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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  Love this car! - 2005 Ford Five Hundred
  By Amber J - August 18 - 1:46 pm

  I was planning on buying this car a year before it was on the showroom floors. Just the fact of the interior roominess was a major selling point for me. I traded in my 2002 Mustang for the Five Hundred. What luxury! Great gas mileage, sound system is very nice, interior and exterior looks are quite classy. I do not find it boring at all and it has plenty enough power to get going when needed quickly. this ones a keeper. A beautiful car Im proud to own

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  Nicer than I thought... - 2005 Ford Five Hundred
  By goodtimes - August 14 - 4:03 am

  I have a Limited edition and I enjoy it very much. Smooth ride, transmission wise. Im looking forward to the winter and having AWD. Rush hour seems a breeze now that I can see whats going on ahead of the car in front of me. The added height is great. I love the stereo. Ive had so many compliments on the classy look of the car. Theres tons of storage room also. The trunk is huge!

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  201000 AND RUNS LIKE A CHAMP - 2007 Ford Five Hundred
  By steve - July 29 - 3:50 pm

  bought this car used w around 80,000 and have driven it daily since. I have over 209000 on it currently and still no major repairs. It is not awd but has the cvt trans. servicing the trans is expensive but have not ever had a problem with it. Everything on the car still works as it should. Super roomy rear passenger seats. Huge trunk. I average about 27 mpg which is good for a car that is so roomy. This is THE most Comfortable Driverseat, I have ever sat in. Love the elevated seat position.

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  Ford got it right - 2005 Ford Five Hundred
  By BB - July 20 - 4:50 am

  Whats not to like? The car is roomy, the ride is very smooth, the steering is quick and I get 29 mpg with regular gas. As for performance, I traded a Lincoln LS Sport V6 and the Five Hundred feels just as quick. I like the looks of the car, especially from the side but my gray SE interior is kind of plain compared to my friends much more expensive Five Hundred Limited. People that get in my car are amazed at the rear seat room. My car has the CVT transmission and Ive always seen 28 - 29 mpg in the 4,000 mile that Ive driven the car (usually 65 mph or more with the A/C on).

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  What a car - 2005 Ford Five Hundred
  By Garry M - June 30 - 4:16 pm

  Great ride, handling and roominess. I love the ground clearance as I drive some gravel roads. I thought the CVT would take some getting used to, but after about 50 miles I love it. I do miss the rush of kicking into "passing gear" but Ill get used to it. Got 24 mpg on the first tankful in mixed driving. What a value for the bucks! Well engineered and great build quality.

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  Great Car - 2007 Ford Five Hundred
  By Caboom - June 25 - 6:16 pm

  So far I am very impressed with the car. I have had it 4 months and 4,400 miles. The power is fine. Gas mileage is great. I took a trip to the coast (1,200 miles), averaged 33.2 MPG. I do drve for economy with gas at $3.00. Hwy speed was 70-73 MPH and did some drafting.

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  Pleasantly surprised - 2007 Ford Five Hundred
  By Richy - May 23 - 7:40 am

  I purchased mine in 2008 with 22k miles. I currently have 160k and running great. I have put 2 sets of tires, 2 batteries and a set of breaks and plugs/wires. Only repair is a water pump at 145k. The only complaint I have is the map light, it was replaced under warranty but still drives me crazy; cant get it to go out once I turn it on. I love the spacious cabin and trunk. Everybody that rides in the back seat is amazed at the space. I have commuted a lot and go on long trips a few times a year and the seats have never been uncomfortable. This vehicle is easy to get in and out of due to the height of the seats. I have hauled numerous large items such as 8 ft tables, antique sewing machine, recliner, even a wheelchair (with luggage). I settled for this Ford because I couldnt afford the Buick.... never dreamed it would be this great.

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  Transmission Surge Update - 2006 Ford Five Hundred
  By Ed - May 15 - 10:46 am

  This is a follow up to a previous problem report. The CVT engine/transmission was rough especially during moderate acceleration during warm-up. The shop foreman was very proactive by contacting the engineering rep even though no error codes appeared in the computer. Coincidentally a technical service bulletin [TSB 05-17-05] appeared within a week of my problem. The shop foreman contacted me! The PCM and TCM were reprogrammed per the TSB and ALL IS WELL! Now, I can wholeheartedly recommend the Ford Five Hundred. Roomy, comfortable on a trip, good mileage and fun to drive. Dont pay any attention to some car mag reports about inadequate acceleration. Test drive the CVT and be surprised.

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  All I expected and more - 2005 Ford Five Hundred
  By Paul - April 24 - 3:03 pm

  So far I am totally satisfied with mileage, comfort and performance. It is not a race car but definitely has enough power to satisfy anyone other than speed buffs. More room inside than most larger cars. Best purchase I have had in a very long time. Cant wait to see how it will be in snow with AWD.

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  Love My Ford - 2005 Ford Five Hundred
  By Linda Walls - April 16 - 9:13 am

  I drive the Ford Five Hundred only and its a lease but its going to be MINE. This is the sweetest car Ive ever had and Ive had many including other Fords, but nothing stands up to this. I have 15 grand kids and they love to drive my car. They say they love the style and comfort. And they have many makes and models between them. This is the car for me. When I drive I go on 900 mile trips and my husband is so relaxed in our car and he has a bad back and knees so you can see were the comfort is. Oh yeah, it was a Mothers Day gift from my husband. He has always been a Chevy man but we both own Fords. He has the 2004 350 dually and loves it. We tell everyone about our car and truck.