Automotive
The Five Hundred was created as a successor to the Taurus, drawing inspiration from the iconic Fairlane 500 model from 1957.
This vehicle was developed using the D3 platform, which represented an advancement of Volvo’s P2 architecture. Despite featuring an all-wheel drive variant and other notable qualities, the Five Hundred failed to attract significant consumer interest, resulting in lower-than-expected sales figures.
During the New Edge design era at Ford, the company aimed to unify its styling across the entire lineup. While European models like the Focus and Mondeo had already embraced this design language with their characteristic long, flowing lines meeting at sharp angles, the American market saw a more subdued application of this style – though the Five Hundred successfully incorporated these elements. Its front grille shared similarities with the European Mondeo, and the fog lights were reminiscent of those found on the Focus. The roof featured a graceful arch connecting the hood to the trunk, and the design included an additional third window positioned between the C- and D-pillars.
The interior provided spacious accommodations for up to five occupants, protected by one of the most advanced unibody structures available at the time, complete with reinforced safety zones in the front, sides, rear, and roof areas. The cabin featured wood trim accents on the dashboard, doors, and center console, while the instrument panel’s curved design echoed that of the Mondeo.
Mechanically, the Five Hundred was equipped with a single engine choice: a 3.0-liter V6 engine. This was mated to a five-speed automatic transmission, with power delivery available to either the front wheels or all four corners of the vehicle.
