA, RHODE ISLAND, SOUTH DAKOTA, UTAH, VERMONT, WEST VIRGINIA, WISCONSIN, AND WYOMING. THE SIDE DOOR LATCH MECHANISMS MAY EXPERIENCE WATER INTRUSION ALLOWING THE LATCH MECHANISM TO FREEZE IN COLD WEATHER.
- Consequence: AS A RESULT, THE DOOR LATCH PAWL MAY NOT RETURN TO THE LATCH POSITION WHEN THE DOOR IS CLOSED, AND THE DOOR COULD OPEN WHILE THE VEHICLE IS MOVING.
- Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSTALL A SHIELD OVER THE FRONT LATCHES; SEAL A DRAIN HOLE IN THE REAR WINDOW TRIM MOLDING ON THE FREESTYLE REAR SIDE DOORS; AND APPLY GREASE TO ALL FRONT AND REAR SIDE-DOOR LATCH MECHANISMS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON NOVEMBER 8, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FORD AT 1-800-392-3673.
- Model: Ford Freestyle 2005
- Report Received Date: 2005-11-09
- Manufacturer: FORD MOTOR COMPANY
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY:MOUNTING
- Summary: ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, THE STRAPS THAT SECURE THE FUEL TANK TO THE VEHICLE BODY MAY BREAK, CAUSING THE FUEL TANK AND FUEL TANK HEAT SHIELD TO DROP ON THE DRIVESHAFT (ALL WHEEL DRIVE VEHICLES) OR EXHAUST SYSTEM (FRONT WHEEL DRIVE VEHICLES).
- Consequence: IF THIS HAPPENS, DRIVERS MAY NOTICE A NOISE OR A FUEL LEAK. A FUEL LEAK IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE COULD RESULT IN A FIRE.
- Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE BOTH FUEL TANK STRAPS. THE RECALL BEGAN ON DECEMBER 1, 2005. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FORD AT 1-800-392-3673.
Latest negative Ford Freestyle car reviews
Latest positive Ford Freestyle car reviews
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Vehicle year: 2005
Now 170,000 and 12 years old, the Freestyle has a barely functioning AC & heater. We only use it to drive to work 2 miles away, but it keeps on chugging away as the family junker. However, we don't trust it for long trips. Despite this, we don't see the need to get rid of it just yet. The engine and transmission are still in good working condition! Maybe we'll put $1,000 into the AC system and have a new car for a while!
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Vehicle year: 2007
I bought our Freestyle to replace a minivan. It's one of the best layouts for a car on the road, and we've put approximately 120K on it without any issues with the transmission. I did have the throttle body replaced under warranty, but I've since discovered that you can easily clean it with a cleaner made for Fords.
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Vehicle year: 2007
My Freestyle has been a reliable car for the past 4 years and 100k miles. However, after reaching 130,000 miles, it required some repairs which were a bit expensive. In the last 3 months, we spent $2600 on repairs, including $830 for a cracked inner tie rod and $1825 for ball joints and control arms. Although we have had to replace the tires three times since 20k miles and have had two complete brake jobs, the car has been relatively cheap to maintain. However, considering the recent expenses, I am starting to question its future reliability.
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Vehicle year: 2006
I hope you're doing well! I just wanted to say that I think this van is fantastic - it's incredibly comfortable and rides like it's brand new, even with 200,000 miles on it. It's perfect for long distance trips, and the AWD is a great feature. Thanks for sharing your thoughts on it!
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Vehicle year: 2006
I bought this car used with 80,000kms {50,000miles} on it and drove it for about 2 years. Unfortunately, it was written off when someone smashed into it at 155,000kms {97,500miles}. Despite this, the car had no major issues and was maintained regularly. I even drove it across Canada & the US without any problems. The fuel mileage was awesome too, especially for a vehicle of its size. To be honest, I wish we had bought another one. The only issue we had was the fault of the garage; when we had the fuel filter replaced, they forgot to put one clip back on which caused the gas line to pop off at the filter. However, the garage covered the tow, put another new filter, and installed new clips, and we had no issues otherwise.
Are you having problems with your Ford Freestyle?
Kaley Bergstrom 2025-06-28
Vehicle year: 2006
The Freestyle has had some issues with the brakes, throttle, and transmission. However, I have found that Nissan, Toyota, and Honda vehicles are more reliable and better suited to my needs.
Cornell Reilly 2025-06-22
Vehicle year: 2006
Until five years ago, I had not purchased an American car in over 15 years. In my opinion, the quality of Honda's automobiles is unmatched. However, I decided to give Ford a chance five years ago due to all the press stating that 'Ford was back' and the quality of their vehicles had improved. Unfortunately, my experience with my Freestyle since buying it new in 2006 has been nothing but problematic. I have had issues with the brakes, CVT transmission, throttle body, and more. My first bad experience happened while on vacation over 1,000 miles from home when it broke down while we were on the expressway. In my experience, the service centers of Ford dealers are the worst in the industry.
Isidro Huel 2025-05-25
Vehicle year: 2006
I regret to inform you that I have encountered a significant issue with my car. The transmission has failed at 62,000 miles and the cost of repair is estimated at $3,000.00. Despite my attempts to seek assistance from the dealer and customer care, I have not received any satisfactory resolution. As a result, I am left with a year of payments and uncertainty about future repairs. This experience has left me with a negative impression of Ford and I am unlikely to consider purchasing from them again.
Edmond Leuschke 2025-05-22
Vehicle year: 2005
I own a 2005 limited AWD with a Duratek engine which is great. However, I have had some issues with the CVT transmission. I first noticed the car started lunging around 80k miles and it progressively got worse. Unfortunately, the transmission eventually failed. Many transmission specialists told me that it would cost around $6k to fix and they didn't even want to touch it. Even the Ford dealership told me that the car wasn't worth the cost of the repair. It's been difficult to find a salvaged/rebuilt CVT because they are all unreliable and if you do find one, no one will guarantee anything. After reading everyone else's posts with the exact same problems, I think it's a shame that Ford did not issue a recall. Ford is well aware of these issues and even launched an investigation, but never made the recall. Although I still owe about 1k on the car, I will probably get a few more months out of it so I'm going to drive it into the ground. I've always been a Ford girl and was especially proud that they didn't take a bailout. However, Ford is still using this transmission and their full knowledge of these issues and refusal to stand by their product has really put me off. I am extremely disappointed with Ford and no longer consider myself a Ford girl.
Brooks Homenick 2025-05-20
Vehicle year: 2006
Hi there! I hope you're doing well. I just wanted to let you know that I purchased the car in Florida and drove it back to CT for usage. I've been getting an average of about 24 mpg, which includes some A/C usage and speeds of 70-75. Thanks for your time!