2007 Ford Five Hundred in North Plainfield, NJ - $6,999

Introduced for the 2005 model year, the Ford Five Hundred sedan reinvented the family car by marrying the body of a contemporary sedan to an all-new crossover vehicle architecture. Based on Volvo's P2 large car platform architecture, the Five Hundred is manufactured at the automaker’s Chicago Heights, Ill., assembly plant and is offered in SE, SEL and Limited trim levels.

Available in front and all-wheel drive variants, power for the premium Ford sedan is provided by the Duratec 30 3.0L V6 engine. Torque is transferred to the street via one of two transmissions: an Aisin AW six-speed automatic and a smooth-operating CVT (continuously variable transmission) developed with joint venture partner ZF-Batavia.

On the road, the CVT is so smooth; the absence of traditional shift patterns of a conventional automatic transmission are never missed. Power is seamless and plentiful throughout the powerband.

The Five Hundred rides on a stiff body structure as the foundation for a four-wheel independent suspension system to assure confident ride and handling characteristics. The front suspension hardware consists of MacPherson struts with rearward-facing lower L-arms and stabilizer bar while the rear suspension components include a multi-link coil-over-shock configuration with stabilizer bar.

Inside the cabin is one of the sedan's most impressive elements. SUV-like Command Seating gives driver and passengers a clear view of the road, yet it possesses the low step-in height of a car. Occupants sit up to four inches higher than in other midsize sedans. Overall legroom is best-in-class for both front and rear occupants.

High-quality fabrics or leather surfaces are accented by inviting materials and surface treatments -- such as smooth metal-plated door handles and soft touch paint finishes -- throughout the cabin.

Fold-flat split rear and front passenger seats are standard on upmarket Five Hundred models translate to ample cargo space from bumper to dashboard. Other touches include a front-row center console storage bin, instrument panel storage bin, front and back seat map pockets, rear-seat armrest storage, eight beverage holder and door panel storage.

As a closing note, the Ford Five Hundred boasts a huge trunk â€"- roomy and well shaped to easily carry a family-sized amount of cargo.

Quick vehicle stats

Wheelbase: 112.9; overall length: 200.7; width: 74.5; height: 61.5 -- measurements in inches.

Engine: 3.0L V6 -- 203 hp at 5,750 rpm and 207 lbs-ft of torque at 4,500 rpm.

Transmission: CVT automatic, six-speed automatic.

EPA fuel economy: FWD/6-speed automatic -â€" 21 city/29 hwy.; FWD/CVT automatic â€"- 20 city/27 hwy.; AWD -â€" 19 city/26 hwy.

Cargo capacity: 21.2 cu. ft.

Safety features

Dual front airbags, battery saver, remote keyless entry w/driver’s door-mounted keypad and SecuriLock passive anti-theft system. SE AWD adds traction control. SEL adds alarm system, front fog lights, automatic headlamp control and steering wheel touch controls.

Optional safety equipment includes power adjustable pedals, universal garage door opener, reverse sensing system, front seat-mounted side impact airbags, safety canopy airbag system and navigation system.

Warranty

Basic: 3-year/36,000 mile, bumper-to-bumper.

Corrosion: 5-year/unlimited.

Roadside assistance: 3-year/36,000 mile, 24-hour.

Pricing

The base Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) for the 2006 Ford Five Hundred sedan starts from $22,230 for the SE sedan up to $28,230 for the Limited AWD sedan. Destination charges add $700.

As tested

2006 Ford Five Hundred SEL AWD sedan*

Exterior color: Oxford White clearcoat

Interior color: Shale

Tire make/model: Continental ContiTouringContact

Tire size: P215/60R17

Base price $26,080

Destination charges $ 700

Power moonroof $ 895

Reverse sensing system $ 295

Total as tested $27,970

*NOTE: Leather seating, regularly an $895 option, is a no-cost option on this car.

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