Description
Born as a replacement for the Taurus, the Five Hundred recalled the Fairlane 500 nameplate from 1957.
The Five Hundred was based on the D3 platform, which was, in turn, an evolution over the Volvo's P2 architecture. Despite its numerous qualities, including an AWD version, the Five Hundred didn't get too much attention from the public, and its sales were below expectations.
It was the New-Edge design era for Ford, and it tried to apply the same language for all its lineup. While in Europe, the Focus and the Mondeo already showed that style with long, curved lines combined in sharp angles, in the U.S., that trend was not so obvious, but it was successfully applied on the Five Hundred. Its grille resembled the same shape as the European Ford Mondeo, and the fog lights were similar to those installed on the Focus. The roofline described an arch that connected the hood to the trunk lid. Ford's designers installed a third window between the C- and the D-pillars.
Inside, the Five Hundred offered plenty of space for up to five passengers. They were protected by one of the best unibody construction on the market to date, with supplementary protection areas at the front, sides, back, and roof. The interior design featured wood-trims on the dash, doors, and center stack. Its rounded instrument cluster resembled the one fitted in the Mondeo.
Under the hood, Ford installed one engine option: a 3.0-liter V6. It was paired to a five-speed automatic transmission. Power went to the front or all corners.
Press Release
The Ford Five Hundred (code name D258) is a full-size sedan produced by the Ford Motor Company, succeeding the Ford Taurus program (which will be phased out for 2007). In North America, the name is intended to recall the Fairlane 500 and Galaxie 500 models of the 1950s through 1970s. The car currently slots between the Ford Fusion and the Crown Victoria. Final assembly takes place at Ford's Chicago Assembly plant.
Design
The Five Hundred was longer than its competitors (e.g. Chevrolet Impala, Toyota Avalon). 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. A 3.5 L V6 will be added for 2008 along with a new grille. A prototype 4.4L V8 is also in the works with a longer body of 6 inches.
Based on the Ford D3 platform which also supports the Volvo S60 and S80, the XC70 and XC90 SUVs. The Five Hundred's twin is the Mercury Montego (which isn't available in Canada), and is also the basis for the Ford Freestyle crossover SUV.
The Five Hundred was designed to provide large car interior volume with manageable outside dimensions, while delivering good fuel economy. Its design is also notably tall for a sedan, 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 in Detroit.
Befitting its Volvo roots, the Five Hundred has garnered class leading results in crash tests conducted by the IIHS as well as NHTSA.
Pricing and sales
Trim lines include SE, SEL, and Limited with all-wheel drive available across the range. Base prices start at US$22,795 (for a front-wheel drive SE) and range to US$28,495 (for an all-wheel drive Limited). The Five Hundred has the lowest MSRP starting cost in its class.
The Five Hundred began production on July 12, 2004 in Chicago, Illinois and became available to the public in September 2004. Although criticized by the automotive press for its bland styling (in comparison to that of its competitor Chrysler 300), the Five Hundred has been a relative success for Ford. It has captured 8.5% of the American large sedan market, above expectations, with just over 100,000 sold in 2005.
