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Ford Five Hundred/Mercury Montego

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Comments

  • fsmmcsifsmmcsi Member Posts: 792
    zhelder: it seems that what you are really saying is that none of the Five Hundred's advantages over the Accord appeal to you. Others may find that one or more of the features the Accord lacks are more significant - the elevated and more chair-like seating position, the large back seat, the more formal looks, the huge trunk, and/or the AWD. The Five Hundred is a radically better car than the Taurus in areas such as handling, braking, safety, size, and looks. Also, if you want side & curtain air bags on a two door Accord, you are forced to buy the sunroof, making it impossible for me to fit without leaning the seat back to the extreme thump-thump idiot position.
  • alpha01alpha01 Member Posts: 4,747
    Side Curtain Airbags are STANDARD across the Accord 2005 model line, so Honda has apparently made your criticism invalid (but whose comparing an Accord 2 door to a Five Hundred anyway?).

    nvbanker- I guess we'll agree to disagree. In my opinion, the Fords that merit accolades get them (Focus, Escape), and the new Mustang has gotten quite a buzz as well. The Expedition deserves to be panned, and it is, just like the laughably orchestrated Freestar (did they really think it'd move without 5 grand under the seats... guess not). Your sweeping statement that the mags rag on Ford was, as you said, based on one observation of a Navigator vs. Tahoe.

    ~alpha
  • ANT14ANT14 Member Posts: 2,687
    Another positive review...

    http://www.familycar.com/RoadTests/FordFiveHundred/
  • ANT14ANT14 Member Posts: 2,687
    Another good review...

    http://www.car-data.com/xpage.preview/pre.template.asp?mfg=ford&a- mp;model=fivehundred
  • mschmalmschmal Member Posts: 1,757
    As for Ford auto trans, many models require fluid changes at 30k intervals. Failure to do the change is deadly as the fluid actually breaks down. (one of the reasons why its scary to buy a used car.).

    That said, the 6 speed is a "sealed for life" unit require a fluid change at 150k...

    The CVT requires a fluid change at 60k. I'm sure that in 6 years, we'll start hearing from Peeps how the CVT is junk... when in reality the maintenance wasn't done.

    Mark
  • avenger1avenger1 Member Posts: 90
    Someone asked about which fords I had problems with...

    My current ford is a 99 taurus se...bad transmission at 80K.

    My father-in-law has a ford ranger (95?), bad transmission...replaced by dealership...one week later THAT transmission went bad, replaced again.

    Also owned an escort (cheap car) and two others (forgot the model type...4 door built with Mazda...tracer?).

    All had some kind of transmission problem and are no longer owned by us (except the taurus, which is sitting in the driveway collecting dust (can't afford a new transmission).

    It's funny, my dodge avenger (hance the screen name) has been my most reliable car. Why ford had to build a transmission that needs fluid changes every other year is beyond me. My avenger needed a tranny fluid change at 60K, and my new suzuki XL-7 only needs to be inspected in the first 100K (and it's 4wd!).

    Regarding the interior, looking at the pictures, the radio is straight out of the mustang (2005) and the redesigned f150. The wagon version of the 500 (freestyle) is easier to see the parts-bin items (A/C vents, radio, gauges, etc). Not that it's a bad thing, as it would be stupid for ford to remake items like gauges they can use in other vehicles.

    Regarding the transmission choices, it's a hard decision. CVT's are new technology, and will need the bugs worked out. New 5 and 6 speed transmissions would be great, if they don't do what Nissan has done to save money...they reduced the fludid capacity of the auto trannys from 6 quarts to 2 (resulting in many transmission issues with 2004 vehicles. Maybe this is the reason for the recent Honda auto tranny problems as well.

    GregC
  • avenger1avenger1 Member Posts: 90
    my main beef with the interior is that for just tacked on the f150 radio without taking 15 minutes to design a front plate that hid this fact. Just look at the mazda 6 integrated radio and the 500 radio.

    I still like the design of the interior. In fact, I like the interior better than the exterior. You can see the volvo door pulls in the interior (people are already talking about it at swedespeed.com).

    Getting back to my origional question of reliability, do you think this vehicle will have electrical problems that the s80 has had over the last couple years. Not sure if using the volvo chassis carried over any of the electrical system.

    Also, thanks for the transmission update...if I consider the 500, i'll stay away from the cvt, as it will be a ford item.

    GregC
  • ANT14ANT14 Member Posts: 2,687
    Another positive review...

    http://www.pbs.org/mpt/motorweek/carofthemonth.shtml
  • buckwheatbuckwheat Member Posts: 396
    S-Y Systems Technologies, headquartered in Dearborn Mi. with a 38,400 sq. ft. facility at the Ford Chicago Campus are the engineers and designers of the electrical distribution systems for the Five Hundred/Montego/Freestyle. I don't know, but I don't believe there is any connection with Volvo.
  • nedc2nedc2 Member Posts: 192
    "my main beef with the interior is that for just tacked on the f150 radio without taking 15 minutes to design a front plate that hid this fact. Just look at the mazda 6 integrated radio and the 500 radio."

    I've noticed on the Mazda boards there have been complaints about the way they integrated radio controls into the centre stack. It makes it more difficult to replace the unit with an aftermarket model, you're stuck with what you can get from your Mazda dealer. I like the look of the Mazda centre stack, and had been considering a Mazda 6 hatchback. but I really like the more conservative style of the Five Hundred better, and the seting position is world better in the Ford, the Mazda has good seats and adequate legroom front and back, better than the new Accord in spite of the numbers, but it still sits too low for liking, a pain if you're getiing in and out of the car alot during the day.

    I have no idea about the electrical system, I would imagine it's new to the Five Hundred/Montego/Freestyle as they're built in different palnts, use different engines, have different option, etc. I'm also not familiar with elictrical probems on the current S80.

    As for the transmisions, I've never had any transmission problems, of a regular nature, on any Ford I've owned over the past 30 years not with manuals or automatics, not with FWD or RWD. I'm not familiar with any problems from friends or family. The biggest series of transmission problems with any Detroit vehicle I recall as in the 80s with some GM models. The problem there IIRC seemed to be that someone decided to uprate a compact car trans. for use in midsize cars in order to save some money. Bad move. I really speak to much about the CVT other than it is considerably different in design from the one GM used in the Vue, it uses the same chain design that Audi uses, and is also very similar to the model in the Nissan Murano, where they've apparently been quite reliable. Ford has also been building a lighter duty version of their CVT in Batavia Ohio for close to a year for use in the European Focus C-MAX with a turbodiesel, and will be expanding that to the new Focus next year, I haven't heard of any problems with those either.
    My main concern about the CVT is as a stockholder; they may have capacity issues with it, it's a simpler design than a conventional automatic but needs special care in assembly, so they've been very slow to ramp up production. If they have to buy too many units from Aisin, or others it'll hurt them.
  • avenger1avenger1 Member Posts: 90
    that most people who buy the taurus and soon, the 500, are not auto nuts who go over manual with a fine toothed comb. The taurus was my wife's car, and I had assumed that the tranny was sealed as was my 95 avenger. You would have figured "heck, it's a 2000, it SHOULD be sealed, right?". Nope, got to juck the car up every other year and change the tranny fluid.

    Oh well, live and learn. Now I'm so paranoid I don't believe Suzuki's manual when it says only to inspect the fluid for the first 100K.

    Regarding the radio, I dont like the mazda 6 radio being integrated either. I was just hoping they would have made a false front to hide the unit behind the center stack. You could still replace the radio this way if you want, but give it an integrated look.

    GregC
  • fdcapt2fdcapt2 Member Posts: 122
    Even though I've had Ford/Mercury cars with the Audiophile radios, I can't find any info on the ones being used this year. Does anyone know the output and the power of the radio, speakers and woofer?? My Acura TL has a Bose system that is amazing!!! I want to know how different these 2 systems are. Also, I picked up the brochures for the 500 and Montego. The Montego Premier has only 2?? options. The safety package and the moon roof, I think. The 500 brochure talks about how good the Duratec 3.0 is. It makes me wonder if they are second guessing themselves for using this engine. I was able to sit in a 500 Limited, and to put it plainly, very nice ! The interior was really nice and well put together. All this car really needs is a nice 427 up front.
  • nvbankernvbanker Member Posts: 7,239
    The Duratec 3.0 is an excellent engine - no apologies needed for using it. It's thoroughly up to date, and very reliable and smooth running.
  • ANT14ANT14 Member Posts: 2,687
    It's an extremely reliable engine, so best to stick to something proven. It'll be awhile before the 3.5L is phased in when the next redesign (front fascia to look like the Fusions) comes in, so this is what there is to work with till then.
  • fsmmcsifsmmcsi Member Posts: 792
    By the time the Motorweek test drive airs on the 17th, most of the October car magazine should be on the racks, so we will soon have much more data to discuss. From my short test drive and review of the specifications, I'll bet the braking distances are very good.
  • ANT14ANT14 Member Posts: 2,687
    Braking should post excellent numbers, and with none of the major nose-drive or drama associated with most panic stops.
  • samnoesamnoe Member Posts: 731
    While I don't know the exact specs for the stereo of the 500, I'm quite sure it will be more than good, since most Ford systems are not bad, even in my current '02 Windstar with just 4 speakers.

    What bothers me, is the layout of the stereo controls. True, it's the same as the F-150, and similar to the new Freestar, Focus, and some other Ford models. They all share on design flaw: Small buttons (especially the AM/FM CD controls). I like large, clear labeled & illuminated controls. There are many good examples, but one I like very much is Toyota Solara's system (2004-2005). Simple, clean, large typefaces, is all I need.

    http://autodeadline.com/detail?source=Toyota&mid=WKA200308313- - - - - 3460&mime=JPG

    Or click here, and enlarge the last photo.

    http://www.toyota.com/vehicles/2005/camrysolara/interior.html

    Compared to this (enlarge to have a better view):

    http://www.fordvehicles.com/fivehundred/photogallery.asp?name=INT- ERIOR&num=5
  • fdcapt2fdcapt2 Member Posts: 122
    Once again, does anyone know anything about the 500/Montego sound system? In the past I've had the Mach audio system, and also JBL audio. I'd like to see how close they are to the Bose system in my Acura TL. I'm hoping they aren't to different. If these cars are as quiet as they say, it'll be nice to listen to the radio without hearing all sorts of noises.
  • mgpmgpmgpmgp Member Posts: 15
    Up until now I thought I was in the market for a Freestyle because of the versatility of a wagon, however from what I've heard so far it has less legroom in the 2nd row than the 500 and has a less fine or shall we say more "trucky" interior. The only problem is that I frequently carry Kayaks on my Taurus wagon roof rack. Will there be a roof rack available for the 500 that is capable if carrying Kayaks? Are these type of "clip on" roof racks difficult to hook/unhook, and do they damage the rubber seals on the car? Just thought I'd ask in case anyone has any knowledge/experience.
  • nedc2nedc2 Member Posts: 192
    As to roof racks, that's up to tha rack manufacturers, e.g. Yakima, Thule, etc. and whether they think that there'sa market for racks on this car. I hope they offer them, but it could take months even to find out.

    I personally didn't notice any shortage of legroom in the 2nd row of the Freestyle, and I'm over 6'2" and have 34" + inseam and wear size 12 boots. The specs do show the Freestyle as having 1.1" less legroom than the Five Hundred, but that's 40.2" v. 41.3", very generous anyway. I really didn't notice any difference in interior quality between the two vehicles, they are different in style, and the Freestyle is more "trucky" but hardly spartan. The heavily textured faux carbon fibre dash trim on the Freeestyle SE and SEL is notably better than that on the Five Hundred SE where it's flat,virtually identical to the stuff on the Mazda 6. Optioning is different too, auto climate control is only standard on the Freestyle Limited.
    Drive both before putting in an order, the Freestyle is noticably heavier, and slower off the line, though not that slow,and costs quite a bit more. BTW the roof of the Freestyle is at least 6" higher than your Taurus, though still more convenient than most SUVS or minivans.
  • upsetter1upsetter1 Member Posts: 205
    I have Mach audio system and even though sound is clean, still is not outstanding. Sound is flat and not authentic.
  • fdcapt2fdcapt2 Member Posts: 122
    Any specs available for this system, or how I might contact someone to find out??
  • fsmmcsifsmmcsi Member Posts: 792
    Automotive news today (9/7) has a story about a delay in shipping the Five Hundred / Montego / Freestyle. Does anyone know the reason for the delay?

    The same issue also has two stories about the 4.4 liter, 315HP Yamaha V8 to be used in the Volvo XC90 next year. If it fits in the XC90, it should also fit into the S80, Five Hundred, and all of the other vehicles built on that platform, including the rumored new Town Car.
  • ANT14ANT14 Member Posts: 2,687
    Yes it fits, just requires some minimal changes.
  • ederzawiecederzawiec Member Posts: 61
    In a news release last week, Ford announced Production cutbacks due to reduced demand. There were no details on models impacted or new product introductions.

    A story released today by Ford claims the Five hundred will be in showrooms this month..
         http://media.ford.com/newsroom/feature_display.cfm?release=18736

    Did the story in Automotive news "Ford delays shipment of 3 new vehicles" provide any details on the introduction dates to showrooms?
  • ANT14ANT14 Member Posts: 2,687
    The delayed vehicles are 4.6L and 5.4L, Navy, Expy, Mustang GT, F-series. The cylinder heads supplied aren't good enough. And only a few number of vehicles are affected, if anything....Problem very little even made it to consumers.
  • honfatboyhonfatboy Member Posts: 1
    Does anybody else find it odd that you can only get the CVT in the 500 with AWD, but Audi says it isn't compatible with its quattro?

    Add isn't it odd that only a few years after the debut of their CVT, Audi has let it wither on only a few slow-selling models in favor of the DSG?

    I wonder about durability problems.
  • nedc2nedc2 Member Posts: 192
    It's the standard transmission on the Se, as well as the Montego Luxury, and Freestyle, with either FWD or AWD

    Audi offers their Multitronic CVT on the A4, A6, And A8 inEurope, I wouldn't call that being left to wither. I'd recently read that they were hoping to increase production on the Multitronic. In theory the CVT should be cheaper than a conventional automatic because they have fewer moving parts, in practice this seems to be offset by higher tolerances and the need for very exacting assembly in clean-room conditions. As for DSGs they have advantage in higher performance applications, you woudn't want a CVT in an S4, but they're rather pricey. I don't know why the Multitronic can't be paired with the Quattro system, Nissan of course uses a CVT with AWD in its Murano.
  • ANT14ANT14 Member Posts: 2,687
    "Does anybody else find it odd that you can only get the CVT in the 500 with AWD, but Audi says it isn't compatible with its quattro?"

    Audi has different availability on certain models in certain countries. Maybe their market research has shown that their buyer's might not be as interested in such an item in their Audi here in the U.S.

    Although, the only thing in common with the Ford CVT and Audi CVT is the chain.
  • avenger1avenger1 Member Posts: 90
    There are very few stock radios (even upgraded ones) that can match custom installs, as most high power audio systems have built in amps. These may post high power numbers, but pale in quality to a seperate amplifier with "honest" watts in terms of power and clarity. When it comes the the upgraded stereo, maybe you should consider replacing the stock speakers, or adding a seperate subwoofer and amp to the stock head unit.

    In regards to the integrated look of the 500 radio (or lack thereof), I checked out Fords site on the 500, and with a black interior (and black dash trim/leather), the black radio and a/c controls stick out less. Unfortunately, I prefer creme or pebble colors (hate sitting on black leather sitting in the sun for 8 hours!).

    The 500 is looking more and more appealing to me, even though I would prefer the freestyle's versitility (but don't like the exterior compared to the 500). The freestyle (or style-free, as most other auto forums are referring it as), it just too truck-like inside and out (compared to something like the magnum). I'll still have the reliability worries from owning past fords (my wife will never approve of this purchase - it's her taurus sitting in the driveway!).

    GregC
  • mschmalmschmal Member Posts: 1,757
    Tuesday I was disappointed to learn that the first five hundred's aren't scheduled to arrive at my dealership until 9/20!!.

    The dealer locate tool indicates that a few dealers (like 3 out of the nearest 300 to my dealership) have 1 or 2 in stock.

    Ford is just calling it Audiophile details on the sound systems are:

    Standard Radio (SE)
      AM/FM Stereo/Single-disc CD Player
      80 watts of power
      4-speaker base audio system
      Scan for all tuner modes and CD
      Mute for quick mute/un-mute of audio
      Bass/treble
      Fade/balance
      10-minute operation with ignition turned off
      Speed Compensate Volume (SCV) — compensates for changing ambient noise levels by adjusting the volume of the radio according to the vehicle's speed signal. Allows 7 volume adjustment levels. Adjustable though the menu
      Autoset (AST) — automatically locates the 6 strongest AM or FM station signals
      Station Memory Presets — 12 FM, 6 AM, 12 FM (AST), 6 AM (AST)
      Radio Data System (RDS)
      Compression — when enabled during CD mode, the audio dynamic range is compressed so quieter music is boosted and louder music is lowered to compensate for ambient noise level
      Repeat — when enabled during CD mode, the audio system will play the selected track continuously until repeat is exited
      Shuffle — plays tracks in random order
     
    The SEL radio is upgraded as follows:
    AM/FM Stereo/6-disc In-dash CD/MP3 Player
      Includes features of AM/FM stereo/single-disc CD player plus:
      Folder/track mode — when enabled, the audio system will play and seek through disc tracks with or without folder option (available with MP3 discs only)
     
    The best radio on the Limited upgrades as follows:
      Audiophile AM/FM Stereo/6-disc In-dash CD/MP3 Player.
      Includes features of AM/FM stereo/6-disc in-dash CD/MP3 player plus:
      8-speaker Audiophile audio system with additional external 2-channel 90-watt amplifier
      Occupancy setting — allows for one of three vehicle acoustic settings to be chosen

    It was Jacque Nasser's stupid idea to have a different radio for each line of vehicles. At least with the current radio. If you own 2 Fords, (not uncommon) You don't have to learn how to work 2 different radios.

    As for the "small buttons" SEL and Limited have repeat audio controls for volume, station, and media on the steering wheel.

    About the CVT, I was told at the ride and drive that the 6speed exists only to fill the gap left by the limited CVT production capacity

    I thought the CVT drove much smoother than the 6speed especially when pushed.

    Mark
  • avenger1avenger1 Member Posts: 90
    OK, so I was day-dreaming a little and was pricing out some 500's with options I like. What I got is the following (edmunds TMV, not MSRP).

    A SEL with leather and safety package comes out to about $24,070. A Limited (which includes leather) and safety package comes out to $25,080.

    So for an add'l $1010.00, you get an upgraded radio, 18" rims and a clock (I assume the leather upgrade in the seats includes the power adjustment - does it also include the seat memory feature?).

    Now I can always upgrade the head unit and speakers. I would rather do without the 18" tires (I put on lots of miles - 18 inch shoes will break the bank, and they wear faster). And the clock is a nice touch - what are the chances of modding the SEL by swapping out the trim piece with one with the clock? I'm sure the SEL is wired for the clock light.

    Does anyone think the extra grand is worth the tire size and radio upgrade? According to a post above the radio upgrade is an additional 90W amp...not much in terms of power to be called "upgraded".

    Any thoughts?

    GregC
  • fdcapt2fdcapt2 Member Posts: 122
    Thanks for the info on the sound system. The next question is what does the upgrade do as far as improving sound? You said something about a dual channel with 8 speakers and a 90 watt external amplifier. Please, someone, explain it to me. Also if I'm not mistaken, wasn't there some kind of sub-woofer? I'm not very electronically intelligent, so please spell it out for me......thanks very much. The other 2 models and one of the Montego models have less speakers and less wattage. I'm trying to compare the Audiophile system to my Bose system, to see how much, if any, I'll be losing.
  • avenger1avenger1 Member Posts: 90
    A two channel 90w amp is a device that pumps out 45w to each channel (speaker).

    So this channel can drive say 4 speakers (which are added to the base system system of 4). It would send 22.5w to each speaker.

    This is a basic explaination.

    GregC
  • ANT14ANT14 Member Posts: 2,687
    I wouldn't worry so much about actual numbers. Some systems could have high wattage output, yet fail on certain levels. And some you can just upgrade a few speaker's and improve everything, 5 times over.

    It won't be as powerful as the Mach1000 system either.
  • fdcapt2fdcapt2 Member Posts: 122
    I appreciate the help some of you have given me concerning the sound system on the 500/Montego. If I decide to upgrade the system once I get the car, does my changing certain parts of the car void the warranty? I guess with the power the Audiophile system has, I won't be too disappointed. Does the fact there is a sub-woofer and 8 speakers cause the total to be divided 8 times?? and would that take away from the whole system??
  • nvbankernvbanker Member Posts: 7,239
    Adding aftermarket electronics won't void the warranty, however, they frequently do cause problems with related and unrelated electronics on the car, which sometimes the dealers are reluctant to attempt to repair, or cover. Personally, I don't do it. My cars come with great systems, I buy the best ones available, and leave it at that. Sure, there are more powerful systems available, but frankly, they're overkill to me. Besides, talk radio sounds fine on about any of them. :)
  • ANT14ANT14 Member Posts: 2,687
    Depending on the vehicle, I've always upgraded the Amps, added amps, maybe subwoofer, or maybe better speaker's. Nothing that anyone could even see with the naked eye. I find aftermarket head units quite tacky considering the lighting, buttons, script are altogether different than anything in the vehicle, and just reminds me of the overcooked system found in ghettofied cars.

    I've been lucky the last few car buys and now with the new THX system on my LS where I haven't had to do anything to it. Ford has been improving their radio offerings lately.
  • nvbankernvbanker Member Posts: 7,239
    I agree, ANT, I've found Ford Stereos to be outstanding in my luxury cars. I always insist on the Audiophile options, and have never been disappointed.
    The Alpine in my 99 Navigator was great. But, I am 50, and losing my extreme hearing range too, so this is something my son and I disagree upon. I agree with you as well, that the aftermarket head units are an abomination to me. What a way to mess up a great looking dash! Can you imagine one of those Sony equalizing, flipping over skinny units in my Navigator with that awesome dash?
  • ANT14ANT14 Member Posts: 2,687
    Specially now in many vehicles, like yours, that displays the head unit, up high for all to see. It's a focal point.
  • johnclineiijohnclineii Member Posts: 2,287
    I intend to install Sirius (why it is STILL not a factory option on Ford is beyond me). Does anyone know if there is a handy AUX IN? Or if at least dealer installs of FOMOCO approved satellite radio will be available?
  • z9z9z9z9z9z9z9z9 Member Posts: 101
    Upgrading a factory sound system can often times be more difficult that it might first appear. Most cars come from the factory with cheap speakers that are specially made to fit in the car.

    For example, say your car has 6 1/2" in speakers in the front doors. Most of the time you can't just go out and replace them with any 6 1/2" speakers you happen to like -- many of the better speakers are thicker than what will fit in the factory bezels, which are usually molded into the door panels.

    Crutchfield publishes data on popular cars and the speakers they sell, but it usually takes 6 to 12 months for a new car model to make it into their database.
  • z9z9z9z9z9z9z9z9 Member Posts: 101
    There is only a $400 price difference between the FWD Five Hundred Limited ($26,795) and the FWD Montego Premier ($27,195). The Mercury comes standard with power adjustable pedals (a $175 option on the Ford) and Homelink ($115 extra on the Ford), so it comes down to $110 for high-intensity discharge headlights on the Mercury. What a deal!

    There are some other differences listed on the standard equipment pages, but I think these are errors (and omissions) on the part of Edmunds.
  • patpat Member Posts: 10,421
    You can report this. When you are on the page where you find problems, click on the Help link at the very top (or very bottom) of the page. From there you go to the Contact Us tab and fire away. :)

    (Actually you can get to that Help link from any page, including this one. But it's easier to accurately report the error if you are right there on the page with the problem.)
  • mschmalmschmal Member Posts: 1,757
    Merc is 4yr 50k miles on the bumper to bumper, Ford is 3yr 36k miles.

    Mark
  • avenger1avenger1 Member Posts: 90
    That the ford site now allows you to build and price the 500? Did I miss something or is this new?

    Also, priced out a fully loaded AWD limited...
    2005 Five Hundred Limited
    AWD
    Base Vehicle: $27,845.00
    Colors:
    Dk Shadow Grey Met - Ext.
    Pebble - Int.
    Optional Features: $2,030.00
    Destination: $650.00
    Total MSRP: $30,525.00

    OUCH! About twice the price of a Taurus! Granted, the Taurus is steeply discounted and no where near the features, but still. Many people will cross shop the two.

    GregC
  • fsmmcsifsmmcsi Member Posts: 792
    Greg C - Huh? A loaded Taurus SEL with options 96P, 53P, 13B, 916, 54H, and 97P comes to $27,445. How is a fully loaded Five Hundred Limited at $30,525 "twice" the price of a Taurus? The extra $3,080 buys a modern design which handles better, stops better, is safer, is much larger in the back seat and trunk, and has AWD. If you delete the AWD, the price difference is only $1,380. The fully loaded Montego Premier at $30,635 also includes HID headlights, LED taillights, and a two-tone interior with perforated seats.
  • ederzawiecederzawiec Member Posts: 61
    While it appears the Five Hundred is heading to Ford showrooms this month, I've seen nothing about the Montego. Anyone know when it is due?
  • ANT14ANT14 Member Posts: 2,687
    Both around the same time.
  • avenger1avenger1 Member Posts: 90
    I currently own a taurus (2000 SEL), and no, what you pay for one is far less than $27K. It's not a fair comparison, as one car is below invoice, and the other hasn't even hit showrooms (and most likely won't deal until they lose popularity).

    It's still a big difference going from $22K base for an SEL to 27K base for a limited. Not as much as I first figured, I stand corrected. But the $30K mark puts it in a new category cars like the maxima.

    GregC
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