2007 Ford Five Hundred
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Ford first introduced the Five Hundred sedan as a 2005 model. The Five Hundred's low pricing and top-notch crash test scores made it a reasonable family car pick the Ford Five Hundred aced crash tests by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, earning the highest possible rating in every category. The Ford Five Hundred received minimal changes during its brief three-year run. This sedan is based on the previous-generation Volvo S80 platform, and made use of that car's all-wheel drive and safety technology. The Five Hundred's Swedish origins were immediately apparent when you drove it, as it provided both a comfortable ride and competent handling, with nicely weighted steering. Braking performance was mediocre, though, and Volvo's stability control system wasn't included in the package. With its nearly full-size dimensions, the Five Hundred is considered Ford's flagship. Ford called the four-door its first crossover-based car; it has a high seating position like that found in sport utility vehicles. Ford's Freestyle wagon is related to the Five Hundred sedan. Side-impact airbags and Safety Canopy side curtain airbags will be standard on all models beginning later in the 2007 model year. The Five Hundred is Ford's modern American sedan. Big and roomy inside, the Five Hundred features a tall roof with lots of headroom.
Powering the Five Hundred
The Five Hundred is powered by the Duratec 3.0-liter V-6 with either a continuously variable transmission or a six-speed automatic. Duratec 3.0-liter V-6 engine produces 203 horsepower and 207 pounds-feet of torque. A six-speed automatic transmission is standard on front-drive Five Hundreds, while a CVT is standard on all-wheel-drive models. The gearless CVT unit uses two variable-size pulleys, connected by a metal chain, to transfer engine power to the drive wheels.
Ford Five Hundred Design
The Five Hundred is much bigger than the old Taurus, which it replaced. The Five Hundred is 3 inches longer, 1.5 inches wider, and 4 inches taller than the Taurus. Only SEL and upscale Limited trim levels are offered for 2007 — the base SE trim has been discontinued. The Five Hundred can have front- or all-wheel drive, which can automatically distribute nearly all of the engine's torque to the rear wheels. Ford promotes the "clean geometric lines and stately proportions" of the Five Hundred sedan. Clear headlights flank a trapezoidal grille that contains a diamond-mesh pattern. Fog lamps sit below the integrated front bumper. Built on a 112.9-inch wheelbase, the Five Hundred is almost a foot shorter than the full-size Crown Victoria and features a fully independent suspension. All-wheel-drive models have rear self-leveling. Low-profile windshield wipers use a strip of spring steel to press the rubber blade evenly against the glass. A power moonroof is available. Standard wheels measure 17 inches in diameter, but Limited models get 18-inch tires on alloy wheels. The tall trunk lid has a spoiler-like lip along its top trailing edge. The rear of the car features large, multi-element and triangular shaped tail lamps and dual, down turned exhaust tips. The Five Hundred's face has large, jewel-styled and multi-bulb triangular headlight elements on either side of a wide, trapezoidal grille. Chrome accents the front bumper, rear bumper, doors and window frames. Large rear side windows give the Five Hundred more of a luxury car profile.
Driving the Five Hundred
A six-speed automatic transmission is standard on all front-wheel-drive models. Optional safety technology includes rollover protection. Acceleration in a CVT-equipped Five Hundred isn't a strong point, but this sensible sedan performs adequately. Response is a bit sluggish at start-up, but speed rises steadily. Some engine noise is evident during hard acceleration. Although largely similar to Ford's Freestyle wagon, the Five Hundred is a little quieter. The sedan responds better to bumps and holes, which means there's less commotion to affect ride comfort. The Five Hundred feels confident and secure. Body lean in curves isn't bad, but it's present.
Cabin Features 2007
Available options in both trims include a family entertainment system, Sirius Satellite Radio and power-adjustable pedals. Front windows offer express-up/down operation. A storage compartment with a pop-up cover sits at the top of the dashboard. The trunk holds 21.2 cubic feet of cargo — more than the full-size Crown Victoria. Five occupants enjoy tall, upright seating positions. The slightly elevated 60/40-split second-row seat folds down. Dual-zone air conditioning, a flat-folding front passenger seat, an electronic message center and a leather-wrapped steering wheel are included in the SEL. Limited models get an Audiophile sound system and leather seating surfaces that are heated in the front. Backseat riders get plenty of headroom, legroom and foot space on firm but amply cushioned seats. The firm front seats are comfortable.
Summary
For safety features on the Five Hundred, all-disc antilock brakes are standard. Beginning later in the 2007 model year, side-impact airbags and Safety Canopy side curtain airbags will be standard in the SEL and Limited. Rear parking sensors and traction control are optional. After years of focusing most of its attention on light trucks, Ford realized it needed a stronger lineup of passenger cars. In particular, the company needed a car that would appeal to families of four and five. The Ford Five Hundred was the result, a large sedan designed to appeal both to ex-SUV owners and traditional full-size-car buyers. The Ford Five Hundred's biggest advantage was space, as it offered more than 40 inches of legroom front and rear as well as a massive 21-cubic-foot trunk. In addition, the seating position up front was higher than normal to provide a commanding view of the road. Sales were never particularly strong, however, and Ford decided to rename the Five Hundred as the Taurus starting with the 2008 model year. Key options included rear parking sensors, a navigation system and a rear DVD entertainment system, the latter a rarity in a mid-priced sedan. The Ford 500 name goes way back. Ford first used it in numerical form for the 1957 Fairlane 500, the highest trim version of the car that helped Ford overtake Chevrolet in the sales race. When Ford launched a new flagship, the Galaxie, in 1959, it again used the 500 badge to indicate the most upscale version. When Ford brought back the Five Hundred (spelled out) as an all-new product for 2005, it was as a separate model and as the new flagship of its fleet of cars. For further research, read Edmunds.com Ford Five Hundred Review.
