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Acceleration
"Adequate and on par with most V6 rivals despite one of smallest engines in class.
We timed AWD Five Hundred at 7.5 sec 0-60 mph, FWD Montego at 7.9. Smooth, no-gears
CVT furnishes good passing response, but can allow engine rpm to race ahead of
road speed, which takes getting used to. Disappointingly, 6-speed automatic hunts
between gears, particularly in hilly terrain, and includes neither manual-shift
gate nor gear positions between Drive and Low."
Value
"Montego and Five Hundred are Best Buys for their generous passenger room and
cargo space and take-charge driving position.Transmission behavior isn't flawless,
but acceleration is on par with most rivals, as are road manners and build quality.
And only the Chrysler 300 in this class matches their available all-wheel drive. "
Ride
"Generally absorbent and composed on all surfaces, though sharpest bumps can
jolt. Little difference in ride quality between 17- and 18-inch tires or with
front-drive vs. AWD."
Noise
"Wind and road noise well contained. Test AWD with CVT suffered audible powertrain
whine even in modest acceleration. V6 a bit rowdy a high rpm, more noticeable
with 6-speed automatic transmission's frequent shifting."
Comfort - Front
"Standard power driver's seat enhances elevated positioning. Low dashtop, tall
windows contribute to unusually good all-around visibility. Head room ample,
leg room fine, though taller occupants may want more rearward seat travel. Seats
comfortably supportive; high positioning eases entry/exit."
Comfort - Rear
"Sofa-high seating with limousinelike leg room, generous head room. Three adults
fit shoulder-to-shoulder. Easy ingress/egress."
Controls
"Clear, simple gauges contrast with button-filled audio and climate panels--the
latter set too low for easy use while driving. And their electronic readouts
can be hard to see. Steering wheel's lookalike audio and cruise-control switches
take learning too. Despite upscale image, Montego differs little from Five Hundred
in cabin decor and assembly. Soft-touch surfaces abound, but overall effect pleasant,
not elegant. Some testers say stalks for wipers and turn signals are too far
from steering wheel."
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