Overview & Reviews

After years of focusing most of its attention on light trucks, Ford realized it needed a stronger lineup of passenger cars. In particular, the company needed a car that would appeal to families of four and five. The Ford Five Hundred was the result, a large sedan designed to appeal both to ex-SUV owners and traditional full-size-car buyers.

The Ford Five Hundred's biggest advantage was space, as it offered more than 40 inches of legroom front and rear as well as a massive 21-cubic-foot trunk. In addition, the seating position up front was higher than normal to provide a commanding view of the road.

Sales were never particularly strong, however, and Ford decided to rename the Five Hundred as the Taurus starting with the 2008 model year.

Most Recent Ford Five Hundred

Introduced for 2005, the Ford Five Hundred received minimal changes during its brief three-year run. This sedan is based on the previous-generation Volvo S80 platform, and made use of that car's all-wheel drive and safety technology. The Five Hundred's Swedish origins were immediately apparent when you drove it, as it provided both a comfortable ride and competent handling, with nicely weighted steering. Braking performance was mediocre, though, and Volvo's stability control system wasn't included in the package.

Passive safety was excellent in this large sedan. Originally optional, front seat side airbags and full-length side curtain airbags became standard for 2007. Additionally, the Ford Five Hundred aced crash tests by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, earning the highest possible rating in every category.

Three trim levels -- SE, SEL and Limited -- were offered initially, though for its last year the SE was dropped. Front-wheel drive was standard on both trims, with all-wheel drive available as an option. Choosing a front-drive Five Hundred paired the 203-horsepower V6 engine with a six-speed automatic transmission, while opting for AWD mandated a continuously variable transmission (CVT). Key options included rear parking sensors, a navigation system and a rear DVD entertainment system, the latter a rarity in a mid-priced sedan.

Mediocre acceleration was the main drawback to the Five Hundred. Its standard 3.0-liter Duratec V6 was not as powerful or refined as most competitors' engines. Still, the Five Hundred's low pricing and top-notch crash test scores made it a reasonable family car pick. Consumers should know that the Ford Five Hundred was revamped and renamed the Taurus for 2008, and boasted a number of key improvements. The latter included much stronger performance courtesy of a potent new V6, upgraded cabin trim and available stability control.

User Reviews:

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  Ford 500 - 2006 Ford Five Hundred
  By Tony Dietrich - December 24 - 12:10 pm

  Lots of room in front and back. Easy to get in and out. Handles well on snow and ice. Very satisfied with the vehicle. Average of 23 city driving (Denver,CO), I havent had the opportunity for a long trip yet to check highway MPG.

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  500 - 2005 Ford Five Hundred
  By Gary M. Joraanstad - December 17 - 8:53 pm

  We have taken one short trip and one long trip in our Five Hundred and it is a very comfortable car to drive and sit in for long distances. Rides very nice and mileage was okay on the highway. I got 25.5 MPG driving at 73 miles per hour. We both like the high seats and the safety features on the car are outstanding. Since it is a large sedan, it isnt that nimble in a parking lot but not bad. On the road it is nimble and responds very fast to your touch. Ford needs to use a 3.5L engine with a 3.05 rear end. Mileage would increase and still have plenty of power. My engine is the 3.0L with a 3.49 rear end. When you step on the gas, the engine sounds like it strains a little.

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  ISSUES WITH FIVE HUNDRED - 2005 Ford Five Hundred
  By mdarnell - December 14 - 9:43 pm

  This vehicle has been in the shop for the following to be replaced and Ford will not buy it back: amp-replaced 3 times, speaker-replaced 2 times, cd-replaced 3 times, bubbling dash-5 times. This vehicle still makes a roaring noise and every electrical noise comes through the speakers. When it is very hot or extremely cold as well as after it rains in when this noise comes up. It is so loud you have to turn the radio or ignition off. We have arbitrated and they refused to still take it back. It is going back in the shop Thursday AGAIN for them to tell us they dont know what else to do. Just want to warn those of you out there.

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  Love It - 2006 Ford Five Hundred
  By toledo diver - December 11 - 10:00 am

  Lots of room and comfort, surprising how well it handles. Classy with a touch of sport.

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  New transmission - 2006 Ford Five Hundred
  By Richard W. Taylor - December 4 - 5:53 pm

  I like this car better all of the time. The main thing that is different is the transmission. The transmission doesnt shift but instead increased engine RPM is heard in the car. It is very good on the highway in performance and gas mileage on a recent trip was 30 mpg. I am very well satisfied with this car because it has a lot of room for passengers and a huge trunk.

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  Great car, but Ford could do better - 2006 Ford Five Hundred
  By SFKen - December 2 - 12:56 am

  This is a great car. It is put together well, rides and drives great, looks good, etc., EXCEPT it needs a little more horsepower. The 250 HP engine due in the 2007 model will solve that problem but why does Ford make us wait. Also, the interior doors, etc. are hard plastic. I wish Ford would spend a few dollars, and I will pay more, for a softer feeling interior. Design, etc. is great. Its just 95% of a perfect car.

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  Intelligently designed car, great price - 2007 Ford Five Hundred
  By MHT - November 27 - 10:33 pm

  This car meets all my requirements: minimal blind spots, excellent fuel economy, comfortable on a long trip, lots of cargo space, 5 star crash ratings, reasonable price. It is enjoyable to drive. It is not underpowered and merges, climbs hills and passes with no trouble at all. The headlights are better than many other cars. It is a safe size here in the land of huge trucks and huge SUVs. (I do most of my driving in Texas and Oklahoma where more trucks than cars are on roads) The all wheel drive is wonderful in both a heavy snow storm and a heavy rainstorm. The brakes are excellent. Heater, air conditioner and defrosters front and back are top of the line. This also matters a lot here.

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  500th Heaven - 2005 Ford Five Hundred
  By Fivehunluvr - November 23 - 5:53 pm

  Purchased this car as upgrade from 04 Honda Accord. Enamored with build quality, ride, handling, space. Ford did a GREAT job on this one! Only problem thus far is a peeling dash storage door, which is covered under warranty. Sound system is okay, but easily upgradeable and navigation is an option now available at the dealer. All in all, great car.

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  Great looking at great value - 2005 Ford Five Hundred
  By Ocean - November 23 - 4:50 am

  Excellent looking and handling ride at a terrific value. Lots of extras for the money. A few minor design issues will be worked out with subsequent year models or in the Taurus. The cars size and executive design made it very comfortable and it had a cavernous trunk. Despite its size, it handled like a much smaller car with tight handling and confident handling, great suspension and grip, while having just enough power to have some fun. The economy wasnt bad. I would like to see the rear fender redesigned so not to catch stones with its leading edge. Else, its a great all around ride. Ill miss it.

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  very pleased - 2005 Ford Five Hundred
  By Sam - November 12 - 7:36 pm

  Surprised and pleased is an understatement. The only complaint is the hum at lower speed from the CVT transmission. Above 45 though you cant hear it. So called fancy clock is poorly designed. It could be a classy addition but is difficult to read.