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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Why the 300c, when you get Fuel Economy - 2006 Ford Five Hundred
By Robert StJohn - April 16 - 5:30 amThe fuel economy is no hype. Its right on target. Legroom in backseat is like a limo. Trunk and cargo space is almost as spacious as the Taurus Wagon (Ive had 3 for over 200,000 miles) Little storage spaces are convenient and well placed. One minor drawback is that it has trouble accelerating onto an interstate ramp up hill. It is a small price to pay for the fact that Ive gotten 31.5 MPG on the highway.
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never had anything like it! - 2006 Ford Five Hundred
By candice - April 7 - 2:16 amMy car was bought for me as my birthday present from my husband and I loved it as soon as I saw it! We live in new york and we have seen some really bad snow storms here. My car has been great to me! Ive never had a problem with my car and right now it has over 100,000 miles on it. I have the leather interior and its so easy to clean considering I have 2 kids that ride in the back seat. I take my car to and from pa alot so the fact that it has so much room is great! My husband thinks that any other car feels too confined! We were looking at buying a sport utility but I couldnt bring myself to part with my car. I would suggest anyone buy a 500! You cant beat the car for the price!
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Lousy brakes - 2006 Ford Five Hundred
By Capt. Bill - March 25 - 2:30 pmI have owned a series of Tauruses and decided to go with the 500 since they were phasing out the Taurus. This car is very comfortable and reliable. It is actually quite luxurious and is the nicest vehicle I have ever owned in 40 years. It gets up to 27.5 mpg on a trip and 23-24 around town. I wish it had more power and a stiffer suspension. The brakes work fine but have been noisy and and vibrate ever since I owned the car. Stereo is great. Need a better trunk light and there is no light in the glove box. It will haul a mountain of luggage or put the seat down and haul other oddball items.
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Ford Got it Right - 2005 Ford Five Hundred
By Gerry - March 17 - 5:06 amThis is a really great family car. Ford has a winner here. Roomy and comfortable interior, nice around town and on highway and really good mileage. This is not a magazine car, it is for a real family.
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2005 Ford 500 Limited - 2005 Ford Five Hundred
By Gk in Texas - March 6 - 4:23 amVery nice car. Lots of legroom front & rear & trunk room . The car rides really good & is quiet. I would recommend this car to anyone. Its a good value. The car really needs more power & I am not getting close to the gas mileage that was on the window sticker. The radio scan feature on the steering wheel needs to scan the pre-set stations, not the entire band width so you dont have to take your hands from the wheel. And the radio controls should be on the left side of the steering wheel & cruise on the right side. The sales rep told me the car had a Sirius radio option. According to the parts department this turned out to be untrue.
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FANTASTIC CAR,LUV IT!!! - 2006 Ford Five Hundred
By veronica taylor - March 3 - 5:40 amThis is my first luxury vehicle,my mother absolutely loves to ride in my car, even though she owns a NEW TOYOTA. THE RIDE IS SMOOTH, when I drive my car I feel like I am driving an SUV.
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Great Car! - 2006 Ford Five Hundred
By Charles Woolley - February 20 - 12:40 amThis is a fun car to drive. Very comfortable ride and plenty of power. Interior room is incredible. More trunk space than in any car I have ever owned.
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Ford 500 - 2005 Ford Five Hundred
By Michael Bruer - January 20 - 7:06 pmThe Ford 500 is one terrific automobile. The AWD handles snow and ice with aplomb and the CVT is a real treat, though it did whistle slightly for the first 1,500 miles. I give very high marks for comfort in front or back and I am over six feet. The sound system is excellent, but the six disc in-dash CD, as with most implementations, is awkward and slow. Overall, I would recommend this car to anyone who is more concerned with substance and value than hot design and blazing acceleration.
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It Fits Me Like a Glove - 2005 Ford Five Hundred
By Saundra W. Rush - January 1 - 9:56 amThe Ford 500 Limited handles well in any weather on any surface. I enjoy the size of the car. The trunk has extra space that I need sometimes when traveling. There are so many things about the car that I enjoy. However, the best thing that I can say about it is that it fits me like a glove! The dealership staff was most helpful when I was deciding whether to buy this car. I couldnt have asked for more. The service center has been most helpful with oil changes and other services.
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My new car - 2005 Ford Five Hundred
By craig arthor - December 23 - 3:26 amWe had been looking into this class of car for almost 3 months and had decided on the Ford 500, for looks, size and style. We are over 50 and the ease of getting in and out of the car was a blessing. The safety features, solid frame, crumble zones, hood fire blanket and interior trunk release were a pleasant surprise but they overall package was a joy. The handling, the brakes, the visibility are exceptional. The look and feel of luxury matched up with practicality is a good concept Ford should expand on. We had a Taurus that had 157,000 miles on it when we traded for the 500 and if it gives us the service the Taurus did, no one will miss hearing our praises.
