Ford Five Hundred interior brings sport utility-like Command Seating to the premium sedan segment, giving drivers and passengers a clear view of the road but with the low step-in height of a car. Occupants sit up to 4 inches higher than in other sedans and benefit from best-in-class overall legroom for front and rear seats.

Fold-flat, rear- and front-passenger seats on SEL and Limited models offer ample cargo space from bumper to dashboard. Furthermore, Five Hundred's efficient packaging provides more trunk space than any sedan on the market. With more than 21 cubic feet of trunk space, Five Hundred can accommodate up to eight full-size golf bags.

Other touches include a front-row, center-console storage bin that's large enough for a small purse and CDs; an instrument-panel storage bin for cell phones and personal digital assistants (PDAs); front- and back-seat map pockets; rear-seat armrest storage; eight beverage holders; and storage on each door panel for umbrellas and other slim items.

The interior styling includes inviting materials and surface treatments - from smooth, metal-plated door handles and soft-touch paint finishes to high-quality fabrics or leather trimmed surfaces. The SEL and Limited models have burled wood-pattern appliques on the instrument panel.


Ford Five Hundred Powertrain and Chassis

Five Hundred combines technology under the hood to create a dynamic driving experience. A 3.0-liter, Duratec 30 V-6 engine works in concert with its continuously variable transmission (CVT) or six-speed automatic transmission to optimize performance and fuel economy.

The six-speed transmission is standard on front-wheel-drive models, while the CVT is standard on Five Hundred AWD. The CVT uses two variable-size pulleys - one for input from the engine, the other for output to the drive wheels - connected by a steel link belt. It varies the effective sizes of the two pulleys to meet the driving demands of the moment. Electronic powertrain controls, including a sensor on the electronic throttle, constantly monitor the demand for power. When more torque is needed for acceleration or maintaining speed up a steep hill, the transmission seamlessly responds by creating the right drive ratio from an infinite number of possibilities, allowing the Duratec 30 engine to operate at optimum performance.

Both transmissions offer from the lowest to the highest drive ratios. That translates into strong acceleration, as well as high fuel efficiency on the highway. The available all-wheel drive system automatically delivers power to all four wheels, creating a capable, smooth ride in a variety of conditions, such as uneven pavement, potholes and slippery surfaces.

On all-wheel drive models, innovative, self-leveling shocks sense ride height and use energy from the vehicle's motion to raise the shock to the optimal ride level. Dual-piston aluminum front brake calipers and large front and rear brake rotors provide strong stopping power and fade-free performance. Five Hundred's fully independent suspension, stiff body structure and precise rack-and-pinion steering further contribute to confident ride and handling.


Ford Five Hundred Safety and Security

Ford Five Hundred has earned top, five-star ratings for front- and side-impact performance in government testing, as well as the highest available, "Good" rating from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety for frontal-offset, side-impact and rear-crash performances.

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