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The Ford Five Hundred (code name D258) is a large midsize sedan produced by the Ford Motor Company. Available powertrains consist of a 3.0 L Duratec 30 V6 engine, and the choice of a continuously-variable-transmission or six-speed automatic transmission, and either front wheel drive or the same Haldex all wheel drive system used in the Volvo XC90.
Based on the Ford D3 platform which also supports the Volvo S60 and S80 sedans and XC70 and XC90 SUVs, the Five Hundred has a twin in the Mercury Montego sedan (code name D333), and is also the basis for the Ford Freestyle SUV (code name D219).
The Five Hundred was designed to provide large car interior volume yet with manageable outside dimensions and while delivering good fuel economy. Its design is also notable in being tall for a car, giving drivers an SUV or minivan like command of the road. Its trunk, one of the largest on the market, can hold 8 full-sized loaded golf bags. The Five Hundred was first introduced at the 2004 North American International Auto Show.
Trim lines include SE, SEL, and Limited with front- and all-whell drive available across the range. Base prices start at US$22,795 (for a FWD SE) and range to US$28,495 (for an AWD Limited).
The Five Hundred began production on July 12, 2004 in Chicago, Illinois and will be available to customers by the beginning of the 2005 model year, around mid-September 2004.
The Five Hundred resembles the Volkswagen Passat and Audi A6 more than its Volvo counterparts. This brings back memories of the Five Hundred's predecessor, the 1980s-era Taurus, which resembled the rounded Audi 5000 of the same period.
The car has been given an interesting name. In North America, the name "500" recalls the Fairlane 500 and Galaxie 500 models of the 1950s through 1970s. No one in North America is expected to remember the Fiat 500, a name used for two very tiny cars: one pre-war, and the other starting just before 1960.
External link
- MyFord500.com (http://www.myford500.com)- Features news releases, links, photo galleries, and specifications.
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