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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  This ones got what it takes. - 2005 Ford Five Hundred
  By Dave - March 1 - 9:36 am

  You have to see this one for yourself. Dont believe the negatives without checking it out. Do believe the positives, this baby is one fine car. Ok, so they get a lot of HP out of a small displacement engine by winding it up and downshifting a bit much, but the performance you need is there when you need it. A lot of thought went into this car; its a well balanced design. It handles like a dream and rides like a heavier car than its curb weight might lead you to believe. And last but not least, that higher seat postion is wonderful!

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  love this car - 2005 Ford Five Hundred
  By marcotte,dave - February 24 - 10:10 pm

  Bought this car for my wife, but now cant wait to get home so I can drive it. Deceptively roomy inside, rides great, love the height of the seats easy to get in and out of. Want to see how the awd feature works in the snow. Have had car for only three months and have gotten lots of compliments on its looks. We got the Limited awd in black, with tan leather interior really a sharp looking car. I love to keep it clean, a real head turner! Makes me feel like Im 18 again.

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  I like comfort, safety and a lot of room - 2005 Ford Five Hundred
  By Expatpr - February 14 - 12:53 am

  The 500 LTD is great car for the price. The mileage is terrific 27 hwy 19+ city and it has plenty of power for the average driver. (I should know, my other car is a Marauder) It handles very well and brakes better than a lot of other cars. I train company drivers and drive a lot of different makes and models of cars. The 500 has tremendous visibility and lets you sit in a position allowing you to see everything around you in any driving situation. The trunk is huge and well designed to put cargo into it and get it back out without struggling or having to bend over too far to get to it. It seats 5 adults comfortably and is quiet enough to converse without shouting.

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  A happy Ford Five Hundred owner! - 2005 Ford Five Hundred
  By Christy - February 11 - 6:46 pm

  I have had a Toyota Camry for about five years. It was time for a new car and I thought I would just buy a new Camry. We decided to try a few others and found the Five Hundred. Lucky for us! Its beautiful, everyone looks! The ride is wonderful. If I had to say anything negative at all it would probably just have a little to do with the materials of the interior doors. I feel that for a small amount more than I would pay for the Camry, I got sooo much more with the Five Hundred. Im loving it!

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  99,300 miles so far - 2006 Ford Five Hundred
  By pndcke - January 31 - 10:52 pm

  Car is getting hard to find, best kept secret, space, mileage, and seats you can actually get off of after a 16 hour trip with no pains or stiffness! Space for shopping and luggage! Black leather interior and surfaces looks as new!

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  Ford 500 SEL - 2006 Ford Five Hundred
  By Thomas Crosswhite - January 9 - 12:50 pm

  I did a weeks worth of research on the internet. I then test drove a Buick, Pontiac, Saturn and Chrysler. The Ford 500 SEL by far gave us more for our money.

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  Suggested Changes - 2005 Ford Five Hundred
  By dpizzan - January 9 - 10:00 am

  Overall, the Ford 500 is an exceptional vehicle. Some improvements that could be made, more horsepower, better sound system...(Bose)...change the grill...get rid of the Ford emblem in the grill and replace it with a hood ornamant...and offer pearl white on the Limited version..with these few minor changes, this car would truly be a world class touring car!

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  at 1 1/2 months - 2005 Ford Five Hundred
  By stoctkon2 - December 24 - 10:30 pm

  everything about car very good. ride a little rough due to short wheel base and 18 inch wheels. turn signal entirely too loud. old explorer barely hear turn signal

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  Love the car, good fuel milage & looks - 2005 Ford Five Hundred
  By Kathy Bedell - December 14 - 10:10 pm

  Have made cross country trip and the car handles great. It is comfortable for long distances. I feel the low end power lacks but once you adjust to the slower acceleration its okay. I like the interior design with dash compartment for small items. Very large & comfortable car, truck is super large, its great for traveling.

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  A bit too early to tell, but here goes.. - 2005 Ford Five Hundred
  By johnclineii - November 28 - 10:00 am

  What other AWD full size sedan is available for less than $30k and fairly well equipped? An excellent car for the price. CVT is a unique feature that will, for some, take some getting used to. Be sure to check out foot space on both driver and passenger sides before buying. Plenty for me, but others might not think so. And why, Ford, no Sirius Satellite Radio? No stability control? And only the 3.0? Still, a great value and I am well satisfied, so far. Reliability remains to be proven, but may well be better than average. For this car to succeed, it must be reliable!