Available in front-wheel or all-wheel drive, the Five Hundreds are powered by a 3 liter, four-valve V6 with 203 horsepower. The front-wheel drive returns 21 mpg city and 29 highway with the all-wheel drive getting 19/25.

With a seating capacity of five, the 500s have 108.3 cubic feet of space with a 21.2 cubic feet in the trunk. Both models have a 20 gallon fuel tank. Occupants are protected with double-stage air bags and a sensor to read the severity of a potential collision. An additional sensor to classify front passengers adds an additional level of safety to the protection package. To the rear, safety locks on the doors protect children and child seats are anchored with the standard LATCH system. The driver’s door features a keypad for numeric entry and the vehicles use the SecuriLock system to deter vehicle theft.

The 2007 Ford Five Hundreds are equipped with AM/FM/CD combos and may be outfitted with either a SIRIUS Satellite Radio or a DVD system to the rear including a seven-inch screen and wireless headphones. Note that satellite radio and the DVD system cannot be installed together nor can the DVD system be placed on a Five Hundred with a power moonroof.

Also, the model’s predecessor, the Taurus, was reinstated to its rightful throne as the maker’s top selling sedan after the Five Hundred’s demise. For the 2005-2007 model years, the Ford Five Hundred sat in many sales lots partially due to its nondescript design and also because of its lack of power.

The 2005 model year revealed the Five Hundred with a 3.0L Duratec V6 engine that produced up to 203 horsepower. Buyers were not thrilled with the insufficient horsepower, but were also turned off by only having one engine choice. Nevertheless, the Five Hundred was equipped with either a continuously variable transmission or a six-speed Aisin automatic. The full-size sedan was also fitted with all-wheel drive; though, the feature only kicked in when necessary, and otherwise the model used primarily front-wheel drive.

The four-door Five Hundred only received minor upgrades during its years like an available GPS navigation unit for the 2006 model year and the discontinuation of the SE trim for 2007. When the model was shown at the 2007 Detroit Auto Show, Ford representatives quickly detached the “Five Hundred” badging and re-established the “Taurus” title. And, though the model looked virtually unchanged, under the hood a more powerful 260 horsepower 3.5L V6 was added. Also, a six-speed automatic transmission became the intro standard on the 2008 Taurus. Though critics and consumers were fooled by the recycled Taurus badge, Ford hopes that the familiarity of the name will draw in new buyers.

Even though the Ford Five Hundred had a short run, many feature films and television series utilized its commonplace design on their sets. Blockbuster hits like Fracture, Ocean’s Thirteen, and P2 gave the model a prominent role. The Showtime sensation Weeds gave the Five Hundred a role in an episode, while the Kiefer Sutherland action drama 24 used the model as well.

With the general dislike of the Ford Five Hundred, a number of websites were created simply to criticize its design. By and large, the take on the model is that it was made for the boring consumer. Nevertheless, with the simple name change and minor upgrades for the 2008 model year, the reviews are coming in much more positive this time around.

The F-450 can tow loads greater than 24,000 pounds. According to one reviewer, this thing could drag an F-35 fighter jet around. Payload capacity is a massive 3 tons.

Under the hood you’ll find a 6.4-liter, 4-valve, turbo-diesel V8 (with clean diesel technology) producing 350 horsepower and 650 lb.-ft. of torque (at 2,000 rpm).

The Crew Cab edition features an eight-foot bed and dual wheels in the rear to increase weight bearing as well as stability and handling. Drivers can choose from 2WD or 4WD and there are three trim levels (XL, XLT, Lariat.) The Lariat is considered the “luxury” edition and includes amenities such as reverse park assist, a moonroof, and even Western saddle-leather upholstery and trim if you pop for the King Ranch package.

The F-450 rides on a chassis that utilizes a leaf-spring rear suspension. The front grille is big and the fenders feature both prominent flares and air vents. Pair any one of ten wheel styles to achieve a distinctive look. Other options include a tailgate step (not a bad idea on a truck this big) and a bed extender. The side mirrors have been designed to telescope and they employ power-folding technology.

All trucks in the series include comprehensive airbag protection, all wheel anti-lock brakes, safety belts, and anchoring for child safety seats. The 2008 Ford F-450 Super Duty carries a true market value price range of $37,988 to $48,762.

Among its attributes is the fact that the F-450 boasts the greatest towing capacity on the market, at up to 24,500 pounds. This truck also comes in a variety of different configurations, including three unique theme packages. They are the King Ranch, Harley Davidson, and the Cabela’s edition. Add this to the number of different cab, bed, drive train, and engine combinations, and you can see that making your choice may take some time.

The Ford F-450 has a few new tricks up its sleeve this year as well, including the above mentioned Cabela’s package. This model was introduced to appeal to the many sportsman that drive Ford trucks. Nice features with this package include the themed interior design and lockable storage units for hunting and fishing equipment. The Super Duty will also offer the high tech electronics that are found in the new F-150s. This includes things like voice-activated navigation and Ford Work Solutions, which is a system designed for work trucks to keep track of business information. Also new this year is a sprayed on bed liner.

The look of the 2009 F-450 hasn’t changed much since it was redesigned for the 2008 model year. In addition to the theme packages, the Super Duty is available in the regular, crew, or SuperCab configuration. The regular cab is only available with the 8 foot bed, while the crew and SuperCab are available in the 8 or 6.75 foot options.

There are also several choices of interior packages available, depending on which trim option you choose. Whether you are looking for practicality or luxury, the F-450 has an interior design package that will meet your needs. All models offer many of the tech features that are now so common in new vehicles.

With the new Super Duty, you also get a choice of three different power plants and two different transmissions. On the low end is the 300 horsepower 5.4 liter V8, of course, Ford also offers a 362 horsepower 6.8 liter V10, as well as the 350 horsepower 6.4 liter V8 turbo-diesel engine. Each of these can be paired up with either a six speed manual transmission or a five speed automatic. Two and four wheel drive is also available on all packages. Safety features on the Ford Super Duty include anti-lock brakes and air bags. Available options include rear view camera and post crash alert system.

The 2009 Ford F-450 Super Duty begins at around $41,000 and can go up considerably from there, depending on which package you opt for. The performance and durability of this truck has never come into question. One does have to wonder; however, why all of the fancy theme packages are necessary on a truck that is designed for working.

For the 2008 model year, the F-450 Super Duty gets a pickup truck bed and makes its debut as an extreme work truck that is now available to the general public. Its class leading towing and hauling capabilities includes the ability to tow up to an astounding 24,500 pounds and haul 6,000 pounds. Like the rest of Ford’s 2008 Super Duty lineup, the F-450 Super Duty includes an exceptionally strong chassis that is specially coated to resist corrosion, an enhanced rear suspension system that improves both the handling and the overall ride quality and relatively high quality cabin materials. The intimidating size of this massive truck makes it a little unwieldy in traffic and parking lots, but if you need what it has to offer, there is little else to consider.

While the 2008 Ford F-450 Super Duty is probably more truck than necessary for most consumers, if you need to tow a 20,000 pound travel trailer it will be hard to find another truck that will do it with such ease. The sole engine is a 350 horsepower 6.4 liter turbo diesel V8. Both 2WD and 4WD versions are available with a choice of either a 6 speed manual or a 5 speed automatic transmission. All F-450s come with dual rear wheels, which allow more weight to be carried in the bed while providing greater stability.

The 2008 Ford F-450 Super Duty pickup is only available in a crew cab body style with an 8 foot long bed. The first of 3 trims is the base model XL, which comes standard with 19.5-inch alloy wheels with commercial grade tires, vinyl upholstery, an AM/FM radio, a heavy duty towing package and the Tow Command system that works to integrate the control of the trailer brakes with those on the truck. The XLT comes with cloth upholstery and chrome wheels and adds power windows, door locks and mirrors; a CD player, an MP3 audio jack, a 40/20/40 split front bench seat, air-conditioning, and cruise control. The upscale and luxurious Lariat features fog lights, leather upholstery, power front seats, dual-zone automatic climate control and telescoping side mirrors. Numerous options are available for all models, including a King Ranch Package for the Lariat that includes 2 tone paint, 20 inch alloy wheels and distinctive leather upholstery.

Anyone who needs an aggressive, full time work truck will appreciate the 2008 Ford F-450 Super Duty’s capabilities as well as its refined style. Alternatively, those who do not need immense torque and power on a daily basis will not want to pass by the easier to maneuver and smoother riding, less powerful pickups and SUVs.

E-150 XLT Wagon, the E-150 Chateau, the E-350 Super Duty XL Wagon, the E-350 Super Duty XLT Wagon, the E-350 Super Duty Ext Length XL, the E-350 Super Duty EXT Length XLT and as conversion packages (prices vary.)

The Chateau seats seven with the XL and XLT models accommodating eight to fifteen. Engine options start with the 4.6 liter Triton SOHC SEFI 16-valve V8 with 225 hp as an automatic transmission with four speeds. The 5.4 liter, 16-valve V8 generates 255 horsepower as a four or five-speed automatic. The 6.8 liter, 20-valve V10 offers 305 horsepower with a five-speed automatic, the same transmission on the 6 liter, 32-valve diesel V8 producing 235 horsepower. (Towing and payload capacities vary widely with body type and engine.)

All models of the 2007 Ford E-Series vans offer occupant protection with airbags covering the driver and passenger and employ brakes with anti-locking technology. Entry via a remote including a panic button is optional on all models (but standard on the Chateau.) All models have an AM/FM stereo with the unit including a CD on the Chateau and XLT models. (A DVD Entertainment system is optional across the line.)

Formerly known as the Econoline van, the E-Series has been the best selling full size van for almost 30 years and has continued to survive in a world full of mini vans and SUV’s. If a large amount of interior room, reliability and safety are your primary criteria, the E-Series will have a van that suits your needs.

This jumbo sized people and cargo mover comes with a choice of either a 4.6 liter V8 or a 5.4 liter V8 engine and both come standard with an automatic 4 speed transmission. Depending on engine size, horsepower ratings come in somewhere between 225 and 255.

Body and trim styles are designated as the E150 and E350. The E150 accommodates eight passengers, while the E350 accommodates 12 and the E350 Super Duty Extended version has room for 15 passengers. Each of these full size vans is offered in an XL and XLT trim. The base XL is sparsely equipped with basic features including vinyl upholstery, air-conditioning and an AM/FM radio. The more upscale trims versions are better equipped and include more comfort and convenience features including leather upholstery, cruise control, and an upgraded audio system. The standard passenger side rear exit and entry is via a pair of barn style swinging doors, with a single, sliding minivan type door available at no additional cost. A full compliment of airbags, 4 wheel anti lock brakes and a tire pressure monitoring system come standard to ensure safety on all models while security features such as remote keyless entry and alarm system are optional.

With the Ford F Series pick up trucks providing the inspiration for the 2008 E-Series Passenger Van, the exterior is boldly designed to live up to the hard working ‘Ford Tough’ appearance and the utility associated with it. Often used by emergency services personnel and other businesses, as well as community organizations and large families, the E-Series can be designed to meet your individual needs.

These vans are monsters! With base model seating capacity just for two, the Ford E-Series Vans range in price from $25,060 for the E-150 up to $34,695 for the E-350 Super Duty models. We won’t mention much about fuel efficiency here, but just assume that they are not the cheapest vehicles on the road to drive, especially when loaded down. Of course, that’s not why they were created anyway.

What they were created for is to move cargo - and lots of it. The E-150 ($25,060 - $30,115) comes stock with a 4.6L 225hp Triton V8 or an optional 5.4L 255hp Triton V8. Either engine chosen comes with a 4-speed auto tranny. The interior is cavernous to say the least. 4-wheel ABS, AC and tilt steering are about all of the luxury that you’ll be granted here. Regular and extended cab versions are available as well as your choice between a commercial and recreational trims. The recreational trim is uniquely-suited to the purchaser’s whims and needs. There is also the rugged XL trim for off-road apps and the more-loaded XLT trim for added luxury and up to 8 passengers.

For 2009, the E-150 from Ford was fitted with a newly-designed instrument panel, an oversized glove box and “Flex-Fuel” engine performance. The “Flex-Fuel” engine operates on straight regular gasoline or an 85/15 ethanol/gasoline mixture. Both electronic stability control and electronic traction control systems are standard features on all E-Series vans.

The E-250 ranges in price from $26,095 up to $29,975 and features the same engine and transmission choices as does the E-150. As with the E-150, the E-250 comes with the spare tire stored under the body to maximize interior cargo space. Of course, the difference between the models is in the suspension systems. The E-250 can handle more of a load without squatting or even breaking a sweat. Trims and optional features also match those of the E-150.

The king of the hill for the E-Series Passenger Vans by Ford, the E-350 Super Duty, is a monster on wheels. MSRPs range from $28,885 up to $34,695, model/cab/trim-dependent. Up to par with class standards, all E-Series Fords come with a basic warranty good for 36 months or 36,000 miles. The E-350 comes with the 5.4L 255hp Triton V8 with 4-speed auto transmission; it runs like a beaten ape and can carry loads that seem impossible. As if that wasn’t already too much power, there are not one, but two, optional engines also available: a 6.0L 235hp Powerstroke diesel and a huge 6.8L 305hp Triton V8. For the E-350, the XLT trim with extended cab can carry up to 15 passengers in comfortable safety. Wow - 15!

The 2009 Ford E-Series Passenger Vans are made for hauling both people and their cargo - plain and simple. They are giants of the road and continue to serve as such. The E-Series lineage remains on of fascination and unmatched utility. When you have serious hauling to do - the Ford E-Series sets the standards.

Its size put it into a market that competed with the Volkswagen Type 2 and the Chevrolet Corvair Sportvan. Before it took off as the standard for company and governmental fleets, it was an acceptable trademark in the hippie world - displaying custom paint jobs that symbolized and peace, love, harmony and freedom.

It was the Bell Telephone Company that helped to establish the Ford E-Series van as the standard for corporate transportation requirements. In fact, still today, the Ford E-Series full-sized passenger van dominates roughly 79.6% of all sales of full-sized vans in the US. There were over 168,000 units sold in the United States in 2007 alone. Further, the E-Series passenger van by Ford has been the top-selling van in its class for 29 years straight.

The earliest flat-nosed E-vans from Ford had 144 cid 6-cylinder engines mated to a 3-speed transmission. The engine was seated in between the two front seats - you know, the kind that bulged up painfully to crowd the front occupants. In fact, early models were fitted with a 165-pound weight added to the rear to balance its otherwise too-heavy front end.

With the massive and instant success of the Ford E-Series vans well-established, 1968 saw the second generation emerge. The van world was rocked as Ford took an innovative approach and relocated the engine all the way forward under a new short hood (instead of the flat nose design). C-Class motor homes based their designs on this short-hooded new standard from Ford as well - and continue to do so today. The E-Series for 1968 also was the first ever to incorporate a double-I-beam suspension system - a feature that has never been changed in E-vans. It also was offered for the first time by Ford, and as a class first, as a more powerful V8.

In 1971, the E-Series vans from Ford received a redesigned grille as well as an elongated and more box-like design. In 1972, optional sliding rear doors were added as well as an optional stripped chassis that was normally reserved for off-road vehicles. In 1975, the Navistar Diesel V8 was introduced and the E-Series was again lengthened and made boxier. It was also made available for the first time as a 4WD vehicle - optional of course.

With an almost-standard hood and a body style that stuck around until 1991, the 1975 E-Series vans were probably the most different than all other generations. In 1983, the Ford blue ovular logo was added to the grille. In 1992, the Ford E-Series passenger vans received their next generational makeover.

The box-like design was shoved aside and a new curvy and aerodynamically-inclined version was released. A Triton 6.8L V10 engine was incorporated and the seating capacity was increased to optionally accommodate up to 15 passengers. Motor Trend magazine also named the E-Series Chateau Club Wagon the truck of the year. Leaving well enough alone, nothing much changed again until 2007 when the new E-Series was revealed at the New York Auto Show.

It featured an upgraded 7.3L Power Stroke diesel, a chromed-out frontal grille, bigger headlights and a nose that was considerably more streamlined. In 2009, dash-mounted navigational systems were added as optional features and cargo space was increased. Other new features include a rear backing camera, a glove box for passengers and available gas-saving 4.6L or 5.4L E-85 engines - the same that are used on the F-150 pickups.

As 2010 approaches, there are unconfirmed rumors that Ford will only be producing the E-Series for commercial fleet purchases and not for public consumption. However, for the time being at least, the Ford E-Series passenger vans still dominate the market - working on 30 years straight now.

And one of the most popular in America is the 2009 Ford F-350 Super Duty Dually 2WD. Ford’s one-ton dual rear wheel pickup is a real work truck, but with all the amenities you would expect in a luxury vehicle.

The body style of the Super Duty underwent a significant refresh in 2008 and is basically unchanged for 2009. There are significant enhancements to the standard features in every trim, however.

The F-350 Dually 2WD has three engine options. They include the 5.4 liter 300 horsepower gasoline V8 that is standard on most trims. The other two options are the 6.4 liter, 350 horsepower Power Stroke diesel V8 and the 6.8 liter 362 horsepower gasoline V10. By the way, the diesel has a whopping 650 pound feet of torque.

Regardless of the engine you choose, you can get either a five-speed automatic or a six-speed manual transmission, either with overdrive.

Unlike some of the heavies, the Super Duties are not just an up-gunned version of the standard half-ton pickup. They’re built on a completely separate platform from the half tons and have their own body style. They do tend to keep the same basic interior and options, however.

There are three basic trims for the 350 Super Duty: XL, XLT and Lariat, in ascending order of price and standard features. Each trim can be had in a standard Cab, or a SuperCab or Crew Cab Long Bed, except the Lariat, which comes only in the SuperCab and Crew Cab Long Bed options. You can also get the King Ranch, Harley Davidson or the new Cabela packages.

The long bed is eight feet, the short bed is six. The manual transmission is standard on all trims. The gasoline V8 is standard on all but the Crew Cab Long Beds, which comes with the diesel standard and has only the V10 for an option.

The big pickups aren’t required to provide either fuel efficiency or crash test numbers. However, don’t expect much in the way of fuel efficiency. Big engines and a ton of weight do use the gas.

On the other hand, it’s hard to image a safer vehicle to ride in. It’s virtual tank. Unless you’re hit by a train, the only thing likely to be hurt in a crash is the other guy. In addition, all the safety features you would expect are available either standard or as options.

The 2009 Ford F-350 Super Duty Dually 2WD is a truck, in every sense of the word. Built to stand up to the toughest work, it doesn’t come cheap. Base price is $26,725. Still, that’s not bad for what you get.

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