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By Jim Jackson
Times Auto Writer | Wednesday, April 27, 2005 | (No comments posted.)
Ford Motor Co.'s current ad campaigns say its vehicles are "Built for the road Ahead." Nothing new there, considering that's the ultimate goal of all auto manufacturers.
Japan's leading automaker, Toyota, learned the value of such words at the turn of the century when its mid-size Camry upset top-seed Ford Taurus as America's top-selling car.
Taurus's mid-1990s elliptical exterior styling theme contributed to consumers' lukewarm reception of the redesigned model. Sales plummeted.
Ford hopes to regain market share with the introduction of 10 new models this year. Among them is the Mercury Montego, Ford Freestyle and Ford Five Hundred n all built at Ford's Chicago Assembly Plant on Torrence Avenue.
Though the Freestyle is pegged into the crossover segment, Montego and Five Hundred sit squarely in the "large car" market, competing with cross-town rivals Chevrolet Impala, Chrysler 300 and Toyota Camry.
Five Hundred's SE, SEL and Limited trim levels don't fit into any existing sedan box, however, as they are about 8-inches longer than Camry and roughly a three inches shorter than the full-size Chrysler 300.
Inside, driver and front passenger are treated to tall, upright, SUV-like seating. A three-passenger back seat boasts legroom greater than most European luxury cars.
Leather upholstery is available across the board. Console and storage bins are designed for cell phones, purses and PDAs. Eight beverage holders also exit.
Five Hundred's cavernous trunk is the largest in its segment and can accommodate eight full-size golf bags. The SEL and Limited models also feature front and rear seats that can be folded flat for bumper-to-dash cargo room.
"A wide age group of people, from late-20s to 70-years old, are showing interest in the Ford Five Hundred," said Dan DeYoung, new car sales manager of Smith Ford in Lowell. "They are informed consumers, and many have abandoned their large SUVs and minivans for Five Hundred's fuel economy, spacious interior and huge carrying capacity."
Five Hundred's front-wheel drive powertrain starts with a 3.0-liter, V-6 engine that generates 203 horsepower and near matching 207 pounds of torque. Although spirited when packed light, the car is under powered when loaded with a full compliment of passengers and their gear.
Credit Ford for Five-Hundred's velvet smooth continuously variable transmission (CVT) or six-speed automatic to manage the performance level.
The CVT is borrowed from Ford's cooperate cousin, Volvo, for Five Hundred's available all-wheel drive system, priced at an additional $2,350.
According to DeYoung, 50 percent of the Five Hundreds they've sold are equipped with AWD, affording year-round handling security in wet and snowy conditions.
Anti-lock brakes are standard and for 2005, traction control is a no-cost option.
"Consumer demand for the Ford Five Hundred exceeds the current supply," DeYoung said. "Down the road that demand will be met, making an impressive impact on Ford's success story."
2005 Ford Five Hundred
Layout: Front-/all-wheel drive
Wheelbase: 112.9
Length: 200.7 inches
Base weight: 3,664 pounds
Fuel capacity: 19.0 gallons
EPA fuel economy: 21 city/28 highway
Cargo volume: 21.2 cubic feet
Base price: $22,145
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