The all new 2005 Ford Five Hundred represents the future
of Ford. The Five Hundred is a new generation vehicle that
borrows from Volvo with slightly elevated and highly versatile
seating, Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) and many
other innovations. It is aimed at a successful demographic
that want the prestige and comfort of a fine sedan but also
require good cargo capacity and some of the other qualities
of an SUV without sacrificing fuel economy.
With available all-wheel-drive, excellent performance specifications
and the ability to carry an 8-foot ladder, the Five Hundred
promises to meet all those needs and a few we may not have
thought of.
Available Models
The 2005 Ford Five Hundred is offered in SE, SEL and Limited
trims and is classified by some as a large sedan though
it is only 6 inches longer than the mid-size Taurus and
a foot shorter than the Crown Victoria. Ford calls it a
mid-size car but maybe the 21 cubic feet of trunk space
is throwing people off.
Interior Features
The base SE comes with standard air conditioning, cruise
control, cloth upholstery on front bucket seats, a 6-way
power driver seat and a split folding rear seat. Rear seat
and passenger seat fold flat and the trunk pass through
allows the carriage of unexpectedly long items. However,
roominess is out of proportion for the length of this sedan.
The additional height really make this feel like a larger
interior car with shades of SUV roominess for occupants.
Power mirrors, windows, door locks, remote keyless entry,
keypad entry and an AM/FM/CD player top off the standards
on the base model.
SE models up the ante significantly with dual-zone auto
climate controls, an in-dash 6CD and MP3 changer, powered
seats and a trip computer. Leather upholstery and heated
seats adorn the Limited.
Exterior Features
The 2005 Ford Five Hundred has a distinctive exterior look
that builds on and contributes to Ford's latest styling
breakthroughs. Classic Ford design cues include the trapezoidal,
diamond-patterned grille, the window graphic with elegant
chrome surround and, of course, the blue oval Ford badge
centered along the rear of the trunk lid. Premium features
include 17-inch wheels (18-inch wheels are standard on Limited).
Performance
The Ford Five Hundred comes with a single engine choice
that can be linked to either of a couple of transmission
types. With the CVT automatic transmission system, acceleration
is smoothly achieved without any noticeable powerband fluctuation.
Alternatively, buyers can choose the 6-speed automatic.
Either one depends on the 3.0-liter Duratec V6 for 203 horsepower
at 5750 rpm and 207 lb-ft of torque at 4500 rpm. Both AWD
and FWD are available, though the 6-speed is only compatible
with the FWD models. Fuel economy is enhanced by the CVT
transmission and 20/27 mpg is achieved by the AWD edition
(city/hwy).
Safety and Security
Dual front airbags, antilock brakes and traction control
are all standards on all Five Hundred models. However, it
also enjoys safety enhancement from innovative energy channeling
frame and chassis design, a system which significantly improves
occupant safety during collisions.
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Fast Stats
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Seats |
5
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MSRP
from |
$22,795
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Engine |
3.0L V6
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Horsepower |
203 @ 5750
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Transmission |
eCTV
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6-speed auto
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MPG:
City/Hwy |
20 / 27
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