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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  Ford Got it Right - 2005 Ford Five Hundred
  By Gerry - March 17 - 5:06 am

  This 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 am

  Very 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 am

  This 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 am

  This 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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  LOVE THIS CAR!!!! - 2007 Ford Five Hundred
  By rainibow - January 28 - 7:44 am

  I bought this car with 100,000 miles on it. I have since only replaced the rear brakes and it is due for new spark plugs and wires, but nothing major. The only complaint I have is that my traction control light comes on randomly and I can not figure out what is wrong. That is a bummer, but nothing too bad. I drive 100 miles a day for work and this car makes it tolerable. It is very comfortable and reliable. It doesnt get the best mpg, but the comfort makes up for that. I have 2 teenagers and they say they have tons of room in the back. It is now at 130,000 miles and I am hoping it will survive a few more years!!! I would recommend this car!!

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  Ford 500 - 2005 Ford Five Hundred
  By Michael Bruer - January 20 - 7:06 pm

  The 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 am

  The 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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  Truth Be Told... - 2006 Ford Five Hundred
  By db13 - December 27 - 3:18 am

  I thought it was the best engineered car around...for the money and its functionality and form. Its simply a beautiful, comfortable, and fun-to-drive car. Untill the power steering pump, and rack went out at only 30k. $1100.00 ouch! Now, at 57K Im hearing howling as I drive to work at night. No, not Halloween warewolves, I wish; wheel (axle), bearing. $360.00 if dearler does the job.

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  My new car - 2005 Ford Five Hundred
  By craig arthor - December 23 - 3:26 am

  We 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.

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  Just Right - 2005 Ford Five Hundred
  By ccredbull - December 22 - 10:00 am

  This car hits the mark in every category-it has loads of room, its fun to drive, and looks sharp.