Accolades roll in for Ford 500

This week, we test the 2006 Ford Five Hundred, a vehicle that has done more than just “replace” the aging Taurus line. Now, in its second year, the accolades for the Ford Five Hundred keep rolling in, and not just for its often-publicized “higher stance” thanks to an elevated seating position.

Allow us to add our compliments after a week of test-driving in this classy, larger sedan.

First, let’s zero in on Five Hundred’s latest safety accolades. Included are the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety’s “Top Safety Pick-Gold Rating” and the government’s highest available “Five-Star” crash-test score. Ford credits its “D3” platform architecture (also found in sibling Freestyle and the Mercury Montego) for these results.

Specifically, the vehicles are engineered with crush zones that transfer excess energy around the passenger compartment into a high-strength safety cabin. Ford says its innovative cross-car beam “SPACE” Architecture reinforces the structure between the B-pillars, which directs energy away from passengers in a crash.

Awards like this will likely accelerate the sales pace for the Five Hundred, which we already spot more frequently on the highway.

At more than $31,000 for our loaded tester, Ford Five Hundred is priced above the average sedan. However, it’s not that it doesn’t have “the goods” to support the price. Five Hundred actually starts at just under $23,000 for the SE model, while the Limited starts at $27,080. What helps push our tester over $30,000 is the optional GPS navigation system ($1,995), that includes a stereo and six-disc CD changer; and the new Family Entertainment Center with a flip-down DVD screen for rear-seat passengers ($995).

Movies anyone?

Five Hundred’s exterior is stylish, yet in a traditional sense. It doesn’t look menacing or overly upscale, and the bright 18-inch aluminum wheels and P225 Pirelli tires set off the side view quite nicely. The shine of the wheels is extended around the car with chrome molding strips and window trim, and chrome on the front side of the rear-view mirrors. Yes, this writer still likes chrome.

Once behind the wheel, there is a commanding view of the road, although its attitude is certainly not as high as some of the SUVs on the roadway. The strong stance also helps in easy entry and exit and, overall, gives the driver a feeling of great control.

As for highway manners, Five Hundred handles well in all areas for a large car, although the 3.0-liter V-6 is underpowered at just 203 horsepower. The transmission is a six-speed automatic geared more for fuel mileage over performance, and seems to hunt for the proper gear at times.

Inside, Five Hundred is spacious in all areas. Wood-grain accents and the combination of black and gray composites are pleasing to the eye, and the leather-trimmed power front seats can be dialed in to anyone’s comfort. Other interior features include dual temperature controls, message center, outside temperature and compass display, heated driver and passenger seats, all the powers, and eight cup and bottle holders. The rear seat deserves additional praise, offering excellent seating accommodations.

Optional equipment on our Limited model included a universal garage door opener ($150); a safety package of side air curtain and driver and passenger side air bags ($595); reverse sensing system ($295); memory adjustable pedals ($195); and the aforementioned navigation system and family entertainment center. With the exception of the garage opener, all are highly recommended.

Important numbers include a 112.9-inch wheelbase, 3,649-pound curb weight and 20-gallon fuel tank. As for EPA ratings, the all-wheel drive version (tested earlier this year) offers best-in-class ratings at 19-city and 26-highway, while the front-drive model we test this week is even better at 21 and 29.

Five Hundred’s excellent safety rating is a bonus for a vehicle that we admire for many other reasons. This car may not excite the younger masses, but we feel it has a strong future backed by Ford’s reputation and prior success with long-lasting, top-selling sedans. We give it a solid 9 on a scale of 1 to 10.

Good job, Ford.

Likes: Commanding feel in the driver’s seat; safety; looks.

Dislikes: Rear-door opening a bit tight; a few more horsepower wouldn’t hurt.