The mid-size sedan segment still accounts for 18 percent of auto industry sales, about 3 million units in the United States, but "the traditional way of making a one-size fits all sedan will not work for the future," said Ben Poore, Car Group Marketing Manager, Ford Division.

The Five Hundred's trunk is cavernous, with a class-leading 595 liters (21 cubic feet), the equivalent of eight full-size golf club bags. (Photo: Ford Motor Company of Canada)

Ford has decided to re-attack the segment using successful lessons it learned in the SUV market, by providing the right size vehicle for the intended customers, with superb interior and exterior arrangements, Poore said.

The seating position in the Five Hundred is up to 102 mm (four inches) higher than other mid-size sedans, giving the vehicle a high H-point, like the Freestyle. The rear seats fold flat, as does the front passenger seat to provide additional storage space, but the trunk alone is class-leading at 595 liters (21 cubic feet), the equivalent of eight full-size golf club bags, which is 50 percent more room than most competing mid-size sedans.

The Ford Five Hundred's recessed storage bin atop the instrument panel is big enough to hold maps, a clipboard, cell phone or a calculator. (Photo: Ford Motor Company of Canada)

There is a recessed storage bin atop the instrument panel that is big enough to hold maps, a clipboard, cell phone or a calculator, Poore said. The center console bin is large enough to accommodate a purse, even a laptop computer, and has two 12-volt outlets.

An optional overhead console can provide a place to put sunglasses and garage door openers, and has a conversation mirror. The Five Hundred has an entry keypad, powered leather seats, reverse parking assist and moon roof, and one touch "up" front windows.