Ford Five Hundred
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
| Ford Five Hundred | |
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| Manufacturer | Ford Motor Company |
| Production | 2005-2007 |
| Assembly | Chicago, Illinois |
| Predecessor | Ford Taurus |
| Successor | Ford Taurus |
| Class | Full-size |
| Body style | 4-door sedan |
| Layout | FF layout |
| Platform | Ford D3 platform |
| Engine | 3.0 L Duratec 30 V6 |
| Transmission | Ford Motor Company/ZF CVT 6-speed Aisin automatic |
| Wheelbase | 112.9 in (2844 mm) |
| Length | 200.7 in (5008 mm) |
| Width | 74.5 in (1879 mm) |
| Height | 61.5 in (1549 mm) |
| Fuel capacity | 19 US gal |
| Related | Volvo S60 Volvo S80 Volvo XC90 Ford Freestyle Mercury Montego |
| Similar | Chevrolet Impala Hyundai Azera Toyota Avalon |
The Ford Five Hundred (code name D258) was a full-size sedan produced by the Ford Motor Company. In North America, the name may evoke memories of the Fairlane 500 and Galaxie 500 models of the 1950s through 1970s. The car is slotted between the Taurus and the Crown Victoria in Ford's model line. Final assembly takes place at Ford's Chicago Assembly plant. The Five Hundred was first introduced at the 2004 North American International Auto Show in Detroit. According to a Reuters report, the Five Hundred redesign that debuted during the 2007 North American International Auto Show will instead be rebranded as the Ford Taurus, returning that to the Ford lineup after a one-year absence. [1]
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[edit] Design
The Five Hundred is classified as a large car. It is longer than its competitors (such as the Chevrolet Impala and Toyota Avalon) but still a foot shorter than the Crown Victoria. Interior room was emphasized in the Five Hundred's development, and interior materials include imitation carbon fiber as well as traditional woodgrain.
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. All Five Hundred models are equipped with Pirelli sports tires for better handling. The AWD (All Wheel Drive) system is taken form the Volvo XC90. It is not a “full time” system; when as power is needed in the rear the AWD system activates.
The car is based on the Ford D3 platform (also known as the Volvo P2 platform), which also supports the Volvo S60, S80, XC70, and XC90 SUVs. This platform is used on the similar Mercury Montego (which is not available in Canada), and is also the basis for the Ford Freestyle crossover SUV.
The Five Hundred was designed to match the large car interior volume, but at the same time still have manageable outside dimensions, while delivering a lower than average fuel use. Its design is also notably tall for a sedan, giving drivers an SUV or minivan-like command of the road. The Five Hundred's trunk is also larger than those of its competitors, so it can hold 8 full-sized loaded golf bags. Befitting its Volvo roots, the Five Hundred has garnered class leading results in crash tests conducted by the IIHS as well as NHTSA.
[edit] Production and sales
The Five Hundred began production on July 12, 2004 in Chicago, Illinois and became available to the public in September 2004. Criticized by the automotive press for its bland styling and weak 203 hp engine, the Five Hundred has received a lukewarm reception [2][3]. August 2006 sales were down by half compared to 2005, with the Taurus outselling the Five Hundred by two to 1. 2006 sales have been down month over month since its launch including 22% in 2006 over 2005 as a whole [4]. (Note: 2006 Ford Taurus was produced and sold primarily for the fleet market). Ford made a large production run before shutting down the Taurus production. The Atlanta plant produced its last Taurus in Fall 2006, after which the manufacturing facility is to be sold.
[edit] Market, trim lines and features
Three trim lines were offered: SE, SEL, and Limited. An all wheel drive system was available across the range. Base prices start at US$22,795 (AU$28,883) (for a front-wheel drive SE) and range to US$28,495 (AUD$36,106) (for an all-wheel drive Limited).
[edit] 2006
The 2006 Five Hundred was little changed. However, the 2006 Five Hundred offered a Navigation Radio made by Pioneer for Ford and Sirius Satellite Radio.
[edit] 2007
The 2007 Five Hundred remains basically unchanged. There were no substantial styling changes and no new powertrain options, but the SE model was discontinued.
There is a new Chrome Package available, which includes 18-inch eight-spoke chrome wheels and a chrome mesh grille. Also new for 2007 is a 5-year / 60,000–mile powertrain warranty, and arriving late 2007 are standard front-seat-mounted side air bags, as well as Ford's innovative Safety Canopy side air curtain system.
[edit] 2008
The next generation Five Hundred, which was shown at the 2007 Detroit Auto Show will be renamed Taurus, signaling the return of the iconic nameplate. As the announcement was made while the Five Hundred was displayed at the 2007 Chicago Auto Show, Ford employees hastily removed the badging from a Five Hundred on a rotating stand, and replaced it with Taurus badging.[citation needed]
A 3.5 L V6 will be added for the 2008 along with new front and rear styling. A prototype 4.4 L V8 is also in the works with a longer body of 6 inches (152mm).
[edit] External links
- MyFord500.com- Features news releases, links, photo galleries, and specifications.
- 2006 Ford Five Hundred
[edit] References
- ^ Ford Five Hundred to become 'Taurus'. MSNBC.com (6 February 2007). Retrieved on February 6, 2007.
- ^ Mays, Kelsey (27 November 2006). Ford Five Hundred Expert Review. Cars.com. Retrieved on February 17, 2007.
- ^ Dear, Clare. "New siblings put Ford back in car game", London Free Press, 26 May 2006. Retrieved on February 17, 2007.
- ^ Ford Motor Company Reports November U.S. Sales. Automotive.com (1 December 2006). Retrieved on February 17, 2007.
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