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Ford 500
The Ford Five Hundred
(code name D258) is a small fullsize sedan
produced by the Ford Motor Company. In North
America, the name is intended to recall the
Fairlane 500 and Galaxie 500 models of the
1950s through 1970s. The car currently slots
between the Taurus (which is being phased
out for 2007) and the Crown Victoria. Available
powertrains consist of a 3.0 L Duratec 30
V6 engine, 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. A 3.5 L V6 will be
added for 2008 along with a new grille.
TBased on the Ford D3
platform which also supports the Volvo S60
and S80, the XC70 and XC90 SUVs. The Five
Hundred's twin is the Mercury Montego (which
isn't available in Canada), and is also the
basis for the Ford Freestyle crossover SUV.
The
Five Hundred was designed to provide large
car interior volume with manageable outside
dimensions, while delivering good fuel economy.
Its design is also notably tall for a sedan,
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 in Detroit. Trim lines include
SE, SEL, and Limited with all wheel drive
available across the range. Base prices
start at US$22,795 (for a FWD SE) and range
to US$28,495 (for an AWD Limited). The Five
Hundred has the lowest MSRP starting cost
in its class.
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