Numbers are flying: Ford reveals pricing scheme for new models

The 2005 Ford Five Hundred, which began production last month, will begin at $22,795 for the front-wheel-drive model, and $24,495 for an all-wheel-drive application. The Mercury Montego, basically a rebadged Five Hundy, will sticker at about $25K for the front-driver and $26,695 for the all-wheeler, a tactic which makes me wonder if anyone legitimately thinks someone should have to pay more to get into a Mercury. The Blue Oval's Freestyle wagon/SUV thing (pictured) will run $25,595 and $27,295 for front and all-wheel-drive versions, respectively. The autos are all built on the Volvo-based D3 platform, and are part of Ford's goal to replace the Taurus line with a few vehicles that don't totally suck.