The Ford Five Hundred 3.0i V6 24V AWD, produced from 2004 to 2007, represented Ford’s re-entry into the full-size sedan market after a period of relative absence. Positioned as a modern and comfortable alternative to the outgoing Crown Victoria and Grand Marquis, the Five Hundred aimed to recapture market share from import brands like Toyota and Honda. This particular variant, equipped with the 3.0-liter Duratec V6 and all-wheel drive, was a mid-range offering within the Five Hundred lineup, positioned between the base 3.0-liter front-wheel-drive model and the higher-performance 4.6-liter V8 option. It was designed to appeal to families seeking a spacious, safe, and reasonably well-equipped sedan.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Ford |
| Model | Five Hundred |
| Generation | Five Hundred |
| Type (Engine) | 3.0i V6 24V AWD (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 | 8.5 kg/Hp, 117.3 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 6.4 kg/Nm, 156.6 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 | 1730 kg (3814 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.) |
| Drive wheel | All wheel drive (4×4) |
| 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 AWD was the Duratec 30 engine, a 3.0-liter, naturally aspirated V6. This engine, part of Ford’s Duratec family, featured a 60-degree V-angle and a double overhead camshaft (DOHC) valvetrain with four valves per cylinder. The engine utilized a multi-port fuel injection system, delivering fuel directly into the intake ports. The Duratec 30 was known for its relatively smooth operation and adequate power delivery for everyday driving. The 6-speed manual transmission was a key component, offering drivers more control over the engine’s output compared to the optional automatic. The all-wheel-drive system employed a viscous coupling, automatically distributing torque between the front and rear axles as needed to maintain traction. This system didn’t have any driver controls; it was entirely reactive, engaging the rear wheels when front wheel slip was detected.
Driving Characteristics
The Five Hundred 3.0i AWD with the manual transmission provided a reasonably engaging driving experience for a full-size sedan. While not a sports car, the 203 horsepower and 199.88 lb-ft of torque were sufficient for confident acceleration and highway merging. The 6-speed manual allowed drivers to keep the engine in its optimal power band, enhancing responsiveness. Compared to the 4.6-liter V8 model, the 3.0-liter offered less outright power but felt more nimble and balanced due to its lighter weight. The all-wheel-drive system provided enhanced stability and traction, particularly in inclement weather. The gear ratios were tuned for a balance of fuel efficiency and performance, with a relatively tall sixth gear for relaxed cruising. The steering, while not overly sporty, was precise and offered decent feedback for a vehicle of its size. The suspension absorbed bumps well, providing a comfortable ride, but body roll was noticeable during aggressive cornering.
Equipment & Trim Levels
The Five Hundred 3.0i AWD 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 premium sound system, a sunroof, and heated front seats. The trim level of the 3.0i AWD often determined the availability of these optional features. Higher trim levels, often denoted with a “Limited” designation, included more standard luxury features. The interior design was generally considered functional and comfortable, though not particularly luxurious compared to some competitors. The dashboard layout was straightforward and easy to use, with large, clearly marked controls.
Chassis & Braking
The Five Hundred utilized a front strut and rear multi-link suspension system, designed to provide a comfortable ride while maintaining reasonable handling characteristics. The all-wheel-drive models featured a slightly stiffer suspension tuning compared to the front-wheel-drive versions to accommodate the added weight and drivetrain components. Braking duties were handled by ventilated discs at the front and solid discs at the rear. ABS was standard, providing enhanced braking control in emergency situations. The steering system employed a rack-and-pinion setup, offering precise and responsive steering feel. The chassis was designed with a focus on rigidity, contributing to a stable and secure feeling on the road.
Market Reception & Comparison
The Ford Five Hundred received mixed reviews from automotive critics. While praised for its spacious interior, comfortable ride, and available all-wheel drive, it was often criticized for its somewhat bland styling and unremarkable performance. The 3.0-liter V6 with the manual transmission was generally considered a good compromise between fuel economy and performance, but it didn’t offer the same level of excitement as the V8 model. Compared to competitors like the Toyota Avalon and Honda Accord, the Five Hundred offered a more American-style driving experience, prioritizing comfort over sporty handling. Fuel economy was average for the segment, typically ranging from 18-24 mpg in combined driving. Reliability proved to be somewhat inconsistent, with some owners reporting issues with the transmission and cooling system.
Legacy
The Ford Five Hundred was discontinued after the 2007 model year and replaced by the Ford Taurus. While it didn’t achieve the sales success Ford had hoped for, the Five Hundred represented an important step in the company’s efforts to revitalize its full-size sedan lineup. The Duratec 30 engine proved to be a relatively reliable powertrain, and many examples of the Five Hundred 3.0i AWD remain on the road today. In the used car market, these models are often sought after by buyers looking for an affordable, spacious, and all-weather capable sedan. However, potential buyers should be aware of potential issues with the transmission and cooling system, and regular maintenance is crucial to ensure long-term reliability. The Five Hundred, despite its shortcomings, offered a compelling package for families seeking a comfortable and practical full-size sedan, and its all-wheel-drive option made it a particularly attractive choice in regions with harsh winters.
