Ford Five Hundred

   The Ford Five Hundred is produced since 2005. It succeeded the Ford Taurus. The Five Hundred is also sold as the Mercury Montego.

   It is powered by the same 3.0-liter engine, which was in use with the Ford Taurus since 1996. It is not as powerful as most of it's American rivals, but it still delivers adequate power and manages to get the Five Hundred from 0 to 100 km/h (60 mph) in under 9 seconds. The 3.5-liter V6 engine should be added in 2008 and there is also tested a 4.4-liter V8 unit. The Ford Five Hundred is available in a front-wheel drive or an all-wheel drive versions and a choice of continuously variable or a 6-speed automatic transmissions.

   It is worth mentioning that transmission and suspension was designed by Volvo. Car has plenty of grip and holds the road well. It's ride is very smooth and there is no excessive lean going through the corners, considering the size of the Five Hundred. Handling is responsive.

   Noise levels inside the car are only slightly better than average. Cabin's isolation from the road noise could be better. The engine runs quietly, thanks to the automatic gearbox with more gears than usual, so usually it turns at relaxed 2 000 rpm.

   The Ford Five Hundred beets all it's rivals on price. Currently it is the cheapest car on the market to give so much space. In fact it has more interior space than the Audi A8, BMW 750Li or Mercedes-Benz S600 in extended-wheelbase versions, but it as the car for the masses. The big Ford also delivers good fuel economy. Residual values are likely to be average.

   Inside the Ford Five Hundred interior looks a bit disjointed. Designers tried to match fake wood with metallic parts and cream leather, but unsuccessfully. Some plastics feel sturdy and every button presses down firmly. Controls are where you expect them to be and displays are clear to read.

   Drivers position is good enough, but the flat driver's seat is unsupportive.

   The Five Hundred has plenty of room. This car is longer, wider and taller than average. It is much more comfortable for the passengers than it's rivals. There are rear air vents for the passengers too. The Ford Five Hundred has the biggest boot of any sedan sold today. Additionally the front passenger seat folds forward for added versatility.

   The Five Hundred is scored well in the crash tests, but it's a shame, that the side airbags  aren't standard on the base model. However it still has anti-lock brakes and traction control.

   There are three trim levels available for the Five Hundred: SE, SEL and Limited. In SE trim you get cruise control, CD player, driver's power seat, front and rear electric windows, and alloy wheels. The SEL trim adds dual-zone climate control, flat-folding passenger seat, CD changer, trip computer and electric mirrors. The Limited model comes with heated leather seats, parking assist and some other useful options. Any trim is available with front- or all-wheel-drive.

   Production of the Ford Five Hundred still continues.

   Advantages: Large interior volume with manageable outside dimensions. Boot space is one of the largest on the market. Pretty well equipped for the price.

   Disadvantages: Bland styling. Out-dated engine and strange driven wheel and transmission pairings.

   Verdict: It's not perfect, but no one can beat it's cubic meter for the buck rate.

   Also consider: Chevrolet Impala, Toyota Avalon.

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