The 2006 Ford Five Hundred is available in three trim levels: SE, SEL, and Limited. Each is available with all-wheel drive. All are powered by a 3.0-liter V6 called the Duratec 30 rated at 203 horsepower and 207 pound-feet of torque. Front-wheel-drive models come equipped with a six-speed automatic. All-wheel-drive, or AWD, models use a continuously variable transmission, or CVT.
SE ($22,230) and SE AWD ($24,080) come equipped with air conditioning, a six-way power driver's seat, a tilt steering column, power locks, mirrors and windows, remote key fob unlocking as well as keyless entry (entry via a driver's door-mounted keypad, a popular Ford feature), overhead and front consoles, CD player, and 17-inch wheels.
SEL ($24,230) and SEL AWD ($26,080) add dual-zone automatic climate control with rear-seat air outlets, eight-way power for the driver's seat and two-way power for the front-passenger's seat, a six-CD changer and MP3 capability, leather-wrapped steering wheel with built-in audio control, wood grain interior trim, an electronic message center with a compass, self-dimming interior mirror, outside temperature display fog lamps, chrome body accents and automatic headlamps.
Limited ($26,380) and Limited AWD ($28,230) get leather-trimmed seats, heated front seats, 18-inch wheels, a bright-texture grille, chrome mirror caps, memory seats and mirrors, Audiophile audio with subwoofer, four-way power front passenger's seat, cream-colored instruments and an analog clock in the center of the dashboard.
Options include traction control, leather trim seating for SE and SEL models, power-adjustable pedals for the Limited model, a power moonroof, and a rear obstacle warning system for SEL and Limited. A family entertainment system, consisting of a headliner-mounted DVD player, flip-down flat screen television monitor and two wireless headphones is available on the SEL and Limited.
Safety features include an optional package for the SE with side-impact airbags (for torso protection) and canopy airbags (for head protection), an anti-theft perimeter alarm and lights ($795); a similar safety package for the SEL and Limited includes the side-impact and canopy airbags ($595). Anti-lock brakes (ABS) are standard on all models.