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:

• 

  Brake Problems With Ford Five Hundred! - 2005 Ford Five Hundred
  By Dave - July 9 - 4:36 am

  We purchased our Five Hundred in July 06 with 6000 miles. On our first trip I noticed a bad vibration during braking going down hills. I contacted the dealer and they said that a factory brake kit was needed to fix the problem. The kit consisted of new discs and pads. Now after approximately 16,000 miles after the replacement, the rear brake pads were shot and needed to be replaced for $200. I contacted Ford and they will not admit that there is a problem with the brake design. Ive also had to have the gauge cluster replaced. I thought Ford finally had a "Better Idea". I guess I was wrong.

• 

  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.

• 

  Updated review - 2005 Ford Five Hundred
  By Jay Hassenfratz - June 28 - 10:06 pm

  I have now had this car for 7 months, and I have some more thoughts on this car that may be helpful. I still agree with many of my other positive feelings associated with the car, but I have become disenchanted with a few items. The engine is sluggish; it needs more pep. But the aspect that aggravates me the most is the poor gas mileage. I average 20 miles/gallon. This may be good for some consumers, but I came from a car that was averaging 28, and with our gas prices today, this is a big turn around.

• 

  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.

• 

  space space space - 2005 Ford Five Hundred
  By tall driver - June 12 - 2:56 am

  At 65" I can fit into usual competitors (Impala, Charger...), but a full-size person could not fit in the back seat of other cars behind me. Back seat in this car makes you feel youre driving in a limo. Raised seats keep legs/back from cramping during long rides. EXTREMELY comfortable. Only car where I dont feel in a hurry to get out of car. Agile. Acceleration in town good thanks to gearing. Youll hear engine entering freeway, but runs smooth and very quiet at highway speeds (75 mph) allows you to enjoy radio. Wind noise nearly non-existent, road noise reasonable. Suspension/ride perfect -- absorbs bumps well but feels nimble. Friends will want to take your car.

• 

  Transmission and brake pedal problems - 2005 Ford Five Hundred
  By NotAFordFan - June 9 - 3:23 am

  This is my wifes car, and she is happier than I am. Im 62", 275# and I find the seat lacks back support on long drives. My major problems are the transmission and the brake/gas pedals. We got the 6 speed with FWD for the mileage. Im used to being able to use engine braking by using a lower gear in my car. This is not an option with the Five Hundred. We had some very hot brakes coming back down from the mountains. With my size 13 feet, I find the pedals too close together both laterally and vertically. With the spongy feel of the brakes, Ive found myself pushing down on both pedals at the same time at stop lights. I was thinking about the Freestyle for me, but not with these problems.

• 

  Wouldnt Buy One if I were you...... - 2007 Ford Five Hundred
  By jbrkmo - June 6 - 9:35 am

  We bought our Ford 500 used at 55,000 miles and have had problems with it ever since. It lopes when youre driving at low speeds (especially when the A/C is on). The transmission shifts hard, slips, and is now making loud "clunking" noises. We were told that this CVT transmission was supposed to shift smoothly like you couldnt even feel it.....yea right.....It might shift a little smoother than a dumptruck. We have an extended warranty, but now were having trouble even finding anyone who will work on these transmissions in the third-largest city of our state. The rubber around the gear shift is now bunching up making it hard to even put in drive, then it slips out of drive while moving.

• 

  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.

• 

  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.

• 

  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.