Ford Five Hundred
The Ford Five Hundred (code name D258) is a large midsize sedan produced by the Ford Motor Company. Available powertrains consist of 3.0 L or 3.5 L V6 Duratec engines, and the choice of a continuously-variable-transmission or six-speed automatic transmission, and either front wheel drive or the same Haldex all wheel drive system used in the Volvo XC90.
Based on the Ford D3 platform which also supports the Volvo S60 and S80 sedans and XC70 and XC90 SUVs, the Five Hundred has a twin in the Mercury Montego sedan (code name D333), and is also the basis for the Ford Freestyle SUV (code name D219).
The Five Hundred was designed to provide large car interior volume yet with manageable outside dimensions and while delivering good fuel economy. Its design is also notable in being tall for a car, giving drivers an SUV or minivan like command of the road. Its trunk, one of the largest on the market, can hold 8 full-sized loaded golf bags. The Five Hundred was first introduced at the 2004 North American International Auto Show.
The Five Hundred began production on July 12, 2004 in Chicago, Illinois and will be available to customers by the beginning of the 2005 model year, around mid-September 2004.
