Edmunds dealer partner, Bayway Leasing, is now offering transparent lease deals via these forums. Click here to see the latest vehicles!
Ford Five Hundred/Mercury Montego
This discussion has been closed.
Popular New Cars
Popular Used Sedans
Popular Used SUVs
Popular Used Pickup Trucks
Popular Used Hatchbacks
Popular Used Minivans
Popular Used Coupes
Popular Used Wagons
Comments
The Aviator cures this issue with a bit more insulation all around, but as you stated, not enough to justify the price premium in your case.
You might like the 500/Freestyle in those regards. And from the dislikes you stated you were experience, I think the 500/Freestyle will satisfy it. They are both quiet, and the ride is cushy overall, yet somewhat aware you are communicated.
Has anyone tested the brakes? A full, belt cinching, seat encrusting, type of brake slam ? Feels like an anchor was thrown out the window..
The AWD CVT models will have 1.4 pounds of car to move per foot-pound of torque to start moving.
The FWD 6-speed cars will have 1.2 pounds of car per foot-pound of torque in 1st gear, then will jump to 2.1 pounds per foot-pound in second gear.
Even though it weighs more, the AWD CVT may be the best accelerating version, so I'll lower my guess to 8.4 seconds to 60. What do you think?
You may want to see:
http://www.freep.com/money/autonews/chrysler10e_20040810.htm
Where have you see EPA estimates published for the 500?
- Ray
Can't find it . . .
http://media.ford.com/article_display.cfm?article_id=17877&ma- ke_id=92
Also, if you did not see the prices they are $26,795 for the Limited, $2,000 less for the SEL, and $2,000 less than that for the SE. The AWD is $1,700, and the side bags are $595-$795, depending on model.
http://media.ford.com/article_display.cfm?article_id=18897
Same with this on the Five Hundred/Freestyle but it is for Canadians
http://media.ford.com/article_display.cfm?article_id=18909
The Dodge 300 is a great car but its geared toward a different crowd.
On the other hand, the Five Hundred totally stomps the direct competitor, the Chevy Impala and its much less expensive than other cars in this class such as Maxima and Avalon. Oh and its AWD.
For people looking for luxury and lots of room at a great price. The Five Hundred is a strong offering. There is more than enough market share to go around and this car will do well.
Mark
By the way, since the prices are the same, I now prefer the Montego, since it has a two-tone interior, perforated leather seats (cooler) and LED tail lights.
~alpha
ANT14 - I see the HID lights listed in several documents, but the lights in the photos look like regular halogen lamps. If they are standard that is OK, but HID parts are so expensive that I would not order them if they were an option. I was at the dealer last year when the service guy was telling a lady that it would cost $900 to fix her bad headlight!
If the Merc. version has the HID and such standard, we may shop that version instead. Either way, I think Ford has a pennant winning group coming out.
Isn't anyone else here going to the drive event in LA on 9/2? We will be there at 10:00am.
Go test stop a Lincoln LS, and see what they've done with handling dynamics since 86 - you'll be astonished!
http://www.thecarconnection.com/index.asp?article=7414
And scroll down to the middle of the page.
Also, this car isn't marketed to people who want a car that has what you said. This is more Avalon material. There's a lot more money to be made LONG term by going after the great middle market than the enthusiasts. You, (and we), are NOT typical. The mere fact you have enough interest to post here makes you (and me) not representative of by far the majority of the American car market.
It's a sedan that's a minivan alternative.
Satellite radio, and Nav. might be nice for some but they are readily available aftermarket, and I have no need or desire for either at this time. If I were a real estate agent I'd probably want nav. and if I moved somewhere without CBC and decent Jazz stations I'd probably consider Satellite radio.
Zhelder,
Ok hold on... With all due respect...
"Why is an American car company producing such bland cars for its home market?"
But you bought an Accord? That and the Camry are the KINGS of blandness. People actually like bland, which is one of the reasons they sell well.
FDCapt,
Ford is looking at the Australian Falcon, there's a couple of them here in the U.S. being analyzed. You will be shocked in the next few years...
Overall this isn't a car to shock and awe, nor was it ment to.... Just like the Chrysler PTCruiser, and the Beetle... everyone was "ohhh look at that".. YET the majority moved on.. Not to mention those vehicles do not have a high repeat buyer quotient either. We need to see how the 300 does overall.
Let alone, people should wait for the 500, before judging....
I bet the Five Hundred surprises most of the naysayers, who aren't the target market for this car anyway. If they are SOOOO enamored of the Chrysler 300C, then they should just go out and buy the dern thing, enjoy, and go post in the appropriate forum. Reminds me of the constant discussion an old poster here at Edmunds used to bring up over and over about OHV engines in the GM forums. Eventually, everyone figured out that he had only one note he played over and over. He either got bored or, more likely, was asked to leave. And the forums are, in my humble opinion, better off without his constant, never changing harangue.
The Five Hundred is not designed to make people look at it and go "Oh, my!" This car was not designed to thrill those looking for intense speed and aggresssive styling. Other cars are available for that purpose. One, I submit, is the Ford Mustang.
And I have NO interest in that car. Still, I don't get on the Edmunds board for Mustang and diss it for not having better fuel economy, a bigger trunk, a usable back seat, easier access and exit, etc.
On the 300c I've heard just as many people say they look ugly as say they look great.
When you look at how INEXPENSIVE the Five Hundred is going to be compared to its direct competition, its hard to not at least give it a serious look.
Apparently a few years ago Ford did a study which basically asked import buyers if they would consider an American car if it had the same quality and technology of the imports....
The findings were NO, NOT UNLESS the American car was ALOT CHEAPER!!!
I think Ford was paying attention...
The typical "Five Hundred buyer" is going to be someone who is going to be looking for interior room at least equal to the minivan or SUV he is replacing. and here this car delivers big time.
Also since the 3.5L isn't available immediately leasing seems alike a good idea.
Mark
Yes New Beetle, who ahhh when it came out, but stale like last weeks Coke since.
On the 300C, it's the "C" that will get the attention of some consumer's... That's the bait and hook model... They will enter, see the cost, see they can't afford it, walk out with a lesser 2.7, or 3.5L version. Majority will settle for the V6 models.
GM CVT Goes Away in '06
Date Posted 08-05-2004
General Motors' experiment with a continuously variable transmission (CVT) in some of its small cars will end after the 2005 model year. The transmission, which uses adjustable pulleys to transmit power instead of fixed gears, has been installed in Saturn Ion Coupes, Vue SUVs and a European model since 2002. However, GM has had to recall vehicles so equipped because of complaints of grinding noises and failed gearboxes: GM also extended the warranty on existing CVTs as a result. GM will limit the CVT to the Vue AWD in the 2005 model year, and then will possibly replace it with a new, efficient six-speed automatic it is developing in cooperation with Ford."
Quote from Edmunds - Headlines. . .
I certainly hope Ford has a better experience.
- Ray
Interesting - verrrry interesting . . .
http://www.wheels24.co.za/Wheels24/News/0%2C%2C1369-1372_1564481%- 2C00.html#