2007 Ford Five Hundred Review
The Ford Five Hundred debuted in 2005 as a replacement for the Taurus. Ironically enough, the Five Hundred will be rebranded as a Taurus for 2008. Sharing components with Volvo, now a subsidiary of Ford, the Five Hundred has quite a safety reputation to uphold. But what makes the Five Hundred really stand out is its "command seating," which sets the driver and front passenger higher than a traditional sedan. This unique feature gives SUV drivers a reason to check the Five Hundred out.
The BuyingAdvice Team Says:
The Ford Five Hundred is a "bold move" for the dethroned king of the road. With its incredible safety scores, huge interior, and tall seating, the Five Hundred is a Ford that you should actually consider. While it is outmatched in features, even by Ford itself, the Five Hundred is an overall good buy, and one of the best they've released in years.
What's New For 2007:
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What is the Predicted Reliability:
Despite Ford's reputation, the Five Hundred has held up well so far. J.D. Power gives it three and a half stars in initial reliability. There have been few problems reported, and most are isolated to the 2005 model year, including brake, speaker, and suspension noise, as well as cold-starting problems. The 2005 Five Hundred was recalled once, for possible breakage of the gas tank straps. Expect above average reliability. The standard warranty lasts for three years or 36,000 miles.
Analysis Of Safety Ratings And Features:
The Five Hundred lives up to its Volvo roots. It earned perfect scores in both government and IIHS crash tests. All Five Hundreds come standard with anti-lock brakes, traction control, side airbags, and a rollover sensor. Adjustable pedals and a rear-parking sensor are optional.
Pros and Cons:
Pros
+ Incredible Safety Scores
+ Roomy Trunk
+ High Seating and Adjustable Pedals
Cons
- Bland Styling
- No Stability Control
- Could Use More Features
Head-To-Head Competition:
The Five Hundred is an all-around good car, but doesn't match well in terms of price to features. The Honda Accord comes standard with a CD changer and 40 more horses, though the Five Hundred has a six-speed automatic and far more cargo space. The Hyundai Sonata LTD features leather seats and 30 more hp, though the Five Hundred once again has a six-speed and a bit more cargo space. A very suitable alternative ironically comes from Ford itself, in the Mercury Milan Premier, which comes with a CD changer and leather seats, while offering most of the same benefits of the Five Hundred.
What Others Are Saying:
"The Five Hundred is a roomy, comfortable sedan that has plenty of space for 5 adults with room to spare for their belongings in the cavernous trunk. In fact, one of the things that ford proudly stated at the press introduction was that the trunk could hold 8 golf bags. They even had 8 bags full of clubs to prove the claim. (they all fit)." - The Family Car
" While spacious, the interior lacks distinctive styling or anything to set it apart. The dash is dull, and some of the buttons even painfully small. And the stable ride is undermined by a last-generation V-6 engine that's loud and creaky compared with excellent power plants in sedans produced by Honda, Toyota, and Nissan." - U.S.News & World Report
"As I lived with the car for the allotted week, I became quite enamored with its comfort, convenience and poise. Ingress and egress are remarkably easy, even for one of my distinctly portly demeanor. I'm amazed that a car that feels so large inside doesn't feel cumbersome on the road. It still looks too plain from some angles but it's growing on me as I discover pleasing design nuances." - The Auto Channel
Read more about the 2007 Ford Five Hundred at the Ford manufacturer web site.
Published on Sunday, April 22, 2007 - Email to a friend
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