Topic: FORD FIVE HUNDRED ACHIEVES TOP NHTSA CRASH-TEST RATING

[S60]

U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) this week announced that the 2005 Ford Five Hundred has received the top five-star crash-test rating for front- and side-impacts - the only 2005 model passenger car tested to achieve this performance without the optional side air bags.  
Sales of the Ford Five Hundred to non-Ford owners running over 40 percent, with higher than expected demand for high-series models and all-wheel drive.  
More than 85 percent of sales have been to retail customers, with a high percentage of leases due to Five Hundred's strong residual value.

[Drivesideways]

Looks like very good news for FoMoCo.  With the buzz around the 'Stang and good numbers for a bread-and-butter line like the Five Hundred, things should be looking up for them.

[S60]

I'm curious what the 40% non-Ford drivers were driving previously.
Its also interesting that many are choosing the higher end variants (AWD).

My feeling is many of the mfgs will be offering AWD systems throughout their lineup in the coming years.

[Smainville]

They were probably driving a Ford, it's the only way  not to lose!

[Giant Dwarf]

S60:  I"d wager a large portion of that 40% non-ford drivers were previously driving Impalas or Centuries.  (shh... don't tell Barrie I said that)  

[The Fuzz]

I saw one get racked up today versus a Chev Venture van. Did well.

[barrie1]

I bet the Chevie Van won tho. Ford needs a good selling car as they are hurting big time at the Bank. The only noise I hear about this car is its underpowered. The rest seems quite nice.

[Mdxtasy]

Nobody wins in any accident.  I hope nobody was seriously injured.

[sirAQUAMAN64]

I echo you MDX, but after seeing how GM vans fare on the IIHS.org site, I'd be surprised for the Ford NOT to do better!