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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  The first 2,800 miles - 2005 Ford Five Hundred
  By affhowner - December 14 - 6:56 pm

  Overall I am pleased so far. Issues: 1. At 30-40 mph part thottle, engine/transmision audibly "groans" while in 6th gear, possibly lugging. Too much pedal travel to shift to 5th. Subtle adjustments to vehicle speed at these conditions is difficult. 2. Highway wind noise near drivers ear. Sounds like leak in the door seal; cannot locate source. 3. 3" depression in rear bumper just right of center near one of the reverse sensors. No evidence of being hit. 4. Small scratch on instrument panel. 5. Coolant smell inside once after 15 minute idle. 6. 21.3 MPG mixed driving. 7. Heated seats warm up slow vs. VW Jetta, then get too hot. On a 10 minute timer. Distribution not as good.

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  Great concept, poor execution! - 2005 Ford Five Hundred
  By MA - December 13 - 9:46 pm

  I was delighted to see Ford come up with a car that is roomy, comfortable and versatile. The first day of delivery I spotted 4 defects, 3 trims and 1 paint. The first year, I noticed that the climate control is performing erratically then the front brakes had to be replaced because the hardware fell off! Also, the instrument panel blistered from the sun. The second year, the rear doors weather stripping fell off, both sides. The front doors dont lock below 20 deg F (recall) and the starter mechanism started acting up. Also, the front drive bearings are noisy. As they say, never buy a first year car. Wait until they work the bugs out!

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  Best Yet - 2006 Ford Five Hundred
  By Ed Wood - November 7 - 2:43 am

  I am a life long Crown Vic owner. I rented a 500 for a trip up the west coast. I was hooked and bought one the next week. I drive this car over 1000 miles a week and I have had no issues with it. I feel very safe when driving. I like the visibility and high seating (63") - As a replacement for all you Crown Vic owners - Give it a test drive. Im glad I did.

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  What you see is what you get - 2005 Ford Five Hundred
  By Jack Miller - October 8 - 5:50 pm

  Very happy with the car but not much to look at. Wife had to have car. Got from showroom at 1% under invoice. It is quickly obvious the mechanical design and interior design where very well thought out. There is so much here for the money. Very comfortable, very functional. From cup holders to safety features, every thing in place without fault. A lot of car for the money. Very much recommended if looking for value.

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  Great "big mans" vehicle - 2005 Ford Five Hundred
  By Chris - September 18 - 8:53 pm

  The Ford Five Hundred fills a small, but important niche in the sedan market - the "big mans" sedan. In an era of rising gas prices and shrinking budgets, the Ford Five Hundred nicely meets the needs of those of us who are large framed. Unlike its many counterparts in the large sedan sector, the Five Hundred is actually comfortable, allowing for easy entrance/egress as well as ample head, leg, and seat room. Yet, it is not an SUV, which seems to be the only other alternative for those of us who prefer not to feel like we are in a middle seat on a commercial airline when we are puttering about town or commuting to and from work.

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  Easy to live with - 2007 Ford Five Hundred
  By John W - August 2 - 8:23 pm

  After four months of ownership I must admit Ive been very pleased with this car! It does have a few shortcomings but Im happy with my purchase decision. Two things stand out in this model, unlike the Chrysler 300, visibility is terrific, secondly and something Ive really come to appreciate is the easy in and out feature of its SUV like interior. You dont fall into the car like you do with so many others, you just kind of slide into the seat. Many so-called professional reviewers have knocked the 500 for its lack of power. So far I have not felt the need for more power, nor would I care to give up its excellent mileage for a little more speed. I do find the shifting habit of the six

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  Well driven - 2006 Ford Five Hundred
  By Mr pbns - June 5 - 4:33 am

  12000 miles and defects starting to show. Front suspension bearings and springs replace. TSB issued. It is now winter and auto heating system not working properly. After driving Japanese cars for many years and after buying this Ford I now remember why I used to drive Japanese cars.

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  Suprisingly Good - 2005 Ford Five Hundred
  By Neil - April 20 - 9:13 pm

  I have had my car for about three months and have been pleasantly surprised by this car. It out-handles and has a more comfortable ride than my Infiniti I30T that I had before. The room (interior and trunk) is wonderful. Everyone who rides in the car leaves positively impressed. I am running mid-grade gas and the performance is more than good enough unless your interest is flooring it and being pressed back in your seat. I seem to notice a more positive "carving" feel to turns with it but I am not sure if that is the AWD kicking in or not. Turn stereo treble and bass up nearly all the way to get best sound.

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  Middle age - 2005 Ford Five Hundred
  By Jim - April 10 - 4:53 am

  Very comfortable. Very roomy but does not stand out in a crowd. Like the AWD and CV transmission.

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  Ford 500 SE - 2005 Ford Five Hundred
  By UMASS93 - March 21 - 4:26 pm

  Third Ford that I have owned - step up from the Taurus. Now Ford plans to name this the Taurus due to lack of name recognition for 2008. Best car to have if you have a family. Higher off the ground that most sedans and consistently rates as one of the safest vehicles in a front and side collison. Gas mileage is acceptable, I have over 80,000 miles on my 2005. Live in MD and work in PA - 75 miles one way - average 28 mpg highway - have to love cruise control.