Overview:
This week we’re looking at the 2007 Ford Five Hundred Limited front wheel drive 4-door sedan. Competitors that instantly come to mind are the Chevrolet Impala and the Toyota Camry.
Although I am quick to point out the plain Jane styling it’s important to note that in a family sedan that is common to all the top sedans in this class. Consider the most popular – Toyota Camry followed close behind is the Honda Accord and Chevrolet Impala.
Parts – n/a
Assembly – Chicago, Ill. USA
Class: – Midsize
Cars: – Crown Victoria, Edge, Escape, Escape Hybrid, E-Series Van and Wagon, Expedition, Explorer & Sport Trac, F150,250 & 350, Five Hundred, Focus & Wagon, Freestar, Freestyle, Fusion, GT, Mustang, Ranger and Shelby GT500.
Public Service :
Being a good example on the highways is a conscious commitment you need to consider.
You can be a good example by avoiding the instinct to be a traffic cop.
• Move over when others are traveling faster than you are. It doesn’t matter why they are traveling faster – what’s important is that you shouldn’t really care why.
• It is enough to know that if those exceeding the speed of the flow of traffic will be encouraged by the Highway Patrol to slow down or escort them if the speeder is rushing his wife to the hospital.
• Don’t be a reason for road rage in others because that can cause accidents.
The Five Hundred is a comfy sedan and that comfort means you will need to slow on dips, because the suspension is a little soft and the car will bottom out easily. The 203 hp V6 is very responsive to your foot and it won’t cost a lot in gas – which by the way only calls for 87 octane regular. In all speed ranges the car is perfectly responsive for a heavy car approaching 2 tons.
Styling:
Ok so it looks like an FBI car. Not that it isn’t nice but think about it – what brand car does your local police department drive. Bet you don’t really know for sure. That’s because they are simply “Plain Wrap” kind of cars.
Designers of this Five Hundred have used the platform of its sister company Volvo to share like good siblings.
Very good. And that could be in part due to the Five Hundred being assembled in a state of the art newly equipped plant in Chicago.
Cost:
There is a lot of value for the money Ford asks. In keeping with Henry’s original idea to make money was to mass produce Ford automobiles and price them so most people could afford to buy one. In the early days of the first few decades of the 20th century you could buy a Ford in any color you wanted as long as it was black. But for that small condition you could buy a copy for $600-800.
Conveniences and comfort:
Adequate gadgets and good with the options packages. The seats are comfortable but marginal on those long trips.
Consumer Recommendation:
This is a definite contender in the midsize class sedan. Camry has a more popular design reflective of its #1 sales ranking. I’m sure that has a lot to do with the quality reputation Toyota has earned over the past few decades. American cars that set the standards are not dog food however and this Ford will stand up strong to any of the competition in this class. Test it and I think you’ll be impressed as well.
Recognized Competition:
Ford Five Hundred $23-28,000, Chevrolet Impala $21-28,000, Honda Accord $19-30,000, Pontiac Grand Prix $22-29,000, Buick LaCrosse $22-27,000, Subaru Legacy $20-34,000, Dodge Charger $21-36,000, Toyota Camry $18-28,000, Chrysler 300 $24-40,000, Mazda 6 $19-27,000, Hyundai Azera $25-27,000, Nissan Altima $18-28,000, Volkswagen Jetta $16-24,000, Mitsubishi Galant $20-27,000.
Good News:
Decent fuel economy, lots of room, good size trunk, nice comfy ride.
Bad News:
Plain Jane styling inside and out.
Standard Equipment:
3.0 liter 203 horsepower V6 engine, 6-speed auto trans, front wheel drive, fog lights, auto headlight, heated folding power mirrors, 8-way heated power driver’s seat, audio with 6 CD player, dual auto climate control, o/s temp and compass display, wood grain accents, leather, 4-way power heated passenger seat, power windows and locks, cruise control, power steering, antilock braking system, child latch safety system and rear door locks, anti theft, remote keyless entry.
Options: rear safety canopy, driver and passenger side air bags, memory adjustable pedals, reverse sensing system, power moon roof, Navigation system. ($3,860).
$2.45/ Gal avg. Feb. 10, ‘07
www.fueleconomy.gov for more information.
21 City and 29 Highway MPG unstated
Pricing:
MSRP $26,280 – With options $30,940.
