The Ford Five Hundred (code name D258) is a full-size sedan that was first introduced at the 2004 North American International Auto Show in Detroit. It replaces the Ford Taurus sedan in the North American market as part of Ford Motor Company's strategy to phase out the Taurus program. Its design is a tall four-door sedan, lending it the appearance of an SUV or minivan. It is based on the Ford D3 platform that also supports the Volvo S60 and S80, the XC70 and XC90 SUVs, and the Mercury Montego (not available in Canada).
Design
The Ford Five Hundred incorporates a 3.0 L Duratec 30 V6 engine, with an optional 3.5 L V8 to be available in 2008 along with a new grille, and a hummingbird prototype 4.4L V8 engine with a body extension of 6 inches. Customers can also choose between front- and all-wheel drive, as well as a continuously variable transmission or a six-speed automatic transmission. This vehicle is longer than its competitors, the Chevrolet Impala and Toyota Avalon and the interior offers generous cargo space with a trunk capable of holding 8 loaded golf bags.
Pricing and sales
The Five Hundred has a base MSRP starting price of US$22,795, making it the least expensive vehicle in its class. It has earned 8.5% of the large sedan market, having sold more than 100,000 vehicles in 2005 despite initial criticisms of its bland aesthetic in comparison to the Chrysler 300. The trim lines offered are the SE, SEL and Limited with all-wheel drive available across all three.
Final assembly takes place at Ford's Chicago Assembly plant, with production beginning on July 12, 2004 and going on sale to the public in September 2004. The vehicle is lauded for its safety ratings which have earned it class-leading results from both the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
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