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Pricing for All-New Ford Five Hundred and Freestyle Announced

New Ford Sedan and Crossover SUV Offer Strong Value Proposition

Ford has been in need of new models to bolster its new car lineup for some time, and the upcoming Five Hundred sedan and Freestyle crossover SUV could be just what is needed. The domestic automaker recently announced prices for the two models, starting at less than most analysts initially thought they would sell for.

The Five Hundred, positioned higher up the economic scale than the midsize Taurus due to its large-car interior, starts at $22,795 in base front-wheel drive SE trim. It has been strategically priced to sell for hundreds less than Chryslers popular new 300 sedan, which is considered to be a natural competitor to the new Ford.

And the Five Hundred wont be poorly equipped to achieve its target price either,

Ford is in serious need of new products, and the upcoming Five Hundred sedan and Freestyle crossover SUV (shown) should fit the bill nicely. (Photo: Ford Motor Company)

featuring a 203 horsepower Duratec 30 DOHC 3.0-liter V6 engine mated to a sophisticated 6-speed automatic on most front-wheel drive models, plus a continuously-variable transmission (CVT) for all-wheel drive and some front-drive models. The new Ford, and the 2005 Mazda6, will be the first volume cars to offer a 6-speed automatic, with such technology usually only available in premium brands such as BMW and Lexus.

Also standard will be an AM/FM/single-CD audio system, power

Starting at $22,795, Ford has priced the well-equipped Five Hundred sedan cheaper than Chryslers hot new 300. (Photo: Ford Motor Company)

door locks with remote keyless entry and door-mounted keyless entry key pad, power windows with drivers door one-touch up and down, 5-passenger seating with a 6-way power drivers featuring with manual lumber adjustment, 4-wheel ABS equipped disc brakes and 17-inch wheels and tires. The Five Hundred also achieves best-in-class rear leg and headroom, as well as the largest trunk available in any sedan. The new Ford 4-door will make optional all-wheel drive available in all three trim levels, SE, SEL and Limited, for $1,700. The all-wheel drive SE starts at $24,495, also under-pricing the 300 with all-wheel drive.

The all-wheel drive Freestyle will start at $24,495, once again cheaper than Chryslers comparable offering. (Photo: Ford Motor Company) align="justify">"Both Five Hundred and Freestyle offer a totally new approach to providing customers with what they want," stated Bill Rowe, Ford Motor Company, Limited, brand manager, Family Lifestyle Vehicles.

The new 2005 Freestyle is also aggressively priced, starting at $25,595 for a front-wheel drive SE that features up to 7-occupant seating. Comparatively to the front-wheel drive Chrysler Pacifica, the Freestyle SE is more than substantially cheaper. All-wheel drive Freestyles start at $27,295, again less expensive than the Pacifica with AWD and the Buick Rainier.

"Fords Year of the Car will stand for great new products and great value," stated Steve Lyons,

The new Freestyle is big on space, offering more seating than Chryslers Pacifica. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, American Auto Press)

president of Ford Division. "The Ford Five Hundred and Freestyle offer so much refinement, versatility and capability that we think their low prices will be a happy surprise to consumers."

The new Freestyle is big on space, offering more seating than Chryslers Pacifica with 6- or 7-occupant configurations available. Also, long objects of up to 10 feet in length can be accommodated inside. The Freestyle also offers best-in-class first, second and third row legroom, according to Ford.

A 3.0-liter V6 puts power through a CVT gearbox, in both front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive trim levels. The brakes are all discs and feature standard ABS, while a 17-inch alloy wheel and tire package is also included.

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