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2006 Ford Five Hundred Sedan
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What’s New?
The Five Hundred was introduced as a new model for the 2005 model year, so changes for 2006 come in the form of additional equipment: a navigation system is optional on the top-of-the-range Limited and a DVD entertainment system is available on the Limited and mid-range SEL. Leather seats are now optional on the base SE. Silver Birch joins the palette of exterior paint colors.
Overview
Ford’s big sedan, second only in size to the Crown Victoria in its lineup, has a similar tall-shouldered look as the Chrysler 300, albeit with significantly less radical lines. Conservative styling belies the advanced technology beneath its skin. Designed simultaneously with Ford’s Freestyle crossover SUV, the Five Hundred has a tall seating position that gives drivers a higher, more commanding view of the road than most sedans.
The Five Hundred shares its platform with the Volvo S80, and options include a Volvo-designed all-wheel-drive system and a continuously variable transmission (CVT). The CVT allows the Five Hundred to draw adequate acceleration from its 3.0L V-6 engine, despite its modest 203 horsepower. The CVT is used on all-wheel-drive Five Hundreds, as well as the front-wheel-drive version of the SE. The front-drive SEL and Limited models use a traditional 6-speed automatic. EPA fuel mileage estimates range from 19 to 21 mpg city and 26 to 29 mpg highway, depending on the engine/transmission combination.
The basic SE model includes power-adjustable driver’s seat, air conditioning, a CD player, and cruise control; the SEL adds, among other things, dual-zone climate control, CD changer with MP3 capability, and a wood-trimmed interior. The top-of-the-line Limited includes heated leather seats with power adjustment for driver and passenger and an upgraded audio system. Anti-lock brakes are standard, and side curtain air bags and traction control are optional. Other options include power-adjustable pedals, a satellite-linked navigation system, and a rear seat DVD entertainment system—a rarity in a sedan.
The Competition
The Ford Five Hundred competes in the Large Conventional segment against 13 competitors from the United States, Japan, and Korea. Similar to the Midsize Conventional segment, value is the name of the game in this segment, where buyers are looking for modern safety features in a slightly larger package.
According to the J.D. Power and Associates Sales Report,SM the segment sales leader for calendar year 2005 was the Chevrolet Impala (246,481 sales), followed by the Chrysler 300 (144,048) and the Pontiac Grand Prix (122,398). The Ford Five Hundred was next with 107,932 sales.
The Five Hundred was introduced as a new model for the 2005 model year, so changes for 2006 come in the form of additional equipment: a navigation system is optional on the top-of-the-range Limited and a DVD entertainment system is available on the Limited and mid-range SEL. Leather seats are now optional on the base SE. Silver Birch joins the palette of exterior paint colors.
Overview
Ford’s big sedan, second only in size to the Crown Victoria in its lineup, has a similar tall-shouldered look as the Chrysler 300, albeit with significantly less radical lines. Conservative styling belies the advanced technology beneath its skin. Designed simultaneously with Ford’s Freestyle crossover SUV, the Five Hundred has a tall seating position that gives drivers a higher, more commanding view of the road than most sedans.
The Five Hundred shares its platform with the Volvo S80, and options include a Volvo-designed all-wheel-drive system and a continuously variable transmission (CVT). The CVT allows the Five Hundred to draw adequate acceleration from its 3.0L V-6 engine, despite its modest 203 horsepower. The CVT is used on all-wheel-drive Five Hundreds, as well as the front-wheel-drive version of the SE. The front-drive SEL and Limited models use a traditional 6-speed automatic. EPA fuel mileage estimates range from 19 to 21 mpg city and 26 to 29 mpg highway, depending on the engine/transmission combination.
The basic SE model includes power-adjustable driver’s seat, air conditioning, a CD player, and cruise control; the SEL adds, among other things, dual-zone climate control, CD changer with MP3 capability, and a wood-trimmed interior. The top-of-the-line Limited includes heated leather seats with power adjustment for driver and passenger and an upgraded audio system. Anti-lock brakes are standard, and side curtain air bags and traction control are optional. Other options include power-adjustable pedals, a satellite-linked navigation system, and a rear seat DVD entertainment system—a rarity in a sedan.
The Competition
The Ford Five Hundred competes in the Large Conventional segment against 13 competitors from the United States, Japan, and Korea. Similar to the Midsize Conventional segment, value is the name of the game in this segment, where buyers are looking for modern safety features in a slightly larger package.
According to the J.D. Power and Associates Sales Report,SM the segment sales leader for calendar year 2005 was the Chevrolet Impala (246,481 sales), followed by the Chrysler 300 (144,048) and the Pontiac Grand Prix (122,398). The Ford Five Hundred was next with 107,932 sales.
