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:
Showing 91 through 100 of 569.00-
Good, solid car - 2005 Ford Five Hundred
By Paul - October 20 - 3:43 amI put a lot of highway miles on a car, over 40k per year. I now have over 85k on my 500 and its not even 2 years old yet. It has been a good, solid car. No major repairs to date. The brakes are just now starting to wear. Only problem has been sealant around windshield (had to replace), and the power lock sticking on one of the rear doors. As for the horsepower issue, I find that the car gives me what I need when I want it. You wont beat anyone off the line, but its power on the interstate will surprise you. Also, the handling is great. Love the visibility and ease of controls, especially on the steering wheel.
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The switch from SUV to Sedan - 2006 Ford Five Hundred
By Sandy - October 12 - 7:20 amI was reluctant to buy a sedan since I drove 3 Explorers prior to this car. Now that I have, I can honestly say that the Ford 500 is much more comfortable than an SUV and with the price of gas going up again, it is also more economical. Not that I wouldnt ever want another Explorer, but the 500 has been a pleasant surprise. The Limited that I drive has a lot of luxury car features.
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Way Underrated - 2007 Ford Five Hundred
By Rockinroller - October 10 - 9:53 amIts great that reviews like Edmunds knock vehicles that are actually superb examples of engineering and excellent design/functionality. It keeps the prices low!! I purchased my 500 AWD Limited not long ago, used, with 19000 miles. I was looking for a suitable substitute to the mundane and boring SUVs and a departure from the bumpy ride from my most recent leased vehicle, a Dakota 4x4. The 500 is a complete 180 in terms of quality, comfort, utility and style. The interior is totally functional, the visibility is unrestricted and the power from the 3.0 engine is more than adequate for anything beyond a street race (at $2.00+ a gal. for gas, what the heck is so important about speed?
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Best Kept Secret - 2005 Ford Five Hundred
By shylo - October 7 - 6:06 pmTraded in a 4 cylinder Camry. Quality is every bit as good. A comparably equipped Camry would cost $4000 more. Now have 1200 miles on it with no problems to date. This cannot be said for the Camrys, Accords or Nissans I have owned during the past 6 years. Bought this car for comfort and was not disappointed. The fuel mileage is much better than anticipated. It does better than mileage posted. Just as good as my old Camry. Ergonomics are excellent. Ford really did their homework here. Handling is better than the Camry, particularly when cornering. Transmission is flawless and is well matched to the engine. Could use a little more low end torque as long as fuel mileage not affected.
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Great Car - 2007 Ford Five Hundred
By Mike - September 29 - 4:36 pmI have had my 500 a little over a year, and had very little problems with it. It is a great road car and the easiest car I have ever had to get into and out of. Just an outstanding car.
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Ford Five Hundred is a winner - 2005 Ford Five Hundred
By j.obrien - September 20 - 5:13 pmExceptional economy for an AWD this size. So far, showing 21 mpg--all city driving. Very good road feel, very responsive. Looking forward to the AWD when the snow starts flying.
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What a find! - 2007 Ford Five Hundred
By sibewill - September 16 - 11:10 amI moved into this car from an 07 IS250 and have never looked back. While it is not the same Tron-like driving experience, I could not ask for a more appropriate car for travelling with my family. It has all the space we need, decent mpg and is amazingly comfortable for short or long trips. We chose this over a SUV because the large trunk will keep items from hitting the kids if we are ever rear-ended. We were already t-boned once by a RAV-4 whose driver had a senior moment, and we were able to drive away with no injuries and less damage than she had.
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Best Ford Ever - 2005 Ford Five Hundred
By Alecat - September 7 - 6:13 pmI love the Ford Five Hundred so much that I bought two of them. This car has everything I want and need. My Five Hundreds are fully loaded AWD Limiteds with CVT. It moves off the line not like my old SHOs did but fast enough and gets up to the speed limit right now. At 110 KPM (Canada) auto A/C on the mileage was 9.1 L/100k or about 32 mpg. Around town it is about 11.1 L/100 k. I only have 5879 kilometers on my car now and it has only been back to the dealer once - for its 5000 k oil change. This is a first for me; two brand new cars and not having to go to the dealer for any reason at all. I love taking people for a ride and can not believe the CVT does not shift; it is so smooth.
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Great Car - 2006 Ford Five Hundred
By SAL - September 1 - 12:36 amI went from a SUV to the 500, all around best car I have ever owned. I added a spoiler and a billet grill and pin stripped. Everyone thinks it a $60,000 car. Ford did it right. good performace and mileage. Really having fun with it. Spend the extra dollars and get all the bells and whistles as I did. Enjoy
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If The Car Fits, Wear It - 2006 Ford Five Hundred
By Slider7 - August 30 - 12:16 amI purchased mine last July. I have just over 9,000 miles now and it has never been back to any dealership. Two synthetic oil changes and one air filter. Most comfortable and reliable. The only reasons Id buy new!
