The Ford Five Hundred 3.0i V6 24V, produced from 2004 to 2007, represented Ford’s entry into the full-size sedan market following a period of focus on smaller vehicles. Positioned as a mainstream offering within the Five Hundred lineup, it aimed to provide a comfortable and spacious alternative to import sedans. The Five Hundred, and subsequently the Taurus which replaced it, were built on Ford’s D3 platform, shared with other models like the Ford Freestyle and Mercury Montego. This variant, equipped with the 3.0-liter Duratec V6 and a 6-speed manual transmission, was intended to appeal to buyers seeking a balance of performance and fuel efficiency in a large American sedan.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Ford |
| Model | Five Hundred |
| Generation | Five Hundred |
| Type (Engine) | 3.0i V6 24V (203 Hp) |
| Start of production | 2004 |
| End of production | 2007 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | Sedan |
| Seats | 5 |
| Doors | 4 |
| Fuel Type | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Maximum speed | 200 km/h (124.27 mph) |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 8.1 kg/Hp, 123 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 6.1 kg/Nm, 164.2 Nm/tonne |
| Power | 203 Hp @ 5750 rpm |
| Power per litre | 68.2 Hp/l |
| Torque | 271 Nm @ 4500 rpm (199.88 lb.-ft. @ 4500 rpm) |
| Engine layout | Front, Transverse |
| Engine Model/Code | Duratec 30 |
| Engine displacement | 2976 cm3 (181.61 cu. in.) |
| Number of cylinders | 6 |
| Engine configuration | V-engine |
| Cylinder Bore | 89 mm (3.5 in.) |
| Piston Stroke | 79.5 mm (3.13 in.) |
| Compression ratio | 10:1 |
| Number of valves per cylinder | 4 |
| Fuel injection system | Multi-port manifold injection |
| Engine aspiration | Naturally aspirated engine |
| Valvetrain | DOHC |
| Engine oil capacity | 5.7 l (6.02 US qt | 5.02 UK qt) |
| Coolant | 11 l (11.62 US qt | 9.68 UK qt) |
| Kerb Weight | 1650 kg (3637.63 lbs.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – minimum | 595 l (21.01 cu. ft.) |
| Fuel tank capacity | 72 l (19.02 US gal | 15.84 UK gal) |
| Length | 5100 mm (200.79 in.) |
| Width | 1875 mm (73.82 in.) |
| Height | 1530 mm (60.24 in.) |
| Wheelbase | 2870 mm (112.99 in.) |
| Front track | 1640 mm (64.57 in.) |
| Rear (Back) track | 1650 mm (64.96 in.) |
| Drivetrain Architecture | The Internal combustion engine (ICE) drives the front wheels of the vehicle. |
| Drive wheel | Front wheel drive |
| Number of gears and type of gearbox | 6 gears, manual transmission |
| Front suspension | Spring Strut |
| Rear suspension | Transverse stabilizer |
| Front brakes | Ventilated discs |
| Rear brakes | Disc |
| Assisting systems | ABS (Anti-lock braking system) |
| Steering type | Steering rack and pinion |
| Tires size | 215/60 R17 |
| Wheel rims size | 6J x 17 |
Powertrain & Engine Architecture
The heart of the Five Hundred 3.0i is the Ford Duratec 30 engine. This 3.0-liter, 60-degree V6 is constructed with an aluminum alloy cylinder block and cylinder heads. It utilizes a dual overhead camshaft (DOHC) valvetrain with four valves per cylinder, contributing to its relatively high output for its displacement. The engine employs multi-port fuel injection, delivering fuel directly into the intake ports. The Duratec 30 was designed to be a smooth and refined engine, prioritizing drivability over outright performance. Paired with this engine was a 6-speed manual transmission, offering drivers more control over gear selection compared to the available automatic option. This manual transmission was a relatively uncommon choice in the full-size sedan segment at the time, appealing to a smaller subset of buyers.
Driving Characteristics
The 203 horsepower and 199.88 lb-ft of torque provided by the 3.0-liter V6 and 6-speed manual transmission offered adequate, though not exhilarating, performance. Acceleration from 0 to 60 mph was estimated to be around 7.5-8.0 seconds. The manual transmission allowed for more spirited driving, enabling drivers to keep the engine in its optimal power band. Compared to the automatic transmission equipped models, the manual version felt more responsive and engaging. However, the Five Hundred’s considerable weight (approximately 3638 lbs) meant that it never felt particularly nimble. The 6-speed manual’s gear ratios were tuned for a balance of fuel economy and acceleration, with a relatively tall sixth gear for highway cruising.
Equipment & Trim Levels
The Five Hundred 3.0i typically came standard with features such as air conditioning, power windows and locks, a CD player, and cloth upholstery. Safety features included anti-lock brakes (ABS) and front airbags. Optional extras included leather upholstery, a sunroof, upgraded audio systems, and alloy wheels. The 3.0i trim generally sat in the middle of the Five Hundred lineup, offering a step up in performance and features compared to the base 3.0-liter model, but falling short of the more powerful V8-equipped versions. Interior appointments were generally comfortable and spacious, reflecting the Five Hundred’s focus on providing a practical and family-friendly vehicle.
Chassis & Braking
The Five Hundred utilized an independent front suspension with MacPherson struts and a multi-link rear suspension. This setup aimed to provide a comfortable ride while maintaining reasonable handling characteristics. The braking system consisted of ventilated discs at the front and solid discs at the rear. ABS was standard, enhancing braking performance and stability. The suspension was tuned for comfort, prioritizing a smooth ride over sporty handling. Stabilizer bars were included at both the front and rear to reduce body roll during cornering.
Market Reception & Comparison
The Ford Five Hundred received mixed reviews from automotive critics. While praised for its spacious interior and comfortable ride, it was often criticized for its uninspired styling and somewhat lackluster performance. The 3.0i V6 with the manual transmission was generally viewed as a more appealing option than the automatic, offering a more engaging driving experience. Compared to other full-size sedans of the time, such as the Toyota Avalon and Honda Accord, the Five Hundred offered a more affordable price point but lacked the same level of refinement and brand prestige. Fuel economy was average for the segment, with EPA estimates around 18 mpg city and 26 mpg highway.
Legacy
The Ford Five Hundred, while not a resounding commercial success, played a role in Ford’s efforts to revitalize its sedan lineup. The Duratec 30 engine proved to be a relatively reliable powertrain, with few major issues reported. In the used car market, the Five Hundred 3.0i represents an affordable and spacious option for buyers seeking a large sedan. The manual transmission versions are becoming increasingly rare and are often sought after by enthusiasts. While not a collector’s item, the Five Hundred 3.0i remains a practical and reasonably dependable vehicle for everyday transportation. The platform and engine technology were further refined in subsequent Ford models, including the Taurus, which ultimately replaced the Five Hundred in 2008.
