Ford, suffering from a lack of interesting products that's partly responsible for a recent slide in sales, is hoping that two new models -- the 2005 Ford Five Hundred sedan and the 2005 Ford Freestyle crossover -- put some "pop" back in its showrooms.

Recent long drives of both new models suggests that Ford's hopes just may be fulfilled. Both the Freestyle and Five Hundred are quiet, comfortable, fun to drive and, it seems, ahead of the curve in terms of desirability. They are well equipped, attractive though not groundbreakers in style, and they have nice interiors save some qualms I had with the Freestyle.

2005 Ford Freestyle (above) and 2005 Ford Five Hundred (below) Click photo for larger image.

These products also feature some interesting new technology that you don't often see, including six-speed automatic transmissions, continuously variable transmissions and such safety features as rollover sensors and air curtain bags for the second and third row of seats. Both are powered by 203 horsepower, 3.0 liter V-6 engines.

As for price, both more or less qualify as Wallet Watchers. A 500 SE with all-wheel drive will cost about $24,500, just below our $25,000 cut-off, while the Freestyle starts at just $595 above that level -- close enough, though the four-wheel-drive version may be a bit much, starting at around $27,200.

The Five Hundred, in particular, stands to be a big hit because none of the competition offers what it does at such a reasonable price.

First, it's got a huge amount of legroom. I moved my passenger seat almost as far forward as it would go and there was still plenty of room to stretch out. And with my seat as far back as it would go in the other direction, my legs and knees never touched the back of the front seat. It has 21.2 cubic feet of trunk space, which according to Ford is more than anything in its class.

The Five Hundred comes across as a very Euro-flavored product -- along the lines of a Volkswagen Passat or an Audi A4 inside and out. Quiet, sophisticated and elegant, the exterior has strong flavors of Audi in its lines.

The Freestyle should be successful, too. It's a darn fine product. The steering, in particular, feels well-balanced and sporty. And the instrument panel, with its round gauges and easily reached controls, is one of the best in the so-called crossover market that features attributes of cars, trucks and SUVs.

But Ford, at least at a recent ride-and-drive event in Chicago, is insisting on comparing it to the Buick Rendezvous and the Chrysler Pacifica, two other crossovers that sell in a higher price bracket.

Ford Freestyle interior (above) and Ford Five Hundred interior (below). Click photo for larger image.

That's a mistake. The Rendezvous and Pacifica start at about the same price at which the Freestyle is supposed to top out.

But on the ambience front, they're at a different level. The Pacifica, in particular, is far richer-looking with a more interesting style than the Freestyle. And the Rendezvous, at least in its Ultra form, is no slouch, either. By the time you add options, both of those products are way more upscale than the Freestyle is intended to be.

To be sure, neither of the Pacifica's or Rendezvous' third-row seats seem as roomy as the one in the Freestyle. Ford's betting that this will make a difference in sales. Maybe. But there's a catch. Both the Pacifica and the Rendezvous have more sumptuous, substantial looking interiors that are more inviting than the Freestyle's, which has too much plastic for me, though the effect isn't quite as jarring in a darker shade as it is in the beige interior that I tested.

To be blunt, there's a good chance that if consumers cross shop all three, people looking for interior comfort and style will take either the Pacifica or the Rendezvous over the Freestyle in a flash, never mind the interior room issue.

My advice to Ford: Watch your marketing positioning with the Freestyle. Don't pitch the Freestyle against upscale products. Look for some crossovers or other products that are closer to the "family" market, not the upscale and luxury ones.

Ford should focus on how consumers will find nothing nearly as pleasant or as well equipped as the Freestyle at that price. There's certainly nothing out there from any domestic automakers, and the foreign brands cost much more.