The Ford Five Hundred is a roomy sedan emphasizing comfort and good ergonomics over performance and pizzazz. It features an enormous trunk and expansive rear seats. The driving position, which Ford advertising referred to as "SUV-like Command Seating," is slightly elevated and can be adjusted up and down over a wide range. Overall, drivers have good visibility and excellent cabin access, similar to that of a minivan. Interior fit and finish is very good, but some of the hard plastic trim pieces felt insubstantial.
Our tested front-wheel drive Five Hundred had a six-speed automatic transmission and a 3.0-liter, 203-hp V6. The combination delivered just adequate performance. Handling is agile, especially considering the Five Hundred's size.