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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  Formal rental purchase - 2005 Ford Five Hundred
  By formal rental - January 21 - 8:33 am

  Bought car for only 11k and worth every penny. I am sure this car was abused before I bought it and it still holds up very well as my commuter. Its big and brawny like a st bernard but without the teeth. If power and performance is what you are after your a fool to be looking at this car. But if you have a commute and you dont want lower back pain with very respectable freeway mileage this car is a winner. A trunk for the gotti family and a back seat for the prom date of your dreams this big beast is a regular unleaded running winner. Fyi my weekend toy is an 04 E55 thats a big reason I dont look to this car for any performance satisfaction.

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  Excellent car as a used purchase - 2005 Ford Five Hundred
  By Mike - January 18 - 12:50 am

  Just bought the car used with 15,000km on the clock. Bought it for the safety, space, comfort and reasonable economy. Learned later its not so safe on side impacts without the side airbags, which contradicts the brochure. Took a short road trip and found it very comfortable, with good economy of 8.2L/100km. It looks sharp and the interior is nicely laid out. Its very comfortable with lots of room. Relaxing and easy to drive around the city when driven at a reasonable pace due to the 6 speed. Good turning circle and steering weight is spot on. The heating controls are a tad low though and fiddly to use when driving. Compartment lid bubbling on dash as per TSB. Handles like a smaller car.

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  Surprised to like it! - 2007 Ford Five Hundred
  By villaridgegal - January 16 - 2:16 pm

  I have had this car about a month and starting to really like it. I was surprised that the drivers seat raises up high enough for me. I have had SUVs the last couple of times and at first was concerned that a car would be too low. I love the sides and back, but the front of Fords vehicles arent that sharp. Inside is great -- lots of extras. Only negative is power. I did not get AWD, so I have the regular transmission. I previously had the CVT in a Freestyle and got used to the smooth shift. The Five struggles with the a/c on and I have to remember not to pull out in front of anyone. I mean 206 hp for a 3700 lb vehicle is ridiculous.

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  Great changer for Ford - 2005 Ford Five Hundred
  By Jay Hassenfratz - January 16 - 2:00 am

  Very nice car. I was very impressed with ford. I just came back from Europe which is showing a trend of more impressive cars made and designed by ford. I anticipate that this car will hold its value base on its change from the "Basic Ford" look and feel. Elagant interior that is roomy. Lots of gadgets.

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  great car - 2005 Ford Five Hundred
  By odell scribner - January 15 - 11:13 pm

  This car belongs to my wife. I get to drive on longer trips. Fuel mileage is from 22 to 32 mpg. In the past she has owned Cadillacs and Lincolns, but this auto is at least as good as any that I have owned. I would recommend this to anyone who wants to have luxury and a great car

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  Wouldnt Considered Ford Before - 2005 Ford Five Hundred
  By Wilda - December 31 - 3:56 pm

  Im short and my husband is tall. Due to five back surgeries, it is difficult getting in and out all sedans, until the Ford 500. Needed to find something that would meet both our needs. Being only 5 foot, I have to sit close to the steering wheel, which always bothered me with todays air bags. If I was to be in a head on accident, I probably would be killed from the air bag. With the 500, I can move the foot pedal towards me and not have to sit so close. The rear sensors will be another big help. I have backed into poles and other things you cant see when backing up. Parking is a easy with this feature. This car is fully automatic and the cruise control maintains correct speed going up hills

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  St. Louis - 2006 Ford Five Hundred
  By St. Louis - December 27 - 1:50 am

  Smooth drive, outstanding visibility, lots of room, quiet. Critics say the design is poor. I dont agree with them. The design is very attractive. Hopefully Ford is not listening to the critics. I think Ford hit a grand slam with the 500!

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  This car is GREAT! - 2005 Ford Five Hundred
  By Cottino - December 24 - 7:13 am

  I have had this car for 1 year now and I love it more than any other car I have owned previously.

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  my sweet ford =) - 2006 Ford Five Hundred
  By Tiffaney - November 13 - 5:46 pm

  I bought my car about 2 weeks ago, and I absolutely love it. Its my first big investment, considering Im 20 years old. I was previously driving a 2000 hyundai elantra, the transition was amazing! As soon as I sit my fanny in the seat I feel super safe. The breaks are wonderful, the interior, is B.E.A.UTIFUL. I dont know much about transmissions but the CVT transmission gives me a really smooth acceleration, no feeling of gears switching, the road sound is a very low hum, unlike the roar I heard in the hyundai. The only downfall to this vehicle is the gas mileage, I was under the impression that it did pretty well, in my brief experience I only get 21 mpg highway, and city.

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  Rolands Ford Five Hundred Review - 2006 Ford Five Hundred
  By Roland - October 30 - 10:40 pm

  I love the comfort, look and feel the car. It is large and has plenty of rear seat and trunk space. The interior is ordinary, nothing unique about it, but comfortable. The seats sit high. The acceleration from a stand still leaves a lot to be desired. Acceleration for passing at road speeds in good. The blessing to the 203 hp engine is the gas mileage. Ive been averaging 23ish in the city, not bad! All in all I am happy with the car.