Pricing for All-New Ford Five Hundred and Freestyle Announced

New Ford Sedan and Crossover SUV Offer Strong Value Proposition

Ford has been in need of new models to bolster its new car lineup for some time, and the upcoming Five Hundred sedan and

Ford is in serious need of new products, and the upcoming Five Hundred sedan and Freestyle crossover SUV (shown) should fit the bill nicely. (Photo: Ford Motor Company of Canada)

Freestyle crossover SUV could be just what is needed. The domestic automaker recently announced prices for the two models, starting at less than most analysts initially thought they would sell for.

The Five Hundred, positioned higher up the economic scale than the midsize Taurus due to its large-car interior, starts at $29,295 in base front-wheel drive SE trim. Not only does this price fall below the $30,000 threshold, but it will also sell for hundreds less than Chrysler's popular new 300 sedan, which is considered to be a natural competitor to the new Ford.

And the Five Hundred won't be poorly equipped to achieve its target price either, featuring a 203 horsepower Duratec 30 DOHC 3.0-liter V6 engine mated to a sophisticated 6-speed automatic on most front-wheel drive models, plus a continuously-variable transmission (CVT) for all-wheel drive and some front-drive models. The new Ford, and the 2005 Mazda6, will be the first volume cars to offer a 6-speed

Starting at $29,295, Ford has priced the well-equipped Five Hundred sedan cheaper than Chrysler's hot new 300. (Photo: Ford Motor Company of Canada)

automatic, with such technology usually only available in premium brands such as BMW and Lexus.

Also standard will be an AM/FM/single-CD audio system, power door locks with remote keyless entry and door-mounted keyless entry key pad, power windows with driver's door one-touch up and down, 5-passenger seating with a 6-way power driver's featuring with manual lumber adjustment, 4-wheel ABS equipped disc brakes and 17-inch wheels and tires. The Five Hundred also achieves best-in-class rear leg and headroom, as well as the largest trunk available in any sedan. The new Ford 4-door will make optional all-wheel drive available in all three trim levels, SE, SEL and Limited, for $2,750. The all-wheel drive SE starts at $32,045, also under-pricing the 300 with all-wheel drive.