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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  My 500 - 2006 Ford Five Hundred
  By Louie - April 22 - 7:26 pm

  When first purchased, the wheel alignment was way off. Had to get it fixed twice. Another problem was the hood. It seems to flutter in high wind while driving at 45 and above. No other problems so far. Poor acceleration, but excellent fuel economy. Sound system OK, and wind noise is low. Handling in rain is good an cornering is good. Steering is tight. Other comfort controls are good. Silly that no mechanical trunk lock is included ... what is the battery goes dead? Engine layout is good. Nice features in the information center. Not sure why gearshift is limited to D and L and nothing more. (6 speed). Truck is huge, but lighting extremely poor. One tiny light on left side almost useless.

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  Poor Acceleration - 2006 Ford Five Hundred
  By Patrick Guggerty - April 18 - 6:56 pm

  Only problem is the acceleration should be better; Buick, Mazda, GM & Toyota offer an upgraded engine! But the reason I bought it was the all wheel drive. I just hope the power train holds up.

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  A Breakthrough for Ford - 2005 Ford Five Hundred
  By fourthvoice - April 18 - 3:06 am

  I became a Ford customer with my 1986 Taurus company car. That car was a breakthrough for Ford. The new Five Hundred is another breakthrough vehicle. It combines the best of American values with engineering from around the world. Weve had 3 Duratec V6 Tauruses; what a fun and reliable engine. The new ZF 6 speed transmission is smooth and responsive. Good work, Ford!

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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.

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  Why the 300c, when you get Fuel Economy - 2006 Ford Five Hundred
  By Robert StJohn - April 16 - 5:30 am

  The 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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  An Unsung Gem - 2005 Ford Five Hundred
  By shotsy - April 10 - 10:13 am

  Press had lower reviews for power and styling of this car, but I like it. The Limited version looks very nice from all angles. Body is solid. You can tell the door and panel structure is well engineered (doesnt have that paper thin feeling). The power is fine for me as I dont view it as a sports car. Interior is very clean looking (no unnecessary clutter on dash or console). This car is an excellent choice for taller people like myself. This is the first car I have owned where my knees are not hitting the dash even with the seat all the way back. Plenty of headroom as well.

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  never had anything like it! - 2006 Ford Five Hundred
  By candice - April 7 - 2:16 am

  My 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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  Problems, anyone else experience? - 2005 Ford Five Hundred
  By rb - April 6 - 2:13 am

  Rear rotors warped and turned within 200 miles. Now have creaking and grinding in brakes. Rear end rattle that sounds like a lumber wagon (dealer says no problem found). Cruise control cuts off by itself. Anyone else have these problems?

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  Lousy brakes - 2006 Ford Five Hundred
  By Capt. Bill - March 25 - 2:30 pm

  I 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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  A Piece of Junk! - 2005 Ford Five Hundred
  By BR - March 19 - 5:56 pm

  Brake rotors warped (dealer says normal), brakes grind (dealer says normal), cruise quit working, brake lights come on by themselves, sun roof leaks (dealer says normal). Rear end sounds like it is about to fall off everytime you hit a bump or rough pavement at low speeds (dealer says normal for this car). Absolutely no soundproofing materials in the trunk. This car is a poorly built piece of junk.