roadbike around $500

Being that I ride a Fuji Ace I think I can comment.

Mine is a 2002 or 2003 I think...It's a great first bike but I've outgrown it within the first 1 1/2 years.  I am so ready for a real road bike now and I'm stuck with my $400 purchase because that's all I could and still can afford.  I've been able to upgrade the wheels which helped for decreasing the weight and increasing the speed.  When I bought my bike in 2004 the bike was already a year old and most places don't have parts for it anymore (but that could be a problem for any bike I imagine).

I've never riden anything else but the bike has never been a bad ride.  The original rims caused a lot of flats but you wouldn't have that problem with a 2005.

If I had to compare it to a car purchase I'd call it a low end Saturn.  Well made but once you've got it don't plan on getting rid of it.

Would I buy another...never, I'm beyond that point, but it was/is a great starter bike.

*EDIT*

Crap, I forgot to say that I hate Sora components!!!  For crying out loud, up grade -- for what it's worth!!!