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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  Great Daily Driver - 2005 Ford Five Hundred
  By Marauder Fan - March 28 - 4:30 pm

  This is a great family car and daily driver. Much more personality than an Asian appliance car. Maintenance was easy and low cost, and interior fit and finish are good. The rear brakes had issues with pad life but Wagner Thermoquiet fixed that. I like the CVT, took some getting used to, and with regular fluid changes, at 100K miles I have no issues.

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  I love my car! - 2005 Ford Five Hundred
  By Hillary - March 27 - 10:13 pm

  I have had several SUVs but missed the comfort of a car. The 500 is the best possible choice. I bought it right before 2 huge snow storms and it went right through everything. I LOVE MY CAR!

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  Satisfied in NY - 2006 Ford Five Hundred
  By Central NY - March 24 - 8:40 am

  Love this car. I have had it since new and have 92000 miles on it. I have driven this car 11 hours in one day and never get stiff or cramped like other cars I have owned. Gas mileage is great at 24 mpg love the leather and sunroof. The traction control was worth every cent of the upgrade price. Have never had a problem in snow. I will say its a typical ford as far as brakes go, I am on my 3rd set along with 3rd set of tires. But even after 92,000 mile the car is as steady on the road as the day I picked it up from the dealer. Wish they didnt rename it to Taurus I think the car would have done better as a 500.

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  Love my Ford 500 - 2005 Ford Five Hundred
  By Della - March 19 - 12:36 am

  Have had it only one month. Love everything about it. A lot of car.

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  A very very comfortable car - 2007 Ford Five Hundred
  By John - March 1 - 1:56 pm

  All in all, very little to complain about after 5000 miles. Factory CD failed on first use, but replaced. Very comfortable to be in, although larger drivers may find their right leg too close to the center console. Complaints by critics about styling/power have proven unwarranted. People like the look of the car and havent found acceleration lacking with CVT/engine pairing. Handling is OK, not great, but ride is better than that. It is not silent at highway speeds, but not really a problem. Plenty of interior storage, huge trunk, elevated seating position; its (mostly) all good.

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  Best car byord so far - 2005 Ford Five Hundred
  By Benito A. Pan - February 23 - 7:50 pm

  I like very much the interior, trunk space, handling, very comfortable seats, very good visibility, air conditioner works very well as do the instruments on the display. I love this car.

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  Its a great car - 2005 Ford Five Hundred
  By Tim - February 19 - 3:36 pm

  I go though a lot of cars with my job. This is my first Ford since 1979 and I really like this car. Now Im driving 220 miles a day and it is very comfortable. I have 135,000 miles on it. Never had to do anything to it, expect tires, oil,brakes. No belts or spark plugs ever changed. These car were built on the volvo chassis. I dont buy into people saying it is under powered. I have the speeding tickets to prove them wrong. It will 90 to 100 mph all day long and still get 27 mpg.

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  Love My Limited - 2005 Ford Five Hundred
  By angel carter - February 18 - 8:26 am

  The "Command Seating" and interior room gives me the view and comfort of a much larger sedan. Yet the dimensions, styling and performance handles like a much smaller vehicle. The Homelink visor is convenient. Steering wheel mounted controls became second nature on the first day. No need to take my hands off the wheel to change the radio station or set cruise control. At 53" I found with most vehicles I sit too close to the steering wheel for my comfort. This is not a problem in the Five Hundred. That and the adjustable pedals allow me even more room. With the FWD and traction control there was no slippage of wheels in bad weather. That and I love how its styling turns heads.

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  Feels like a Volvo - 2006 Ford Five Hundred
  By John D - January 23 - 10:06 pm

  Overall, I am very impressed with this car. Ive had it for 3 months and have not had any unpleasant experiences. The car is very comfortable, even on very long trips, handles great, and has all the features I wanted. The CVT takes some getting used to but has been a nice surprise as well. Ive had a Volvo in the past, and you do notice the car drives similar (very solid car). Gas mileage attained was nearly the same as on the window sticker.

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  ford done it again , ford car still #1 - 2005 Ford Five Hundred
  By verdale - January 23 - 10:13 am

  awsome car to drive,and loaded up with everything. a limited can have