Overview:
This week we’re going to look at a new entrant for Ford in 2005. The 5-passenger Five Hundred Limited AWD sedan reminds me of an FBI staff car especially painted black. But it is much nicer on closer inspection. I like the nice touches like the analog clock and the word grain trim with a clean instrument cluster.
The question is “is it too plain”? Well you can look at it as clean lines or uncluttered with too many angles and obstructions. In any case the quiet, smooth comfortable ride helped me to warm up to the effort by Ford to introduce another sedan for our choice. The rear leg room is appreciated and in spite of it being classed as a mid size, I think it is large. But I was really surprised how well it handled in the mountains. Much of that performance for a large sedan is attributed to the all wheel drive system.
Public Service driving observation: Occasionally I notice something I have to share with my readers. Window tinting. Does it bug you as much as it bugs me? I don’t mean manufacturers tinting of the windows, I mean near black out.
What’s that all about? Are they hiding? They can’t be all that ugly. Well, I find it not only a distraction, it is dangerous too. Not being able to see through the windows blocks vision and I know that is why I go around commercial vans without windows. Vision through a car gives you more information of the road around those cars. Not only is it discomforting it is unlawful.
General Info:
Parts – n/a
Assembly – Chicago, IL, USA
Class: – Midsize
Cars: Crown Victoria, Escape, Escape Hybrid, E-series Van and wagon, Excursion, Expedition, Explorer and sport trac, F150, F250, F350, Focus and wagon, 500, Freestar, Freestyle, GT, Mustang, Ranger, Taurus and wagon and T-Bird.
Handling & Performance:
Outstanding for a large sedan because it is all wheel drive. Very cool.
Styling:
Clean lines but a little too rounded and bland for my taste. It is based on (Ford-owned) Volvo\’s P2 platform (Volvo S60 and XC90). However it does not use more expensive Volvo parts as Ford uses steel suspension while Volvo uses pricier cast aluminum.
Fit and Finish:
For the most part it is well assembled. But I was surprised that this new car had developed a bubble on the dashboard. It would appear it was caused from the hot sun on the dark vinyl covering.
Cost:
Really quite good for this roomy sedan.
Conveniences:
Customary.
Consumer Recommendation:
Take a look at the 2006 and then you’ll likely want to save some money buying the 2005 because it hasn’t really changed enough to warrant the newer year.
The Competition:
Ford Five Hundred $22-28,000, Nissan Altima $17-29,000, Mercury Sable $21-24,000, Ford Taurus $21-24,000, Subaru Legacy $21-29,000, Honda Accord $16-29,000, Volkswagen Passat $22-30,000, Hyundai XG350 $25-26,000, Mitsubishi Galant $19-26,000, Mazda6 $19-27,000.
Good News:
Good size trunk, best in class passenger volume and rear leg room.
Bad News:
Rather plain styling inside and out, troublesome blind spot from the large post – driver side, of course.
Standard Equipment:
3.0 liter V6 203 horsepower engine, 18” bright aluminum wheels, fog lights, auto headlight control, power heated mirrors, 8-way power driver’s seat, radio with 6-CD player, climate control, information computer, o/s temp and compass display, woodgrain accents, leather trimmed seats with heated driver and passenger seats, 4-way power passenger seat with manual lumbar, all wheel drive system, power windows and locks, cruise control, power steering, anti lock braking system, child latch safety system, anti theft system and remote keyless entry with remote perimeter lighting.
Gas Stats:
19 City and 26 Highway MPG
Pricing:
MSRP $27,845.
