2005-2008 Ford Five Hundred: Full Review

The Five Hundred's acceleration is adequate and on par with most V6 rivals, even though it has one of the smallest engines in its class. A test AWD Five Hundred did 0-60 mph in 7.5 seconds; a test front-drive Mercury Montego did 7.9. The CVT's best trait is good highway-passing response, though some drivers may need time to adjust to its behavior in rapid acceleration, where the engine speed can race ahead of road speed until CVT reaches the "right" ratio. Disappointingly, the 6-speed automatic hunts between gears, particularly in hilly terrain, and includes neither a manual-shift feature nor the capability to lock out the top three gears. A test AWD Five Hundred averaged 19.1 mpg in a mix of city/highway driving. A front-wheel-drive Mercury Montego with 6-speed automatic averaged 15.9 mpg in a test that included gas-eating acceleration runs. Ford recommended regular-grade fuel for all Five Hundreds. The Five Hundred's ride is generally absorbent and composed on all surfaces, though the sharpest bumps can jolt. There is little difference in ride quality between the available 17- and 18-inch tires, or between front-drive and AWD. The Five Hundred exhibits good balance in turns, with only moderate lean despite its relatively tall body. Steering feel is light at low speeds for easy parking, and becomes satisfyingly linear at higher speeds. Test AWD Five Hundreds furnished outstanding grip on wet and snowy surfaces. Both brake-pedal feel and stopping power are good. Inside, the Five Hundred's gauges are clearly marked and unobstructed, though some testers say the electronic display for audio, climate, and vehicle-information settings is not easy to read. Some audio/climate controls are mounted too low, requiring a long look from the road to adjust. Some testers complain that the stalks for the windshield wipers and turn signals are too far from the steering wheel. Overall, Five Hundred is reasonably quiet, with fine suppression of wind and road noise. However, the AWD test versions' powertrain whined audibly in even modest acceleration, and the 6-speed automatic transmission's frequent downshifts means the engine roars more often than with the CVT. Up front, the commanding driving position is aided by the low cowl, tall windows, and standard height-adjustable seat. Head room is ample and leg room is fine, though the tallest drivers may wish for more rearward seat travel. The front seats are comfortably supportive, and their high mounting eases entry/exit. Visibility to the rear corners is unusually good. The rear seat area has sofa-high seating with limousinelike leg room and generous head room. Three adults fit shoulder to shoulder. Rear ingress and egress is easy. The Five Hundred's voluminous trunk can hold eight full-size golf bags. Strut-type trunklid hinges don't rob space or threaten cargo. The rear seats fold, but the pass-through is restricted at the bottom by angled side supports. SEL and Limited include a fold-flat front-passenger seat that's useful for hauling long items. The covered dashtop bin is handy, but interior storage is nothing special.

Value for the Money
The Five Hundred earns high marks for its generous passenger and cargo space, a take-charge driving position, good road manners, and available all-wheel drive. Engine choice is limited to a single V6, but it has adequate power for this duty. And while the transmissions have some quirks, they're not deal-breakers.