SES is a popular choice and comes in standard and deluxe variations. SES adds an in-dash single CD player, front bucket seats with six-way power and a manual lumbar adjustment on the driver's side. Four-wheel anti-lock disc brakes are standard. Also standard is Ford's Duratec V6, a more sophisticated engine with double overhead cams working 24 valves. This engine also displaces 3.0 liters, but revs higher and produces 200 hp and 200 lbs.-ft. of torque. The Vulcan engine is good, but take one drive with the more responsive Duratec and you may never be satisfied with less.
The Sport package ($290 on the SES Deluxe) includes monochromatic body treatment with a body-color spear in the grille and a body-color applique on the rear deck lid. It comes with five-spoke aluminum sport wheels, a rear spoiler, special fender badging, pewter brushed interior trim, two-tone black and gray sport seats and special floor mats.
SEL, available in Deluxe and Premium editions, adds seven-spoke machined aluminum wheels, a six-CD changer, leather-wrapped steering wheel, dark paledo wood-trimmed interior, automatic electronic temperature control, adjustable pedals and keyless keypad entry.
Wagons are better equipped than their sedan counterparts. For example, the SE wagon features four-wheel disc brakes (an improvement over the rear drum brakes of the SE sedan) with ABS, a rear anti-roll bar, a six-way power driver's seat, a cleverly adjustable luggage rack, and a unique bumper shape with step pads at the rear. The SEL wagon adds seven-spoke machined aluminum wheels, a six-CD changer, keypad entry and automatic climate controls.
Key options for many models include a MACH audio system ($345), anti-lock brakes ($600), Cellport communications system ($350), a power moonroof ($895), and adjustable pedals ($120).
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