2005 Ford Five Hundred Consumer Discussions

Why so many Five Hundreds on the lots for so long?

• Re: I agree with Scott... [coloradobj]

  Written by: jwhandyman on Sep 18, 2011 7:17:30 AM

  I bought one of the first Five Hundreds sold back in 2005. 187,000 miles later, still going strong and rides beautifully. Mostly highway miles, nothing more than routine maintenance. I think the point about lack of recognition is absolutely right - this is one of the least-appreciated cars Ford ever produced but one of the best overall. My Limited AWD CVT is one comfortable, roomy, fuel efficient ride.

Ford Five Hundred/Mercury Montego: Noises

• humming noise ford five hundred

  Written by: siobhan4409 on Mar 6, 2011 2:55:12 PM

  I have just a 2005 Ford Five Hundred AWD Limited with 200,000 miles. Engine is quiet, transmission is quiet. Here is the problem. It makes a humming noise when driving. Sounds like it is coming from the back. No vibrations. Just noise. I have never had an AWD before and dont know what is normal. It reminds me of four wheel drive sounds. I live in small town Ky and I ... Read More

Ford Five Hundred/Mercury Montego Maintenance & Repair

• Stereo unit on 2005 ford five hundred stopped working

  Written by: timferoli on Jan 28, 2011 2:52:50 PM

  I have a 2005 ford five hundred with 50K miles and just today my stereo unit stopped working. It worked when I shut the car off last but when I turned it on today it wouldn't power on. I checked every single fuse, even the ones that weren't related to the audio system and they're all fine. I'm assuming that there unit is either junk or there is a loose connection. ... Read More

Why so many Five Hundreds on the lots for so long?

• Re: I agree with Scott... [coloradobj]

  Written by: ljtaylor on Jul 24, 2010 4:43:29 PM

  I too have a Ford Five Hundred it is an 2005 and I love it. I have the Limited, it is the Birch color which is Silver. I have had no trouble with it, just normal up keep and maintenance. I added some extra's as well I put in the window deflectors and the sunroof deflector and it is a sharp looking car. People ask me all the time what kind ... Read More

Ford Five Hundred/Mercury Montego Maintenance & Repair

• Re: 2005 Ford Five Hundred Instrument Cluster [rodermann]

  Written by: john_r2112 on Jul 2, 2010 2:18:51 PM

  My 05 Montego has a similar problem. Back-up lights stay when started on and the oil and brake light in the instrument cluster stay on. Also, blinker arrows on instrument not working and can't lock doors via pwr lock. Started out intermittent, but happens always now. Has anyone else had these same symptoms? I'm guessing that this is probably a bad instrument cluster too.

• Re: 2005 Ford Five Hundred Instrument Cluster [adams430]

  Written by: rodermann on May 14, 2010 2:23:55 PM

  I have a 2005 Montego, same thing... dash says nothing except that the driver side airbag light is the only thing on, which means the airbag does not work. Weeks went by and all of the sudden it worked. Few days later... same thing, all dash quit working and the reverse lights stuck on. Thought it was mice. Just heard from the repair shop and was told that the car had ... Read More

• From the dealer...

  Written by: coloradobj on Feb 7, 2010 7:04:45 AM

  I have a 2005 LTD... I bought it new (bought the extended warranty since it was a new model year but haven't had to use it)... With all the recent rebates, I wondered about getting a new vehicle and went shopping... Thankfully I live in a smaller town (about 60,000) and the people at our Ford Dealership here they are very honest and straight forward... I asked the sales person about ... Read More

• Re: Ford Five Hundred Limited 2007 Purchase Pending [computerguru]

  Written by: c2c35 on Feb 6, 2010 9:34:28 PM

  I just read your message and i hope yur dad bought the car. It seamed like a real fair price. I have a 2005 ltd awd and i love it! I've never heard of the car ever "bucking" I bought mine a few years ago with 31k on it and i commute and i have now 86k knock on wood the only problems i've had has been changing tires and brakes! ... Read More

• Ford Five Hundred Limited 2007 Purchase Pending

  Written by: computerguru on Jan 12, 2010 5:34:09 PM

  Is this a good idea? Gosh, after having reviewed the 18 or so pages on the forum, it sounds like it may not. My dad is considering one - and will meet with the existing owner tomorrow morning, and will then proceed to his mechanic to have the vehicle inspected. The mileage is 38,000.00 and the private owner is asking $11,000.00. Is this a good deal? It seemed like most of ... Read More

• Re: Heated Seat not working [54brian]

  Written by: Mr_Shiftright on Oct 12, 2009 9:10:21 AM

  TSB 09-4-8 03/09/09 INOPERATIVE HEATED SEAT(S) - BUILT BEFORE 12/14/2007 FORD: 2005-2007 Five Hundred, Freestyle 2008 Taurus X, Taurus MERCURY: 2005-2007 Montego 2008 Sable ISSUE Some 2005-2007 Freestyle, Five Hundred, Montego and 2008 Taurus, Sable and Taurus X vehicles built before 12/14/2007 may exhibit an inoperative heated seat(s). This concern may be caused by an intermittent open element in the heated seat mat. ACTION Follow the Service Procedure steps to correct ... Read More

• Re: Ford Five Hundred [philipn]

  Written by: ronsmith38 on Apr 24, 2009 5:08:58 AM

  Ebay has owners manuals, some with supplements, for the 2005 Ford Five Hundred.

• Re: Ford Five Hundred Vibration [charlescurtis]

  Written by: oldasdirt on Sep 26, 2008 9:37:21 AM

  My 2005 five hundred started vibrating at 40 mph with 50,000 miles on Pirelli P6 tires. Most noticeable in the stearing and floorpan. Dealer said to check it out again after new tires were installed, the Pirellis were cupping. Replaced with Goodyear Assurance Comfortread M+S. Still vibrates at 40 MPH. Very annoying. Tires otherwise are quiet and comfortable compared to the Pirellis. Also have the dreaded bubble in the lid in ... Read More

• Re: brakes [gemini6]

  Written by: times2 on Oct 22, 2007 5:10:30 AM

  Well - hopefully, this will be a one-shot deal, per the warranty replacement program. Seems like the factory rear brakes were stored in damp conditions, which caused the problem. I just had my done last week under warranty at about 33,000 miles. The rotors were OK, so they just turned them to clean them up and put the new pads on. Here's the warranty letter if you need it. EXTENDED COVERAGE ... Read More

• Re: 2005 Ford Five Hundred Instrument Cluster [500gal]

  Written by: chuck1 on Apr 13, 2008 4:26:50 PM

  Since they reprogrammed the computer, and are now telling you it's the dashboard - they clearly do not know what the problem is and are guessing at your expenses. If they are sure the dashboard is the problem have them give them you money back if it doesn't work. FYI - I had this very same issue with a Ford Contour. NO ONE (even some of the best diagnostic shops in ... Read More

• Re: 2005 Ford Five Hundred Instrument Cluster [adams430]

  Written by: 500gal on Apr 13, 2008 1:14:20 PM

  Can you tell me if this problem happed again and what they did? I was just told they reprogrammed the board and the problem was back in a day now I am being told I need to replace the whole dash cluster. Which is 500.00 for a car that is 3 years old.

• Re: 2005 Ford Five Hundred Instrument Cluster [adams430]

  Written by: dssc99 on Sep 10, 2007 2:18:41 PM

  The same thing recently started happening to my five hundred. The dealer has no idea why this is happening and can't duplicate the situation. Have you found out what is causing the problem? Any help would be greatly appreciated.

What Are Your Thoughts on the Return of the Taurus/Sable?

• Re: Its the Look [barnstormer64]

  Written by: jmn1 on Nov 24, 2007 11:52:29 AM

  OK, as I haven't posted in a while; 1) The current generation Camry looks about as bad as can be. It reminds me of a hot dog looking at the front end (the current generation Chrysler 300 and last GM vans, but especially the Pontiac Montana SV6, also). 2) I would not by any means say I love it, but the look of the Taurus looks nice, like a dubbed-up Lincoln ... Read More

Ford Five Hundred/Mercury Montego Maintenance & Repair

• 2005 Ford Five Hundred Instrument Cluster

  Written by: adams430 on Aug 13, 2007 4:52:57 PM

  Instrument Cluster went completely dead, none of the gauges worked for a short period of time. The odometer went blank and all indicator lights/warning lights flashed for a moment. The gauges started working again and then went dead again. This happened several times in a 10 minute span. Then they all started working again, and has not happened in the last two days. Anyone had this happen with this car or ... Read More

• Re: Ford Five Hundred Vibration [jog4]

  Written by: ncsportsfan57 on Aug 1, 2007 9:09:32 AM

  Interesting to hear you tell this. Ford Customer Care is worthless as I have spoken with them about this 3 times in the past 14 months. Purchased vehicle in Aug 2005. Rear brakes replaced and rotors turned in Apr 2006 at 31,000 miles. Rear brakes replaced and rotors turned again at 54,000 miles in Oct 2006. Total cost $485 and no warranty coverage, even though I purchased the 100,000 extended coverage. ... Read More

Ford Five Hundred/Mercury Montego

• FYI - brakes.

  Written by: pnewby on Jul 5, 2007 6:11:56 AM

  EXTENDED COVERAGE PROGRAM 07N10 Certain 2005 through 2007 FWD & AWD Ford Five Hundred, Freestyle & Mercury Montego Vehicles - Rear Brake Wear -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Frank M. Ligon Director Service Engineering Operations Ford Customer Service Division Ford Motor Company P.O. Box 1904 Dearborn, Michigan 48121 July 3, 2007 TO: All U.S. Ford and Lincoln Mercury Dealers SUBJECT: Customer Satisfaction Program 07N10 Certain 2005 through 2007 FWD & AWD Ford Five Hundred, Freestyle ... Read More

• Rear Brake Pads.

  Written by: pnewby on Mar 2, 2007 6:43:33 AM

  For anyone that doesn't see the posts on the Freestyle rear brake discussion, found the following- Just not exactly sure what the statement meant about the "Warranty" provision. Hope it isn't Ford trying to cheapen out. Printable View (51 KB) TSB 07-5-9 REAR BRAKE DRAG, NOISE, DUST, AND/OR PREMATURE PAD WEAR Publication Date: February 28, 2007 FORD: 2005-2007 Five Hundred, Freestyle MERCURY: 2005-2007 Montego This article supersedes TSB 06-22-17 to update ... Read More

• Hankook Tires research

  Written by: receiver88 on Feb 24, 2007 10:48:09 AM

  Alright, with all this Hankook Tires talk on the Edge going on, I decided to do some research on them. Turns out they are the 8th largest tire manufacturer in the world. Aside from the Korean automakers, they also supply Ford and Volkswagen. In a Consumer Reports test of 18 all-season tires reported in Nov. 2005, the Hankook Mileage Plus II H725 finished third behind Goodyear Assurance TripleTred and Michelin X ... Read More

What Are Your Thoughts on the Return of the Taurus/Sable?

• Re: Good Move [nvbanker]

  Written by: w9cw on Feb 22, 2007 7:02:54 AM

  Let's face it, image, and overinflated egos, are what sell many of the high line makes, and many SUVs here in the good old USA. Manufacturers love it, as they make substantially larger profits supplying what egocentrics "think" they need. That being said I just bought a 2001 Sable LS Premium with 36,000 miles on the clock for my daughter who's in graduate school for $6,000. The car was never a ... Read More

• Re: Ford Bore-Us [bristol2]

  Written by: barnstormer64 on Feb 14, 2007 2:24:24 PM

  Add some more power and it could be a I-can't-afford-an-Avalon type vehicle. Again, the 2005 Ford Five Hundred nearly matched the 2005 Toyota Avalon XLS in the 1/4 miles, according to Dragtimes.com Was the 2005 Avalon underpowerd? Were there hordes of people proclaiming it to be so? Why not?

• Re: Taurus Rising II [gregg_vw]

  Written by: barnstormer64 on Feb 11, 2007 4:29:57 PM

  Like I've said, the 500's acceleration has been more about the perception than reality. Yes, Ford was more than remiss to introduce what is essentially a full-size car with only one engine, and a 3.0 at that I guess Ford made the mistake, then, of thinking people were RATIONAL. Here we have people bashing the Five Hundred because it "can't get out of its own way" . . and I seriously ... Read More

• Re: Taurus Rising II [douglasr]

  Written by: barnstormer64 on Feb 11, 2007 2:29:31 PM

  Who wants to drive an underpowered car that can't get out of its own way? Anybody who bought a 2005 Toyota Avalon XLS, I guess. :D http://www.dragtimes.com/Ford--Five-Hundred-Drag-Racing.html 500: 1/4 mile in 16.4 secs, ending at 86 mph http://www.dragtimes.com/Toyota--Avalon-Drag-Racing.html Avalon: 1/4 mile in 16.2 secs, ending at 87 mph

• Re: The part that makes no sense... [heyjewel]

  Written by: gregg_vw on Feb 10, 2007 10:12:14 PM

  Oh, geez, go to bed! Pinto or Escort names have nothing on Focus. The 2000 Focus was so much better than Escort that it buried it. And the European continues that excellence even if the American version no longer does. But 500 is POS name that mever should have seen the light of day. A few people bought it this half-baked product, but not enough to get it on the radar ... Read More

Ford Five Hundred/Mercury Montego

• 2006 vs. 2005 Five Hundred

  Written by: vrm on Jun 8, 2006 9:03:16 PM

  Did Ford make any changes or improvements to the 2006 Five Hundred model? Are there any differences between the 2005 vs. 2006 model years? Thanks!

Ford Five Hundred/Mercury Montego Maintenance & Repair

• Re: Ford Five Hundred Vibration [nedc2]

  Written by: vrm on Jun 2, 2006 12:19:06 PM

  The only other problem I've noticed is a slight but annoying rattle which comes from the driver side A-pillar when driving over certain road surfaces, like washboard roads, for an extended time. Sounds like a loose plastic connector or something in the pillar. Hi, I assume you have one of the early 2005 models since you been driving for 18 months. Is it the SEL or Limited? Also, after you pricked ... Read More

• Re: Ford Five Hundred Vibration [vrm]

  Written by: barnstormer64 on Jun 1, 2006 1:24:05 PM

  Has anyone else experienced these problems on the 500? Or are these isolated to Charles car? I haven't seen any issues like that on my 500 or Freestyle. Both at around 10,000 miles, and 1+ years of ownership (both 2005 models).

Ford Five Hundred/Mercury Montego

• Re: Gregg [ANT14]

  Written by: gregg_vw on Mar 13, 2006 6:59:57 AM

  No doubt many 500 owners are satisfied with their vehicle. You miss my point. Ford has lost more market share over the past 10 years than than GM or Chrysler. You may make company arguments about why the 500 sells less units, but the fact remains that Ford, along with Chevy and Toyota among others (not Sonata or Chrysler 300 pre-2005) was the volume car seller. I have no quarrel with ... Read More

• Re: Noise vs Acceleration [2zmax]

  Written by: barnstormer64 on Mar 7, 2006 11:14:24 AM

  If you don't mind me asking what were the deciding factors for your car purchase? I liked the fact that I was getting to use an engine that I *knew* (from personal experience in two Tauri) was reliable. I also liked the availble AWD and the CVT (standard on the Freestyle, optional with the Five Hundred though standard with the AWD). I liked the ride height (higher than a sedan, lower ... Read More

• 300 vs 500

  Written by: mschmal on Mar 8, 2006 5:23:15 AM

  In 2005 Chrysler sold just over 144,000 Chrysler 300s. Ford sould about 108,000 Five Hundreds and about 27,000 Milans. Fords target was 125,000 combined which Ford clearly beat. Just because you wouldn't buy a specific car, doesn't mean that everone else won't. Ford sold over 901,000 F-Series. Ram P/U sales were 400,000. NOW that is a difference. Mark.

• Re: 2008 Update...?! [mikeroch]

  Written by: micweb on Dec 30, 2005 2:58:28 PM

  The Focus is a much higher volume car for Ford, but they haven't made any significant appearance changes since it came out in 1999. They "promised" a refreshening for 2005, but I can barely see the differences, and I love cars. So I doubt they will change much on the Five Hundred, a lower volume car, externally, for 2008. The whole "buzz" about an early update on the Five Hundred came ... Read More

Hyundai Azera vs Toyota Avalon vs Ford Taurus vs Chevrolet Impala

• Re: Have you even DRIVEN a 500? [scramblinman]

  Written by: barnstormer64 on Dec 1, 2005 7:44:31 PM

  "Edmunds say 8.2 seconds for a 2000 Impala LS " "Edmunds says 8.93 seconds for a 2005 Ford Five Hundred Limited w/AWD & CVT " And this site http://autos.msn.com/research/vip/Spec_Glance.aspx?year=2005&make=Ford&model=Five%20Hundre- d&trimid=-1 Says 7.6 seconds for the SEL with CVT (no AWD) And this site http://auto.consumerguide.com/Auto/New/reviews/full/index.cfm/id/38122/Act/Roadtest?print=- yes/ says 7.5 seconds for the AWD / CVT combo And this site http://www.automarketreview.com/1112504.shtml says "That said, it actually doesn't perform as lethargically as the power numbers ... Read More

• Re: Have you even DRIVEN a 500? [barnstormer64]

  Written by: scramblinman on Dec 1, 2005 2:25:22 PM

  "Even my wife, a very mellow driver, commented on it's lack of power and responsiveness compared to her old car, a '00 Impala LS 3.8 V6 with 95,000 miles on the odometer." What's her 0-60 time in that thing? Edmunds say 8.2 seconds for a 2000 Impala LS What's your 0-60 time in the Five Hundred? Edmunds says 8.93 seconds for a 2005 Ford Five Hundred Limited w/AWD & CVT Be ... Read More

Ford Five Hundred/Mercury Montego

• Info leaks on Ford’s 35 Duratec

  Written by: buckwheat on May 15, 2005 6:41:44 PM

  May 13, 2005, 3:31 PM ET by Walter J Keegan Jr. http://www.autoblog.com/ In some ways this is great news. The 3.5-liter Duratec engine is ready for the CD3 sedans next year. The 2007 versions of the Lincoln Zephyr, Mercury Milan and Ford Fusion will all have the 3.5 as optional engines. Now here’s the bad news: If Ford continues with these dates, the D3 Chicago cars: Five Hundred, Montego and Freestlye ... Read More

• Rapid updates? 2006 production start date

  Written by: fsmmcsi on Apr 17, 2005 10:25:05 AM

  fdcapt2 - Yes, the current progress of Hyundai/Kia is amazing, although they are still behind on engines. I think that Ford simply underestimated the market. I strongly suspect that there are many others like me who would not mind paying $3,000 more for the car if that money bought the missing features we want. The reportedly much higher than expected sales of the Limited/Premier versions and all-wheel drive is ample evidence ... Read More

• 2005 Full-Size Comparison Test

  Written by: lexusrocks on Mar 29, 2005 1:05:01 PM

  Finally! I was waiting for another comparison test to appear on this website. I'm glad that my comparison test idea (see above) actually happened. Not surprisingly for me, the Buick took fourth and the Avalon took first. The Ford Five Hundred has been criticized by many for bland styling and a weak engine. The styling is great! Nothing offensive, quite conservative the perfect vehicle for those who don't want to stick ... Read More

Ford Five Hundred/Mercury Montego Prices Paid and Buying Experience

• press request

  Written by: kirstie_h on Feb 28, 2005 11:18:05 AM

  If you own a Ford Five Hundred, a newspaper reporter wants to talk with you today, February 28, 2005. Please respond asap to jfallon@edmunds.com.

Ford Five Hundred/Mercury Montego

• press request

  Written by: kirstie_h on Feb 28, 2005 11:16:51 AM

  If you own a Ford Five Hundred, a newspaper reporter wants to talk with you today, February 28, 2005. Please respond asap to jfallon@edmunds.com.

• no title

  Written by: buckwheat on Jan 4, 2005 7:22:45 PM

  A V-8 producing more HP and Torque in a Five Hundred? - it sure won't be one with a CVT - the current CVT just about handles the torque of the 3-liter which is why there is no rush to put a 3.5L with greater torque in the Five Hundred - Montego anytime in the "immediate" future. The manufacture of the 3.5L (Duratec-35) is not scheduled until the end of 2005 ... Read More

• This is sitll a Ford

  Written by: mschmal on Dec 15, 2004 11:29:07 PM

  I think people really need to keep in mind the whole purpose of the 500 when they are talking about it.   This car is all about getting alot of car for you money and I think it more than delivers in the value catagory ESPECIALLY as an SE or SEL.   People keep bashing on Ford but as you read this, Ford is on the way to becoming the LARGEST ... Read More

Ford Five Hundred/Mercury Montego: Safety & Crash Tests

• Thought you may like this...

  Written by: figueroafamily on Dec 15, 2004 3:29:35 PM

  I spend my town hall time on the Freestyle one, but I thought you may like this... ============== This is part of a Ford press release.   http://media.ford.com/article_display.cfm?article_id=19773&ma- ke_id=trust    DEARBORN, Mich., Dec. 14, 2004 - Ford Motor Company today announced that the 2005 Ford Five Hundred has received NHTSA's top five-star crash-test rating for front- and side-impacts - the only 2005 model passenger car tested to achieve this performance without ... Read More

Ford Five Hundred/Mercury Montego

• Ford Five Hundred Opinions

  Written by: briham on Dec 3, 2004 7:26:24 AM

  It seems the consensus of opions is as follows: Positives: High ride, large interior, safety(a la Volvo), CVT and available AWD(with proven volvo components) Negatives: Bland styling, moderately powered engine as the only choice. Personally I like the car. As a family car I think it would be a very solid choice. They may have considered offering a sport option first with a big engine and then have cheaper models available ... Read More

• Re: [eaton53]

  Written by: alpha01 on Nov 30, 2004 6:33:54 PM

  James Healy of USA Today? That vaunted automotive publication? Clearly it must be a "driver's car!". (In all seriousness, though, GM should be commended if the LaCrosse handles as adeptly as that article states. MT didnt really gush about handling but the mag didnt decry it either. Looks to be a very good compromise between ride and agility.) With respect to the Avalon vs. Five Hundred...by better... I mean faster, more ... Read More

• Re: [ANT14]

  Written by: alpha01 on Nov 23, 2004 4:57:13 PM

  Actually, since its introduction in its most recent version, the Lexus ES has had a very modest price increase while stepping up the standard equipment. Velour used to be the standard fabric, but world-class LS-grade (Lexus, not Lincoln, lol) leather is now the standard. The base price including MSRP of the 2002 ES300 (with no leather, smaller V6, 16 inch wheels) was $32,080. The base price including MSRP of the 2005 ... Read More

• Re: Clearing up the Plastic [6yearoldpassat]

  Written by: fish8 on Nov 22, 2004 11:52:13 AM

  This is an interesting comparison, but you are comparing a 6 year old Passat to a BRAND NEW Ford Five Hundred. I hope the Ford fairs better in such a comparison since it is a 2004 - 2005 model. I wonder how a '05 Passat would compare??

• no title

  Written by: buckwheat on Oct 20, 2004 3:56:01 PM

  News Surprise demand prompts Ford to build more Freestyles, fewer Five Hundreds AMY WILSON | Automotive News http://www.autoweek.com/news.cms?newsId=101059 Posted Date: 10/20/04 DETROIT -- Ford Motor Co. will build fewer Ford Five Hundreds and more Ford Freestyles at its assembly plant in Chicago, Ford Division President Steve Lyons said last week. The market's surprise demand for the Freestyle is triggering the mix adjustment, Lyons said. "We thought it was going to be ... Read More

• johnclineii:

  Written by: buckwheat on Oct 11, 2004 12:37:36 PM

  As you say you'll probably buy this so Good Luck to you.. 2005 Five Hundred SEL AWD VIN: 1FAHP27125G111632 Dealer: Chenoweth Ford Lincoln Mercury (888) 871-1583 Route 50 East, Clarksburg, WV 26301 Ext: Pueblo Gold Met. Int: Pebble - Total MSRP: $27,340.00 - 3.0L 4V V6 Duratec Engine - - Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) - All Wheel Drive (AWD) - Automatic Headlamps - Keypad/Autolock - Power Windows and Locks - Heated ... Read More

• ANYONE ELSE NOTICE

  Written by: avenger1 on Sep 9, 2004 4:56:15 PM

  That the ford site now allows you to build and price the 500? Did I miss something or is this new? Also, priced out a fully loaded AWD limited... 2005 Five Hundred Limited AWD Base Vehicle: $27,845.00 Colors: Dk Shadow Grey Met - Ext. Pebble - Int. Optional Features: $2,030.00 Destination: $650.00 Total MSRP: $30,525.00 OUCH! About twice the price of a Taurus! Granted, the Taurus is steeply discounted and no ... Read More

• fsmmcsi

  Written by: alpha01 on Sep 3, 2004 10:55:39 PM

  Side Curtain Airbags are STANDARD across the Accord 2005 model line, so Honda has apparently made your criticism invalid (but whose comparing an Accord 2 door to a Five Hundred anyway?). nvbanker- I guess we'll agree to disagree. In my opinion, the Fords that merit accolades get them (Focus, Escape), and the new Mustang has gotten quite a buzz as well. The Expedition deserves to be panned, and it is, just ... Read More

• Re: [mariner7]

  Written by: nedc2 on Aug 20, 2004 10:32:09 AM

  I think that J. Mayes "leaked" the information about the refresh because he is in the process of leading a transition to a new unified signature style for Ford division vehicles, so-called heritage lines like the Mustang and T-Bird won't be affected by the changes. Ford division really hasn't had too much of a brand identity for their passenger cars since the early 90's with the aero look, then still under ... Read More

• mschmal - rear drive

  Written by: fsmmcsi on Aug 11, 2004 10:46:40 AM

  The pricing of the Five Hundred / Montego and the 300 with the 3.5 V6 are very close, and they both offer similar interior room, but the Ford cars have a much larger trunk. I do not understand how anyone would not look at both. The basic Impala chasis dates from the middle 1980's. As for rear drive, that is a big plus, although the Ford AWD really helps reduce the ... Read More

• no title

  Written by: buckwheat on Aug 10, 2004 10:49:15 AM

  I see Media Ford has updated the annual 2005 Fuel Economy cost and made some changes to their chart eliminating the 4WD Freestyle but continue to maintain a 4WD Five Hundred and a 4WD Montego http://media.ford.com/article_display.cfm?article_id=17877&ma- ke_id=92

• no title

  Written by: dave2222 on Aug 4, 2004 8:52:16 PM

  Fords cost cutting isnt to use cheaper materials. Actually its the opposite by streamlining designs and reducing the number of different parts used you considerably reduce transport costs, retooling costs, supplier costs, taxs, etc... Quality also rises as supply chains arent interrupted nearly as much. Fords now able to reinvest those saved costs into higher quality material. So while you may get a wider variety in interiors from other brands you'll ... Read More

• no title

  Written by: dave2222 on Aug 4, 2004 8:43:18 PM

  The fusion will not directly replace the Taurus. The taurus in itself would be too hard to directly replace as its sales are far to great. So we've been spreading the risk with the Freestyle, Five Hundred, and Fusion. The Freestyle will compete more with subaru and other sports wagons and for those people who arent looking for something as sporty as a Nissan Mazda or Subaru. The Five Hundred is ... Read More

• The 500s acceleration under 8 seconds?

  Written by: alpha01 on Jul 31, 2004 9:22:21 AM

  I dont believe it. I think under 9 seconds is a question mark, let alone under 8 seconds. The most recent issue of Business Week states of the Five Hundred, Freestyle, and Montego: Page 34 Aug 9 2004 "..the cars, based on the chassis made by partner Volvo, gets high marks for smooth handling, comfortable ride, and roomy, easily reconfigured interiors. Yet their heavy weight makes them feel sluggish, say those ... Read More

• This past weekend...

  Written by: grbeck on Jun 7, 2004 7:54:12 PM

  ...Carlisle Productions held the All-Ford Nationals. Ford brought several prototype vehicles to the show, along with the production-ready 2005 Mustang and Freestyle. Oddly enough, there were no Five Hundreds or Montegos to be found. Since the Ford display was touting the "Year of the Car," I would think Ford would have wanted to have one of its most important new car introductions in years on display for Ford fans. On a ... Read More

• ANT

  Written by: alpha01 on Apr 12, 2004 3:43:55 PM

  I understand your point, and I agree that acceleration is just one aspect of a vehicles overall package. I just feel a 200 hp powerplant is disappointing in an otherwise all new effort. I dont care that we'll get the 3.5L in a year. That will be fine for then- but what about now? Consumers looking to purchase now but wanting power will NOT purchase the car. Reference the above post. ... Read More

• Ordering Guide

  Written by: a_l_hubcaps on Apr 15, 2004 5:08:36 PM

  In case anyone's interested in option information, the Five Hundred ordering guide is out. Run a Google search for: ford 2005 "ordering guides" and it's the first hit. Just FYI. -Andrew L

• Duratec 35 & Ford CVT

  Written by: buckwheat on Mar 26, 2004 3:29:48 PM

  From design in early 2000, to production in late 2005, almost 6 years does not demonstrate any urgency to move forward even though Fords' Roman Krygler, a group VP, stated "we saw we had a hole in our line-up in the mid range V6 area, so we designed this to fill it. "In 2003 Ford had in place "prototypes that have verified the Duratec-35 completely." So what is the delay, it ... Read More

• no title

  Written by: johnclineii on Mar 24, 2004 4:37:10 AM

  Interesting, as that is what the four cylinder turbo in the upcoming Legacy/Outback will produce, and the car is much lighter. The relatively lower power output in the 2005 Five Hundred/Montego is what started me looking at the Subarus in a serious way. I may still wait for the Fords, but it is far more likely I will buy the Subaru. Sad, really, as I much prefer the body size and ... Read More

• Good Looks

  Written by: fsmmcsi on Feb 6, 2004 4:43:23 PM

  I happen to think the car is very attractive, and I like the front end. It is classy, not frumpy. If you read the article I referenced, the taget market wants something classy (the 500 is), something which can be used to go nice places, or work, or play. The target market is 40 year olds, not fashion driven 20 year olds, so I think that Ford did a wonderful job. ... Read More

• Show the Five Hundred at the St. Louis Auto Show

  Written by: daytona3 on Jan 27, 2004 12:17:59 AM

  I've been reading these posts about the Five Hundred and thought I would make some comments based on seeing the real thing. At the show, the Five Hundred was on a stationary platform. It was painted in a nice dark grey metallic paint job.    *From what I saw and remember, the paint had a nice Toyota and almost Lexus quality look to it. The paint looked full and deep. *The ... Read More

• wallflowering

  Written by: alpha01 on Jan 23, 2004 5:06:12 PM

  I've been a silent observer on this board for some time now, but there are a few comments about this promising vehicle that I'd like to make. Styling: So much debate. Who cares? Styling is subjective, so why bother arguing whether it will sell because its bland, wont sell because its bland, etc. Personally, I do not see the "Audi/VW influence in the front". I think Ford is using Freestar headlights ... Read More

• 3.5L future

  Written by: buckwheat on Jan 17, 2004 12:32:41 PM

  Right now there is no CVT for Fords' approx: 245hp Duratec 35 engine (which is also not available yet). The CVT, for the recently reportedly improved Duratec 30 with 200hp & 200lbs of torque, can handle no more than 220lbs of torque. The Duratec 35, obviously exceeds that torque range, sure the six speed automatic wil mate up fine but is only offered for FWD. So when the Duratec 35 debuts ... Read More

• emt, I hear you

  Written by: buckwheat on Jan 6, 2004 7:06:46 PM

  and share your concern Re: the ZF/CVT especially when it is a joint venture with Ford that began in 1998 wherein Ford owns 49%.. ZF in Batavia, Ohio was supposed to ship its first CVTs in 2001. They did'nt make that schedule stating "A product which isn't ready cannot be sold." More than two years later they began supplying CVTs. Ford and ZF have denied any manufacturing or quality glitches even ... Read More

2005 Mercury Montego

• 2005 Mercury Montego

  Written by: ANT14 on May 3, 2003 5:32:02 AM

  2005 Mercury montego, a chromed clone of the Ford Five-Hundred. Here are some pics.... http://osx.wieck.com/pv/WKA/2003/02/12/WKA2003021245079_pv.jpg http://osx.wieck.com/pv/WKA/2003/02/12/WKA2003021244029_pv.jpg Debuting with a 3.0L DOHC V6 Duratec engine, probably making between 220-240HP. A year later, a 3.5L DOHC Cyclone V6 will debut, making 250HP. An available AWD version will be an option. CVT and 6 Speed transmission will be used as well. Any thoughts, opinions?