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The Five Hundred has all
the practicalities that a family sedan should. The interior is easily the
largest in this group, both for passengers and for cargo, and safety ratings
are impeccable. The ride is comfortable, and handling is nimble for such a
large vehicle. But be prepared to pay for the car’s size, the Five Hundred is
one of the most expensive vehicles in this group, while coming with the fewest
features. The standard V6 is equipped with a continuously variable
transmission on the base SE version, which improves performance in most
conditions over the 6-speed automatic found on other front-wheel-drive
versions of the car, but hurts fuel economy. And unlike several of the other
cars in this class priced near the limit for this group, the Five Hundred
doesn’t have a premium feel to make it feel worth the extra money.
The Five Hundred has a
firm, very well-controlled ride that doesn’t isolate occupants from larger
bumps as well as some competitors, but recovers instantly after passing over
them, and smaller road imperfections are absorbed well. This firmness also
helps handling control, the Five Hundred has impressively well-contained body
roll, and feels quite nimble for its size, more like a midsize car than a
large one. The responsive, well-weighted steering returns good feedback. The
3.0-liter V6 is the only available engine, and as noted, comes with a CVT in
this version. This transmission keeps acceleration smooth and helps passing
power, but the car is rather slow off the line. The engine can get noisy under
hard acceleration, but wind and road noise are unobjectionable. Gas mileage is
poor for this group, the downside of the performance-oriented CVT.
Inside, the Five
Hundred’s high, large, and well-shaped front seats offer excellent head space,
though there could be more foot space, and the cushions are too firm. The rear
is high and well-shaped, with phenomenal leg and head space. The dash is
well-finished, but lacks an upscale ambiance. The gauges could use additional
contrast, but the instruments are conveniently placed. Drivers sit very high
and comfortably, with exceptional visibility in all directions. Large doors,
wide footwells, and a high, well-shaped roof contribute to very easy
entry/exit. The vast trunk is very well-shaped.
The Five Hundred
excelled in crash testing. It earned five stars for both the driver and for
the front passenger in its NHTSA frontal crash test, and five stars for the
driver and five for the rear passenger in the NHTSA side crash test. It was
rated Best Pick in the IIHS offset crash test and with the optional side
airbags it was rated Good in its IIHS side crash test. (A version without the
optional airbags, as reviewed here, has not been subjected to that test.) Its
head restraints were rated Good.
The Five Hundred
reviewed here came in at $20,756, equipped with only its standard features. A
power driver’s seat and a keypad-entry system make up the important items, the
optional side airbags, traction control, all-wheel-drive, heated leather
seats, and most other expected options (except for stability control, which
isn’t offered) would push the price past this group’s limit.
Overall, the Five
Hundred is an excellent family sedan. However, at this price range, value is
of great importance. And this car lacks either value, or an upscale aura to
justify its high pricing. It has best-in-group interior space, excellent crash
test scores, and surprisingly capable driving dynamics, but those qualities
make the best family sedan rather than the best inexpensive family sedan.
There is a difference.
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