Ford has trimmed the Five Hundred sedan model lineup for the 2007 model year. The well-equipped SEL model becomes the entry level version, with the Limited topping the line.
It's been two years since Ford made a bold move replacing the Taurus sedan with their all-new Five Hundred. Built here in Chicago, and based on a platform shared with the Volvo S80, Five Hundred has a great foundation.
Five Hundred makes extensive use of Volvo safety and all-wheel-drive technology and it stands noticeably higher than other sedans. Ford says that's because Five Hundred is a sedan built on a crossover vehicle architecture.
Five Hundred can be had as a front-drive or all-wheel drive sedan. Either way, I like Five Hundred's stately proportions and high seating position.
The elevated seating position makes Five Hundred easy to get in and out of and provides the driver with a more commanding view of the road.
Five Hundred occupants sit up to 4 inches higher than in other midsize sedans. The distance is even greater for second-row passengers. Legroom is exceptionally good for both front and rear passengers.
The Five Hundred is about three inches longer than its predecessor, the Taurus, and about one foot shorter than the aging Crown Victoria, making it a roomy and comfortable sedan.
Got groceries? The Five Hundred's cavernous 21 cubic-foot trunk will make your packages look small. Ford says Five Hundred's trunk will accommodate eight full-size golf bags.
The Five Hundred has a flexible interior capable of hauling all kinds of cargo. Fold-flat rear and front passenger seats translate to ample cargo space and versatility.
Other touches include a front-row center console storage bin large enough for a small purse and CDs, an instrument panel storage bin for cell phones and PDAs, front- and back-seat map pockets, rear-seat armrest storage, eight beverage holders and door panel storage on each door for umbrellas and other slim items.
All Ford Five Hundreds are powered by a 203-horsepower 3.0-liter V6 engine. Front-wheel drive models employ a 6-speed automatic transmission while all-wheel drive models feature a continuously variable transmission (CVT).
I understand the need to improve fuel economy, but with only 203 horsepower, the 3.0-liter V6 in the Five Hundred is sluggish, especially when loaded with passengers and packages.
My Five Hundred Limited FWD tester was rated for 21 mpg city and 29 mpg highway. But we believe Ford should at least offer some extra ponies for those who want a bit more oomph in their sedan.
My front-drive Five Hundred Limited sedan tester featured a smooth-shifting 6-speed automatic transmission. While I liked the smoothness of the transmission, we did not care for the anemic V6, which sounded strained when accelerating from a stop.
Five Hundred does deliver a silky comfortable ride. If you're looking for a more sporting sedan, you may want to drive the Ford Fusion.
Passengers will appreciate the calm and safe ride provided by the Five Hundred sedan. It should be noted that Five Hundred has earned top, five-star ratings for front- and side-impact performance in government testing, as well as the highest available, "Good" rating from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety for frontal-offset, side-impact and rear-crash performances.
Beginning later in the 2007 model year, Five Hundred will be equipped with standard front-seat-mounted side air bags, as well as Ford's innovative Safety Canopy side air curtain system.
2007 Ford Five Hundred Limited FWD
Engine: 3.0-liter (203 hp) V6
Transmission: 6-speed automatic
Drive Type: FWD
Fuel Economy: 21 city/29 highway
Base Price: $26,280
As Tested: $31,015 (including $700 for destination)
Website: http://www.ford.com |
