Sometimes, nothing's quite as sensible, stylish and stately as an American sedan. Big on size and nostalgic looks, a run on American 'number cars' like the Chrysler 300 and Ford Five Hundred in the past few years have seen something of a resurgence in the big American sofa-sedan.
Ford's left Chrysler to play the number-car name-game by themselves- having renamed their 'Five Hundred' to 'Taurus' for the 2008 model year alongside a slew of updates. Now, you can look for a few-year-old Five Hundred as a big, safe and reasonably priced family hauler that won't break the bank.
It's bigger than competition like the Toyota Avalon and Chevrolet Impala, boasting a massive interior and trunk for plenty of cargo and passenger carrying capacity. The interior was available with wood trim, steering-wheel mounted audio and climate controls, automatic climate control, a CD changer and a sunroof.
Don't miss other goodies like heated and power-adjustable leather seats, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, power-adjustable pedals and a backup-sensor.
Owners love the Five Hundred's visibility, space, and solid, planted ride. Most also like the tall seating position which affords a great view of the road.
What most owners don't like is the machine's styling. Some say it's too bland, and should have further capitalized on an opportunity to set itself apart visually. Another common complaint deals with the single engine offering- which fell short of the competition in the excitement department.
Power from a 3.0 liter Duratec V6 engine was rated at 203 horses, sent to the front wheels as standard. An optional 'on-demand' Volvo-based all wheel drive system was available, and popular with owners in northern climates.
 |
| 2005 Ford Five Hundred |
Ford's left Chrysler to play the number-car name-game by themselves- having renamed their 'Five Hundred' to 'Taurus' for the 2008 model year alongside a slew of updates. Now, you can look for a few-year-old Five Hundred as a big, safe and reasonably priced family hauler that won't break the bank.
It's bigger than competition like the Toyota Avalon and Chevrolet Impala, boasting a massive interior and trunk for plenty of cargo and passenger carrying capacity. The interior was available with wood trim, steering-wheel mounted audio and climate controls, automatic climate control, a CD changer and a sunroof.
Don't miss other goodies like heated and power-adjustable leather seats, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, power-adjustable pedals and a backup-sensor.
Owners love the Five Hundred's visibility, space, and solid, planted ride. Most also like the tall seating position which affords a great view of the road.
What most owners don't like is the machine's styling. Some say it's too bland, and should have further capitalized on an opportunity to set itself apart visually. Another common complaint deals with the single engine offering- which fell short of the competition in the excitement department.
Power from a 3.0 liter Duratec V6 engine was rated at 203 horses, sent to the front wheels as standard. An optional 'on-demand' Volvo-based all wheel drive system was available, and popular with owners in northern climates.
 |