2005 Ford Five Hundred Review

Specifications

A Better Idea

Most of us remember the advertising slogan, “Ford Has a Better Idea.” Well, this time they really do.

Although its name draws upon a rich history of Ford products, todays Five Hundred is more than a completely new automobile; its a precedent-setting sedan worthy of intense scrutiny by anyone in the market for four doors and plenty of space.

Probably the most noteworthy and innovative aspect of the Five Hundred is the height of its body and the cavernous interior that results. By raising the roofline and the front and rear deck height above that of a conventional sedan, Ford has created a vehicle with very impressive interior and trunk volume.

The elevated roof allowed the engineers to raise the drivers seating position approximately four inches higher than normal for a sedan, something Ford refers to as Command Seating. The raised perspective improves outward visibility, akin to a car-based SUV. It also places the bottom cushion further from the floor, which is ergonomically like sitting in a chair rather than in a low-slung seat.

Not only is this arrangement comfortable, it reduces the difficulty of ingress and egress, which can be a tremendous benefit to the elderly or physically challenged. Of benefit to all occupants is an outstanding degree of head- and leg-room, especially for those who ride in the rear.

Unlike the slightly smaller Buick Allure I recently tested, which tended to constrain adults riding economy class, the Five Hundreds rear seating is open and airy, allowing more freedom of movement, and no contorting by taller people.

Encompassing the Five Hundreds tall structure is a remarkably clean, smoothly contoured body design, not unlike VWs Passat and Audis A6. Although some have dismissed the Five Hundreds styling as - “yawn” - bland, I quite admire it.

Sure, a little more attitude similar to the “snarl” DaimlerChrysler bred into the new 300 might attract more attention and ultimately a few more customers, but it would take away from the Five Hundreds aura of mature, understated sophistication and elegance, design elements that many discerning purchasers look for. In my opinion, no other sheet metal in the domestic market captures these characteristics better than the Five Hundred.

In terms of relative size within the Ford family, the Five Hundred fits snugly between the Taurus and the Grand Daddy of domestic sedans, the Crown Victoria, the trunk size of which has always awed me. Imagine my astonishment upon discovering that the Five Hundred has a larger trunk - 21.2 cubic feet versus the Crown Vics 20.6 cubic feet. In fact, with its 60/40-split rear seat and front passenger seat folded down, the Five Hundred can carry an eight-foot stepladder with its trunk closed.

Exterior assembly quality of the Five Hundred is first rate, leaving me nothing to complain about. Grasping the substantial-feeling outer door handle provides access to quite a remarkable interior, which is light years ahead of what Ford had been producing only a few years ago. Slipping behind the wheel rewards one with a panoramic view thanks to the Five Hundreds higher state of being and its 360-degree greenhouse.

I really must compliment Ford for creating a tremendously comfortable, ergonomically- correct driving environment. In addition to accommodating tall and short drivers, plus everyone in between, the office of the Five Hundred is aesthetically pleasing and logically laid-out. Interior trim is for the most part nice to touch and visually attractive, and all switchgear functions at a premium level - impressive for a mid-price domestic.

In keeping with Fords latest familial interior theme, the styling of the passenger compartment is symmetrical and uncluttered. My SEL-edition tester was “dressed-up” with the application of tasteful wood-like trim accents on the dash, center stack and center console.

Undoubtedly Ford has struck a homerun with the Five Hundred in terms of comfort, functionality and understated styling. But how does this spacious sedan measure up when driving impressions are rated? Well, like most sports teams, there is a mix of strong and not-so-strong players on the Five Hundreds roster.

Weakest of all, in my view, is the only engine currently available, a 3.0L (182 cu in) DOHC V6, producing 203 horsepower and 207 pound-feet of torque. I know that Ford put a lot of effort into refining this powerplant, however, I found myself slightly disappointed by the level of noise it generates. Even under modest acceleration, a less-than-desirable, “groany” exhaust note can be heard.

Apart from this observation, which must be qualified with the recognition that I am being perhaps more critical than necessary (but hey, thats my job), the 3.0L Duratec engine is a strong runner with a proven history of reliability.

A couple of hi-tech features transformed my Five Hundreds drivetrain from “commonplace” to “exceptional.” Firstly, the slightly intrusive V6 was bolted to a Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT).

Although some foreign manufacturers have utilized CVT technology to motivate compact cars, it is emerging in the domestic market with Ford leading the way - now that Saturn has dropped its CVT program. A CVT autobox is basically composed of a cone and belt arrangement. As the belt climbs up and down the cone, the gear ratio is constantly altered in an effort to maximize performance and economy.

Under normal operation, most occupants would be hard-pressed to detect the unique operation of the Five Hundreds optional CVT gearbox, although drivers may initially detect a slipping sensation from the transmission because there are no gear change intervals to speak of.

However, slam the throttle down at any speed and the CVT box will quickly shoot the V6 up to its optimal rpm for rapid acceleration and hold it there until the need for speed abates. This translates into brisk acceleration in a large vehicle with only 203 horses galloping beneath its hood. In addition to improved acceleration, a CVT autobox will boost fuel economy by up to five percent.

In spite of the advantages delivered by the CVT, a conventional shifting, Japanese-made six-speed automatic transmission is available in the front-wheel drive Five Hundred. Although I havent yet sampled this transmission, I expect the availability of six cogs will make the most of the Five Hundreds 207 pound-feet of torque.

The second aspect of the Five Hundreds drivetrain that launches it into the “exceptional” category is the availability of all-wheel drive (AWD). This impressive system is derived from that in the Volvo S80, as is much of the Five Hundreds chassis architecture. I guess ownership has its privileges, Ford Motor Company having purchased a controlling share in Volvo in 1999.

Featuring a Haldex AWD coupler, the Five Hundred will instantly switch from front-wheel to all-wheel drive the moment one of the drive wheels loses traction. Throughout my test period, the Five Hundreds AWD capability functioned flawlessly.

With the traction control system deactivated, the best I could do on a slippery gravel surface was spin the front wheels about half a revolution before the rear wheels stepped in and secured complete traction, propelling the big car forward in complete control and composure. And whether its two or four wheels sharing the load, the AWD Five Hundred never suffers from torque steer.

Riding on a fully independent suspension setup with gas pressurized shocks, the Five Hundred treats its occupants with benevolence when hostile road surfaces are encountered, but never at the cost of competent handling. Yes, ride quality is slightly on the firm side, but never jarring or uncomfortable.

Given the Five Hundreds spacious interior and commodious trunk, it is extraordinarily nimble and quick in the corners, thanks in part to rack-and-pinion steering. Some body lean accompanies a rapid alteration in direction, but with the tenacious grip of all-wheel drive, my tester remained stable and predictable throughout the most challenging of compass changes.

I have yet to test the handling dynamics of the front-wheel drive Five Hundred; however, based on the AWD version, I would be surprised if it was anything less than pleasing. And “pleasing” is a word that also nicely describes the operation of the four-wheel antilock disc brakes that Ford has fitted to the Five Hundred as standard equipment. Hard stops come easily, with little fanfare other than moderate nosedive. Brake force is easily modulated during fade-free, arrow-straight emergency stops.

When powerful braking isnt enough to avoid an accidental meeting, the Five Hundred will protect its driver and front seat passenger with dual-stage airbags, deployed according to occupant position and crash severity. Owners desiring the full spectrum of occupant protection can select the optional Safety Package, which adds rollover sensing, side-impact airbags up front and a second-row Safety Canopy System.

All Five Hundreds are equipped with an impressive array of comfort and convenience equipment, including power windows, locks and mirrors, steering wheel-mounted cruise control, AM/FM/CD, power folding side mirrors, 17-inch aluminum wheels, remote keyless illuminated entry and passive anti-theft.

Moving up the trim ladder into the SEL or the Limited will add niceties such as leather upholstery, premium audio with steering wheel mounted controls, dual-zone climate control, rear parking sensor, moonroof, message center with trip computer and heated seats.

Regardless of how heavily purchasers choose to equip a Five Hundred, they will be on the receiving end of a vehicle that offers outstanding passenger comfort and cargo space, not to mention cutting-edge drivetrain technology and understated good looks.

This car can pretty much send the venerable Crown Victoria packing. It offers more rear seat legroom and trunk space, better fuel economy and way better driving dynamics. Unless V8 power or six-passenger capacity is essential, the Five Hundred has it all.

“Built for the road ahead,” is Fords current marketing slogan. Frankly, I think, “Ford has a better idea,” is more suited to the Five Hundred - because I think they do.