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:

• 

  If The Car Fits, Wear It - 2006 Ford Five Hundred
  By Slider7 - August 30 - 12:16 am

  I 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!

• 

  Ford 500 Limited AWD at 125K Miles - 2005 Ford Five Hundred
  By pkfloydlvr - August 29 - 8:52 am

  This car has been dependable and almost bullet proof. Will likely drive to 225K miles or more. Transmission - I have the CVT transmission and service every 60K miles as per schedule. No issues at all. Local dealer shared stories of failed CVTs, but poor/late or no service led to problems/failure. Dealer has some fleet cars approaching 300K without CVT issues. Brakes - The weakest system on the car, IMHO. Replaced brakes at 18K (warranty) and 32K. Recall took care of rear brakes. Went to aftermarket brakes and rotors and harder compounds. Longer life, but poorer performance. Currently getting about 65K on brake sets. Ride - Original suspension.

• 

  Continuing Brake Problems - 2005 Ford Five Hundred
  By Bill - August 29 - 2:50 am

  Enjoy the space and comfort but the brakes have been replaced twice, even though the I have had the car for 21 months and it has only 11,400 miles as of 11/24/06. The dealer tells me it is a continuing problem on the Five Hundred and Freestyle, which apparently has the same braking system. The computer system failed at 5000 miles and had to be towed in to have the software downloaded again. I have also had an annoying squeak in the rear suspension system since I bought it and the dealer hasnt been able to fix it for more than a few days at a time. The repair record always reflects "packed with grease".

• 

  Ford 500 - 2005 Ford Five Hundred
  By montasir - August 26 - 2:03 pm

  I really like this car, having only driven an SUV for so long it was a pleasant change. The only problem is I wish I had gotten the AWD. I had a little problem in the snow a few months ago I got stuck so many times it was awful. I also think the the seats could be a little more comfortable and maybe heated and a little more ajustable. Thank you.

• 

  More HP - 2005 Ford Five Hundred
  By BOB CASEY - August 22 - 6:36 pm

  Excellent car; so far only have 5000 mile on it. Could use more horsepower. It is a little sluggish from 0-60, other than that very well built car.

• 

  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

• 

  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!

• 

  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.

• 

  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).

• 

  Ford Trouble - 2005 Ford Five Hundred
  By MrPNS - July 11 - 5:10 pm

  Now have 24000 miles on car. Front suspension fixed 3 time with no permanent repair in sight. Rear suspension replaced. Air conditioner fixed but auto heat /air does not work properly and is a continual annoyance.This is a good example of why Ford is in trouble. There is a TSB on the front and rear suspension.