2005 Ford Five Hundred & 2005 Ford Freestyle set to replace Taurus and Taurus wagon - Ford Forums - Mustang Forum, Ford Trucks, Ford Focus and Ford Cars

Stacy94PGT · 01-06-2004, 11:31

Motor Trend

2005 Ford Five Hundred
While the silhouette reveals design chief J Mays' experience with Volkswagen, it also shows that Ford is preparing to launch a car that will be a stronger global player than the Taurus it will ultimately replace. Ford applies the term "crossover" to the Five Hundred to describe its class-leading interior space, command-like seating position, large trunk, and available all-wheel drive. The 3.0-liter Duratec V-6 engine can be paired with a new six-speed automatic or continuously variable transmission. Destined to become the brand's sedan flagship, the Five Hundred promises a more sophisticated package than either the Taurus or Crown Vic when it goes on sale in the fall.

2005 Ford Freestyle
The crossover segment is about to get as crowded as the "F" section of the Ford product catalog with the Freestyle nearing production. Blending attributes of a wagon, minivan, and sport/utility vehicle, the Freestyle offers command seating, three passenger rows, flexible interior, abundant storage, and Volvo-inspired structure. Cargo capacity rivals many SUVs, with 47.4 cubic feet behind the second-row, measuring 49.7 inches deep. The Freestyle features a single powertrain, a 3.0-liter/200-hp V-6 with a continuously variable transmission offered in choice of front or all-wheel drive. While numerous safety elements are standard, such as ABS, the standout protection can be found in an optional package with side airbags and Safety Canopy to protect all three rows. The Freestyle goes on sale in fall 2004.

Stacy94PGT · 01-07-2004, 19:28

Automotive News

Ford Five Hundred

Type of Vehicle: Four-door sedan
Three series offerings: SE, midlevel SEL, top-of-the-line Limited
Engine: Duratec 30 3.0-liter V-6 engine
Power: 200 hp @ 5,650 rpm
Torque: 200 hp @ 4,500 rpm
Length: 200.7 inches
Width: 73.7 inches
Height: 60.1 inches
Wheelbase: 112.9 inches
What the automaker says: "We took a look at the attributes that make crossovers popular -- like high-package 'command' seating -- and sought to deliver some of those qualities in a sedan."

Stacy94PGT · 01-07-2004, 19:33

Automotive News

2005 Ford Freestyle

Three series offerings: SE, mid-level SEL, and top-of-the-line Limited
Length: 199.8 inches
Width: 73.0 inches
Height: 64.9 inches
Wheelbase: 112.9 inches
Curb weight: 3,959 lb. (front-wheel drive version); 4,112 lb. (all-wheel-drive version)
Engine: 60-degree, V-6, aluminum block and heads
Power: 200 hp @ 5,650 rpm
Torque: 200 lb.-ft. @ 4,500 rpm
What the automaker says: "Freestyle is expected to attract buyers who seek sedan-like comfort, drivability and ease of entry and exit, but who need the people- and cargo-hauling capability of a minivan -- matched with the security of all-wheel drive."

Stacy94PGT · 01-07-2004, 19:42

2005 MERCURY MONTEGO

Montego replaces the Sable.
Type of Vehicle: Four-door sedan
Engine: Duratec 30 3.0-liter V-6 engine
Power: 200 hp @ 5,650 rpm
Torque: 200 hp @ 4,500 rpm
Length: 200.7 inches
Width: 73.7 inches
Height: 60.1 inches
Wheelbase: 112.9 inches

AU1SIXA · 01-07-2004, 21:11

I like them both
Great pics
The rear end is very similar to the BA if you squint a bit
The front grill look very mean
I think they need a few of our Modular v8's to throw in there

Ford Fanatic · 01-08-2004, 02:00

Oh dear... They should have given back the VY steering wheel and the Mercedes tail lights, done something about those bumpers which manage to stick 6 feet out either end in the most visually unnactractive way possible, and done something about those shocking headlights!

The middle part of the 500 looks good - very VW - but the front and back are oh so wrong, more so with the Montego.

The Freestyle looks good all over, bar the headlights, but it's very boring - they could have introduced the same car 4 years ago and it wouldn't have looked out of place.

But if they sell, well who really gives?

Perana XR8 · 01-08-2004, 02:39

The 500 looks the best to me out of them but needs lowering by at least an inch and the motor turned a quarter of a turn to drive the rear wheels but otherwise it looks good, but i think the BA looks better inside and out.