In preparing this post I came across two odd thoughts. First: Are we really going to have
to spell out Five Hundred for the new Ford sedan instead of the number 500? Second: Why is Ford replacing the Taurus
with two different FWD sedans?
I don’t know the answer to either but AutoWeek addresses other concerns including how the Five Hundred uses Volvo
architecture to make a better Ford. Good idea. The idea to use the Volvo designs came when designing the Ford
Freestyle, the crossover that borrows heavily from the Volvo XC90. Ford must have liked it so much it carried over to
the Five Hundred and Mercury Montego. Of course Ford had to keep things affordable and replaced things like aluminum
rear suspension with steel.
Ford says they spent a lot of money on reducing road noise and improving the interior. So far I believe them. But it
seems like they gave up on the exterior a bit early.