2007 Ford Five Hundred: Road Test

Archived Review

2007 Ford Five Hundred 

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  • MSRP: $23,035 -$28,460
  • Invoice: $21,281 -$26,164

Related to Ford Five Hundred/Taurus

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Our road test for the 2007 Ford Five Hundred includes a full evaluation of the 2007 Ford Five Hundred from the inside out. We evaluate not only engine and handling performance for the 2007 Ford Five Hundred, but also interior cabin and cargo space. Let our comprehensive road test ratings for the 2007 Ford Five Hundred help you decide if a 2007 Ford Five Hundred is right for you.

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ACCELERATION

SEL Limited w/nav. sys. AWD Limited Class Average
6 6 6 6.1

Despite one of the smallest engines in this class, Five Hundred and Montego have adequate power and accelerate on par with most V6 rivals. Test AWD Five Hundred did 7.5 sec 0-60 mph, a front-drive Montego 7.9. CVT has good passing response, but can allow engine speed to race ahead of road speed, which can take getting used to. On some models tested, 6-speed automatic frequently hunted between gears.

FUEL ECONOMY

SEL Limited w/nav. sys. AWD Limited Class Average
5 5 5 4.5

With front-drive and 6-speed automatic, test Five Hundred Limiteds averaged 19.0-21.7 mpg, test Montego 15.9 mpg; Montego test included gas-eating acceleration runs. Test AWD Five Hundreds and Montegos averaged 19.1 mpg. All models use regular-grade fuel.

RIDE QUALITY

SEL Limited w/nav. sys. AWD Limited Class Average
7 7 7 6.8

Despite minor variations in suspension tuning, Five Hundred and Montego are generally absorbent and composed on all surfaces, though sharpest bumps can jolt. Ride quality differs little with 17- vs. 18-inch tires or with front-wheel drive vs. AWD.

STEERING/HANDLING/BRAKING

SEL Limited w/nav. sys. AWD Limited Class Average
6 6 6 5.9

Good balance in turns, with modest lean despite relatively tall body. Steering effort light at low speeds for easy parking, firms up as speed rises for accurate control. AWD Five Hundreds, Montegos furnish outstanding grip on wet or snowy surfaces; test front-drive versions not as adept in these conditions. Good brake pedal feel and stopping control.

QUIETNESS

SEL Limited w/nav. sys. AWD Limited Class Average
7 7 7 6.9

Wind and road noise well-contained. Test AWDs with CVT suffered audible powertrain whine, even in modest acceleration. V6 a bit rowdy at high rpm, seems more noticeable with 6-speed automatic transmission's frequent shifting.

CONTROLS

SEL Limited w/nav. sys. AWD Limited Class Average
7 6 7 6.5

Clear, simple gauges contrast with button-filled audio and climate panels--the latter set too low for easy use while driving. And their electronic readouts can be hard to see. Navigation system absorbs, but doesn't complicate, audio controls. Steering wheel's look-alike audio and cruise control switches take learning, too. Some testers say stalks for wipers and turn signals are too far from steering wheel. Montego, despite upscale image, differs little from Five Hundred in cabin decor. Soft-touch surfaces abound, but overall effect pleasant, not elegant.

ROOM/COMFORT/DRIVER SEATING (FRONT)

SEL Limited w/nav. sys. AWD Limited Class Average
9 9 9 7.9

Driving position higher than in other cars. Combines with low dashtop, tall windows for outstanding outward visibility. Head room ample, leg room fine, though taller occupants may wish for more rearward seat travel. Seats comfortably supportive; high positioning eases entry/exit.

ROOM/COMFORT (REAR)

SEL Limited w/nav. sys. AWD Limited Class Average
8 8 8 7

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

CARGO ROOM

SEL Limited w/nav. sys. AWD Limited Class Average
6 6 6 5.5

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. Five Hundred and Montego include fold-flat front-passenger seat, handy for hauling long items. Covered dashtop bin handy, but interior storage nothing special.

VALUE WITHIN CLASS

SEL Limited w/nav. sys. AWD Limited Class Average
8 7 8 7.2

Five Hundred and the similar Mercury Montego earn Recommended status for their generous passenger space and cargo room, take-charge driving stance, 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.

Total Score

SEL Limited w/nav. sys. AWD Limited Class Average
69 67 69 64.3

Total Score: 68

Scores for all Large Cars

Low Score
56
Average Score
64
High Score
71

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