Following the launch of its full-size pickup and minivans, Ford is gearing up for the largest wave of new car introductions in its history.
During 2004, Ford and Mercury will introduce nearly a dozen all-new or significantly freshened products — and most will be passenger cars.
According to Ford, the passenger car market accounts for 45 percent of vehicles sold in the United States. The automaker is betting that consumers are still looking for high-quality, affordable cars that satisfy their diverse lifestyles.
Ford and Mercury are offering something for everyone with the all-new 2005 Mustang, Ford Freestyle, Ford Five Hundred, a significantly updated Ford Focus and the Mercury Montego.
The updated version of the Ford Focus is already in production and will appear in dealers’ showrooms in the spring of 2004 as a 2005 model. The Mustang is no stranger either. It has been completely redesigned and the 2005 model is scheduled to show up in the marketplace late in 2004.
The big news is the trio of all-new models that add significantly to the Ford/Mercury lineup: The Freestyle, the Five Hundred and the Montego.
Even more significant is the blending of Volvo technology into these new products. Since Ford owns Volvo Cars, it was only a matter of time until both companies shared technical expertise. And it shows up for the first time in the Freestyle, Five Hundred, and Montego, which have a body structure, as well as a few drivetrain components, that is very similar to those found in the Volvo XC90. To Ford’s credit, it just makes good sense to use the best technology available, while ignoring the temptation to try to reinvent the wheel.
The new Five Hundred has been developed to be the flagship sedan in the Ford lineup, and is the basis for a whole new generation of vehicles to roll out over the next few years.
Diehard import buyers might want to consider the Five Hundred because it’s a midsize sedan that offers upscale design inside and out, and good interior/cargo room. Better yet, all-wheel drive is available, as well as a choice between a continuously variable transmission or a conventional six-speed automatic. Motivation comes from a 3.0-liter V-6 engine, good for 200 horsepower.
As with the Five Hundred, Freestyle’s architecture is inspired by a Volvo design, with independent suspension for responsive handling and a quiet ride. It’s a purpose-built crossover vehicle that blends the looks of a sport utility vehicle, the versatility of a minivan, and the confidence of an all-wheel-drive sedan. As such, according to Ford, it’s not a minivan, not an SUV, and not a sedan. With its dozens of seat configurations, it can transport up to seven passengers or other combinations of people and cargo. Most shoppers would say it’s a modern-day version of the venerable station wagon. But others will concede that, with its Volvo-derived Haldex all-wheel-drive system, it’s a true member of the crossover society.
Freestyle uses the same 3.0-liter V-6 as the Five Hundred, but comes only with a continuously variable transmission. Both the Five Hundred and Freestyle are destined to arrive in Ford showrooms late in calendar year 2004 as 2005 models.
The upscale Mercury Montego midsized sedan is just one of the all-new Mercurys that will arrive in showrooms over the next three years as Lincoln-Mercury continues to revamp and bolster its lineup. It’s a very close cousin to the Five Hundred and will go on sale late in the 2004 calendar year. As with its Ford cousins, Montego uses a Volvo-inspired platform, Ford’s 3.0-liter Duratec V-6, and either a ZF continuously variable transmission or the premium six-speed automatic, developed by Asian AW.
The CVT, which precisely selects the right gear ratio, makes the Montego’s relatively small, fuel-efficient engine feel much more powerful. It’s standard on all-wheel-drive versions of the new sedan.
Last, but certainly not least, is the all-new 2005 Mustang. Due to arrive late in 2004, it is a completely new four-passenger car with more interior room than before. It’s available with a 300-horsepower V-8 or a V-6 good for 202 horsepower. Five-speed transmissions, manual or automatic, put the power to the pavement.
Rear suspension is still a three-link solid axle design, while the front suspension uses MacPherson struts.
Mustang enthusiasts won’t be disappointed with either the exterior or interior design. This is a real Mustang.
That’s what going on at Ford for the next year or so. Now the big question is: What’s Ford going to do for an encore?
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