The Ford Five Hundred is a four-door, five-passenger, front-engine, front- or all-wheel drive, full-size, high-roof sedan[6] manufactured and marketed in North America by Ford in a single generation for model years 2005-2007. It was a direct byproduct of Ford's 1999 acquisition of Volvo Cars; a strong market shift in automotive tastes away from sedans to minivans and SUV/CUVs — and a concerted effort by Ford to rethink the traditional sedan/wagon formula.[7]
Presented as a single concept drawing[8] at the 2002 New York Auto Show, the Five Hundred was formally presented in production form at the 2004 North American International Auto Show along with its co-developed platform-mates, the Mercury Montego and the crossover Ford Freestyle — the so called Chicago D3's, for the plant where they were manufactured (Chicago Assembly) and the platform they shared, the D3 platform, a revised variant of Volvo's P2 platform.
Ford chose to continue its fourth generation Taurus, critical to the company's fleet sales, and overlap that production with the new sedan, using the Five Hundred nameplate and emphasizing its optional all-wheel drive and continuously variable transmission, extensive safety features, large interior volume and high H-point seating, the latter marketed as Command View seating.
Internally designated the D258 model, the Five Hundred was styled by George Bucher, Chief Designer,[1][9] under the direction of Ford Vice President of Design, J Mays[10] the latter who gave the Five Hundred its name,[4] recalling the "500" suffix Ford had used to designate a model's top trim level, as with the Galaxie "500".
The Five Hundred's 203hp engine and conservative styling became points of criticism, and sales fell markedly short of company projections — requiring substantive discounts by its second model year.[11] The Five Hundred was swiftly facelifted and given a new nameplate for model years 2008-2009 — as the fifth generation Ford Taurus.
Having entered production on July 12, 2004[12] and gone on sale in September 2004, the Five Hundred reached 65% of its projected annual sales of 120,000[13] — or total domestic sales of 241,000 over three model years. The Five Hundred nameplate continued in use outside North America.
In 2000, Ford presented the Prodigy concept, a 72 MPG diesel-electric hybrid designed as part of the Partnership for a New Generation of Vehicles. The Prodigy influenced the exterior styling of the Five Hundred as well as the horizontal "three-bar" grille which subsequently became a Ford styling theme.
Noted for its minimalist exterior styling, the "strong graphic simplicity"[16] of its interior design, tall interior cabin, high H-point seating and prominent greenhouse recalling the Volkswagen Passat (1997–2005) and Audi A6 (1997–2004), the Five Hundred was designed by George Bucher, Chief Designer,[1][2] under the direction of Ford Vice President of Design, J Mays, who'd previously designed both for Passat and Audi while with the Volkswagen Group.[3] Ford vice president Phil Martens noted that at a time when the industry was trying to design car-based crossovers, the Five Hundred was the first crossover-based car.[17]
Platform and safety
The Five Hundred uses the Ford D3 platform shared with the Mercury Montego and Ford Freestyle. An evolution of the Volvo P2 platform (used in the Volvo S80), the D3 platform marked the shift to front-wheel drive in full-size Ford sedans; an electro-hydraulic Haldex all-wheel drive system (based on that used on the Volvo S80 and XC90) was optional in all versions of the Five Hundred or Mercury Montego.[18]
In addition to adapting the P2 platform and its Haldex AWD to the Five Hundred, Volvo engineers incorporated numerous Volvo safety innovations.[19] Front seats sit on a hydroformed cross-car steel beam between the B-pillars (directly below an identical beam above the B-pillars), complemented by reinforced roof crossmember[18][20] — marketed by Ford as SPACE architecture (Side Protection and Cabin Enhancement), an adaptation of Volvo's Side Impact Protection System (SIPS), channeling impact forces around the passenger compartment. Front frame rails were redesigned to better absorb impact forces.[18] Volvo co-engineered the collapsible steering column and roof-mounted airbags.[19] With standard dual front airbags, the Five Hundred was available with an optional safety package that included both side airbags and curtain airbags.[18] The Five Hundred received both a five-star rating for front- and side-impact performance in government testing, as well as a "Best Pick" rating from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety for frontal crash performance.[21]
Incorporating independent suspensions front and rear, the Five hundred used MacPherson strut front suspension and a multi-link rear axle with coilover shocks — along with front and rear stabilizer bars[18] and four-wheel anti-lock disc brakes (12.5-inch front, 13-inch rear).[18]
The Five Hundred/Mercury Montego was powered by a single engine, shared with the Ford Taurus: a 203 hp 3.0L Duratec V6, paired with a 6-speed Aisin automatic transmission (for front-wheel drive versions) or a ZF CVT (for AWD), the latter a first for a US domestic automaker.[19]
A distinguishing feature of the Five Hundred is its 61.5" overall height — over 5 inches taller than the Ford Taurus marketed alongside it. The high-roof design allowed an elevated H-point (hip point).[22] As with the first-generation Ford Focus, the seats of the Five Hundred were positioned relatively high off the floor, providing an upright seating position for improved visibility, access, egress and driver confidence. The rear seat was positioned higher than the front seats. 60/40 folding rear seat supplemented the 21 cubic foot trunk (larger than the Lincoln Town Car). With the option of a folding front passenger seat, a Five Hundred was able to carry objects up to ten feet long inside the vehicle.
While visibility was one factor behind the higher seating position, safety was another. Derived from the Volvo Side Impact Protection System (SIPS), seating sat atop a cross-car steel beam underneath the front seats.
George Bucher, Ford's chief designer said "it was a challenge to sculpt a Ford-styled body around a Volvo chassis, and added that designers used what he calls plainer surfaces with taut lines to give the car a modern look without losing its passenger-car proportions."[20]
Trim levels, equipment and updates
At introduction, Ford marketed the Five Hundred in three graduating trim levels: SE, SEL, and Limited. An all wheel drive system was available across the range, and included self-leveling shocks. Base prices start at US$22,795 for a front-wheel drive SE and range to US$28,495 for an all-wheel drive Limited. Interior trim featured a new hydrographic system for simulated metal mesh on the SE trim and burled wood on SEL and Limited.[23] All models received a 36,000 mile, three year warranty.
MY 2005: 2005 trim level equipment included:
SE - SE equipment included front-wheel drive; cloth upholstery; six way power driver's seat with manual lumbar; delayed accessory power; power remote trunk release; folding power mirrors; power locks; power windows with one-touch up/down driver's window; cruise control with steering wheel controls, black speedometer and tachometer,tilt collapsable steering column (aligned to the driver's size and safety-belt use, two power points, front overhead console with dome light, map lights and sunglasses holder; 17" painted alloy rims; AM/FM stereo with single-CD player; body color mirrors and handles; black front grille; simulated carbon fiber interior and console trim; floor mats front and rear, eight cupholders, sliding sunvisors with illuminated vanity mirrors, air conditioning with rotary controls; illuminated entry, second-row reading lights, 60/40 split-folding rear seatbacks, compact spare tire, anti-lock brakes, Ford's proprietary engine immobilizer key passive anti-theft technology, marketed as SecuriLock; post-crash alert system and fob-operated remote keyless entry augmented by a door-mounted keypad, marketed as Securicode, to enable tiered or time-restricted permissions, i.e., the code giving access to the vehicle but not its operation — and the code being easily changed to prevent subsequent vehicle access.
SE options included CVT transmission; chrome grille; traction control; and a "Safety and Security" package with front-seated mounted side air bags and two-row side curtain airbags; marketed as Safety Canopy — along with anti-theft perimeter alarm, heated side mirrors, and security approach lamps.
SEL - SEL equipment additionally included message center with trip computer, vehicle information center and compass; electrochromic auto-dim rearview center rear view mirror; heated side mirrors; fog lamps; air-conditioning ducted to the rear of the front console, perimeter security alarm; automatic headlamps; automatic temp control; chrome grille; AM/FM stereo with 6-disc in dash CD player with MP3 capability and steering wheel audio controls, eight way power front seats with manual lumbar; two way power passenger seat; fold-down passenger seat, simulated wood interior dash and console trim and an auto-dimming rear view mirror.
SEL options included CVT transmission; rear parking sensors marketed as Reverse Sensing System; power moonroof; traction control; shirred (gathered) leather seats and a safety package with side and two-row side curtain airbags.
Limited - The Limited trim level additionally included shirred (gathered) leather heated seats, two-position memory driver's seat and mirrors, four-way power passenger seat with manual lumbar, cream-colored gauges, analog clock, up-level sound system (marketed under Ford's Audiophile brand) with a subwoofer and an AM/FM stereo with 6-disc in dash CD player and MP3 capability, chrome mirrors, and a trunk cargo net. Options at the Limited trim level included CVT transmission; rear parking sensors marketed as Reverse Sensing System; power moonroof; and integrated Homelink transmitter.
MY 2006 updates: Ford offered the SE, SEL and Limited trim levels for 2006, with an optional navigation radio by Pioneer with Sirius Satellite Radio (Limited); power moonroof and leather seating newly optional on SE trim, optonal traction control (previously a no-cost, required option, FWD models) and a ceiling-mounted drop-down DVD monitor, marketed as the Family Entertainment System. A 2006 mid-year running change replaced the exterior mid-door side trim molding on all trim levels with a small sill molding at the bottom edge of the door — and added black mudguards at each wheel.
MY 2007 updates: For 2007, Ford discontinued the SE trim level. Both SEL and Limited trims manufactured after September 4, 2006 received two-row side curtain airbags, marketed as the Safety Canopy. Shirred (gathered) leather became optional on the SEL trim. The powertrain warranty was revised to 5 years / 60,000-mile (97,000 km). SEL option packages included a "Safety and Security" package (before September 2006) with side and two-row side curtain airbags, anti-theft perimeter alarm, heated side mirrors, and security approach lamps; "Convenience Package with 6-disc in-dash CD changer with MP3 capability, dual-zone electronic automatic temperature control, automatic headlamps, fog lamps and outside temperature display; "Interior Power" package with 8-way power driver’s seat and power-adjustable pedals; Chrome Package with 18-inch eight-spoke alloy wheels and a chrome trim mesh grille, and a 5-year / 60,000-mile powertrain warranty.
Engineering
The Five Hundred was engineered with a quality control system known internally as Total Vehicle Geometry (TVG).[18] Designed by Volvo, TVG was heavily computer-based, allowing access for designers, engineers and suppliers to all data and results related to prototypes at all stages of the design process.[18] With improved participation and access, precision of fit and finish was increased on prototype parts, decreasing the time needed for preliminary production vehicles, so-called pilot vehicles.[18]
Using new powertrain electronics, the Five Hundred employed a CAN bus system with a Black Oak controller and PowerPC machine language and floating-point calculations for improved execution times.[24]
2008 Ford Five Hundred concept. Upon direction of Ford CEO Alan Mulally, this was renamed the Ford Taurus before its production.
The Five Hundred ended production on April 12, 2007, as did the Mercury Montego and Ford Freestyle.[25] For the 2007 North American International Auto Show, Ford introduced a mid-cycle 2008 update of the Five Hundred and Montego; the new sedans had front and rear fascia styling, new interiors, and new powertrains with a 263 hp 3.5L V6 and a new 6-speed automatic transmission.
Although the changes were positively received, Ford CEO Alan Mulally chose to rename all three D3 platform cars, with the Five Hundred and Montego becoming the fifth-generation Ford Taurus and Mercury Sable; the similarly updated Ford Freestyle continued as the Ford Taurus X. Although the Taurus had been out of retail markets since 2006 (the Sable, since 2005), Mullaly cited the larger brand familiarity of the Taurus/Sable nameplates as the reason for the renaming of the two D3 sedans.
For the 2010 model year, the Ford Taurus underwent an extensive redesign. Retaining the D3 chassis, the exterior and interior was revised, to add more aggressive styling.[26] This became the final generation Taurus for North America.
Sales and incentives
Intended to increase the company's profitability and reduce incentives,[27] Ford projected annual Five Hundred sales of 120,000.[13] Actual sales reached approximately 65% of projections. During its initial model year Ford refrained from market incentives,[28] providing substantive incentives midway into its second model year.[11]
Overall: The Five Hundred was well received for its SUV-like packaging with a raised overall height, elevated seating and large interior volume — as well as its extensive safety features and available CVT transmission and all-wheel drive.
At the 2004 New York International Auto Show, at the time GM executive, Bob Lutz, said "it is very space- and package-efficient and seems to have a very nice interior from a craftsmanship standpoint. But to me the interesting thing is the broad reuse of that front-wheel-drive and all-wheel-drive architecture, the fact that it shares a common architecture with the Ford Freestyle and allegedly with some Volvo models. If you do it cleverly, you can get quite an array of vehicles that all look and behave very differently."[31]
Mark Phelan of the Detroit Free Press noted "while there's lots to like about Ford's new big sedan, there's nothing to love. It's a practical but unspectacular car with a couple of shortcomings which drop it to average in the family sedan segment."[32]
Performance: Offering a single 203 hp engine, the Five Hundred's performance was considered acceptable albeit lackluster.[33][34][35][36]
Ford itself noted the engines deficiencies, the company's marketing manager noting at the car's introduction that "one of the hurdles we’re going to have to overcome is the 203 horsepower."[37]
Noted automotive journalists Tom and Ray Magliozzi said "some reviewers (note: not owners) have complained about the lack of power available from the six-cylinder, 203 horsepower engine, given the weight of the Five Hundred, which is just under 4,000 pounds. But we found the engine to be perfectly adequate. It cruised on the highway at 80 without the least complaint. And the power was just fine around town. Only lead-foots would have reason to whine."[22] Writing for Motor Trend, Julian Mackie called the exhaust note "flatulent."[38]
Styling: The Five Hundred's design team had aimed for guilt-free, unpretentious luxury,[39][40] and assessments ranged from handsome and elegant[41] to overly conservative.[42][13][43][44][45] The New York Times called the Five Hundred's styling "rigorously understated."[46]
Stylist George Bucher said "it is not overly styled, but has a large presence because of its size; it's designed to look very upscale."[47]
Ford's Chief Designer, J Mays, said "It's human nature that everybody wants what they can't have. Let's say you aspire to have a German luxury sedan, but you just don't have the cash to do it. With the Five Hundred, you can pull up in front of a very upscale restaurant or hotel in that vehicle and not feel the least bit embarrassed."[48]
In 2003, The New York Times' Danny Hakim called the Five Hundred Ford's "answer to European-style sedans like those from Volkswagen and Audi."[49] The car's upper styling, its greenhouse, was commonly noted for closely if not flagrantly mimicking Volkswagen and Audi designs from Mays' own previous tenure with the Volkswagen Group.[50][42][51]
MotorWeek said "Ford aimed for a more upscale feel from the Five Hundred, and the styling reflects that. The lines show a strong European influence, with a front end resembling Ford of Europe’s popular Mondeo. The tail is tall and wide, with very German-looking lights and greenhouse. Not surprising since Ford styling chief Jay Mays is a veteran of Volkswagen and Audi design. Regardless, the new Five Hundred is handsome from every angle."[52]
Tom and Ray Magliozzi said "at its best, it's plain in a tasteful, slightly Euro way. At its worst, it looks like a geezer-mobile without any thought to styling."[22]
Pulitzer Prize-winning automotive journalist Dan Neil, then of the Los Angeles Times, said "he believes the car's conservative design shows "admirable restraint," noting a similarity to the Passat. "Is the car beautiful, exciting? No. But (it's) well-balanced, grown-up, and it's a terrific packaging job. It suggests mental health, not emotional rescue."[51] He would later describe the styling of the Five Hundred's twin, the Mercury Montego, as "about as sexy as going through your mother's underwear drawer," adding he could not recall "any designed product that is as awesomely cheap-looking as the audio and climate controls in the car.[45]
Noted automotive designer and journalist Robert Cumberford said "it's a pretty good trick to make a brand-new car look old, bland and boring right out of the box. 'Early Audi with a (Ford) Mondeo front-end graft' just about describes the styling, and saying it's a 5-liter-engine car with only 3 liters under the hood just about describes the mechanical package."No doubt it's a good car, but one fundamentally uninteresting visually."[13]
Autos Canada noted: "George Bucher, chief designer of the Five Hundred, described [the Five Hundred] in terms of having "road authority" and "presence” (rather than using adjectives like beautiful or sleek). With this design Ford [was] emphasizing refinement and lack of ostentation, and while it’s by no means unattractive, neither [was] the Five Hundred particularly exciting."[53]
In 2014, Ford designer J Mays would later call the Five Hundred too conservative, likening the vehicle to a beautifully tailored Brooks Brothers suit,[54] another time saying "I don't think the Five Hundred or Freestyle was one of my brighter moments in Ford, but designing a car is not a solo effort and a lot of people have input on the kind of product they want. I've been at the company 13 years and I've been through five CEOs. Some of those CEOs have had more conservative tastes than others."[55] Mays later conceded of the Five Hundred's styling: "It's just lacking in the emotional appeal that we should have put into it. We were being good team players, and we did our best to wrap what was a best-in-class package with sheetmetal, and we ended up with a car, I think, that compromised itself in terms of style. But we will never make that mistake again. In fact, we haven't made a mistake like that since we did it. I think of all the cars I've designed in my career, I regret not pushing harder on that car."[56]
^Binder, Alan K., ed. (2008). Ward's Automotive Yearbook 2008. Ward's Communications, Inc. p. 115.
^Patton, Phil (August 28, 2009). "Designer's Goal Was a Buff Bull". The New York Times. As he set out to restyle the (fifth generation Ford Taurus, a facelifted Five Hundred) for 2010, Earl Lucas, the car's chief exterior designer, had a mission: to make the high-set sedan more macho and muscular.
^Howes, Daniel (December 19, 2004). "Are Ford designs boring?". The Detroit News. Is the Five Hundred boring? It looks a little too Teutonic, Mays admits. We've gone back. We've looked at it. By the way, I don't think it's going to hurt sales. They're the most conservative buyers there are.
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