Acceleration

FWD SE	FWD SEL	AWD Limited	Class Average
6	6	6	5.8

Adequate and on par with most V6 rivals, despite one of the smallest engines in class. Test AWD Five Hundred did 7.5 sec 0-60 mph, test front-drive Montego did 7.9. CVT's best trait is good highway-passing response, though some drivers may need time to adjust to behavior in rapid acceleration, where engine speed can race ahead of road speed until CVT reaches "right" ratio. Disappointingly, 6-speed automatic hunts between gears, particularly in hilly terrain, and includes neither manual-shift feature nor capability to lock out top three gears.

Fuel Economy

FWD SE	FWD SEL	AWD Limited	Class Average
5	5	5	4.6

Test AWD Five Hundred and Montego averaged 19.1-19.2 mpg in mix of city/highway driving. Front-drive Montego with 6-speed automatic averaged 15.9 mpg in test that included gas-eating acceleration runs. Ford recommends regular-grade fuel for all Five Hundreds and Montegos.

Ride Quality

FWD SE	FWD SEL	AWD Limited	Class Average
7	7	7	6.6

Despite minor variations in suspension tuning, both Five Hundred and Montego are generally absorbent and composed on all surfaces, though sharpest bumps can jolt. Little difference in ride quality between 17- and 18-inch tires, or between front-drive and AWD.

Steering/Handling/Braking

FWD SE	FWD SEL	AWD Limited	Class Average
6	6	6	5.8

Good balance in turns, with only moderate lean, despite relatively tall body. Steering feel light at low speeds for easy parking, satisfyingly linear at higher speeds. Test AWD versions furnished outstanding grip on wet and snowy surfaces. Good brake-pedal feel and stopping power.

Quietness

FWD SE	FWD SEL	AWD Limited	Class Average
7	7	7	6.7

Fine suppression of wind, road noise. AWD test versions' powertrain whined audibly in even modest acceleration, and 6-speed automatic transmission's frequent downshifts means engine roars more often than with CVT.

Controls

FWD SE	FWD SEL	AWD Limited	Class Average
7	7	7	6

Five Hundred, Montego share basic dashboard layout. Gauges clearly marked, unobstructed, though some testers say electronic display for audio, climate, vehicle-information settings not easy to read. Some audio/climate controls mounted too low, requiring long look from road to adjust. Little difference in interior materials quality between Five Hundred, Montego. Some testers complain that stalks for windshield wipers, turn signals are too far from steering wheel.

Room/Comfort/Driver Seating (front)

FWD SE	FWD SEL	AWD Limited	Class Average
9	9	9	7.6

Commanding driving position aided by standard height-adjustable seat, low cowl, tall windows. Head room ample, leg room fine, though tallest drivers may wish for more rearward seat travel. Seats comfortably supportive; high mounting eases entry/exit. Visibility unusually good to rear corners.

Room/Comfort (rear)

FWD SE	FWD SEL	AWD Limited	Class Average
8	8	8	6.5

Sofa-high seating with limousinelike leg room, generous head room. Three adults fit shoulder to shoulder. Easy ingress/egress.

Cargo Room

FWD SE	FWD SEL	AWD Limited	Class Average
6	6	6	5.6

Voluminous trunk can hold eight full-size golf bags. Strut-type trunklid hinges don't rob space or threaten cargo. Rear seats fold, but pass-through restricted at bottom by angled side supports. SEL/Limited and all Montegos include fold-flat front-passenger seat that's handy for hauling long items. Covered dashtop bin handy, but interior storage nothing special.

Value within Class

FWD SE	FWD SEL	AWD Limited	Class Average
8	8	8	6.6

The Five Hundred and Montego earn our Recommended label for their generous passenger and cargo space, take-charge driving position, and great visibility. They're also on par with most rivals for acceleration and road manners. Available all-wheel drive is a class plus. The transmissions have their quirks, but Ford trusts they'll be accepted by consumers and prove to be reliable.

Total Score

FWD SE	FWD SEL	AWD Limited	Class Average
69	69	69	61.8

Scores for all Large Cars

Low Score		54
Average Score		61
High Score		71