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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  Great Value, Great Drive - 2005 Ford Five Hundred
  By JasonT1978 - November 28 - 10:00 am

  Smooth, quiet and handles great. Solid thunk to doors, and Volvo based construction makes the car feel VERY solid and safe! Awesome interior, huge inside and very comfortable.

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  Easily most comfy car Ive ever driven.. - 2005 Ford Five Hundred
  By Larry - November 26 - 7:53 am

  Ive bought a few new cars in my life, but buying this 2005 Ford 500 in 2007 may be my best car purchase ever. Has a nicer, more comfy car ever been built? I say, "no."

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  Fuel efficient, safe, comfortable - 2007 Ford Five Hundred
  By Cora - November 20 - 8:06 pm

  I bought the AWD version to replace a small SUV which got horrible highway mileage. I have been very pleased with the Ford 500. It gets 21 in town, 24 in mixed city/highway driving and will get about 32 mpg when driven at 65 on the highway. Highway mpgs vary between 27 and 34 depending upon speed driven and wind. It is great for hauling large items such as 300 pounds of horse feed and recently a table and chairs. Handling is pretty good, excellent brakes and outboard visibility, fine acceleration for merging and passing (contrary to some reviews-it goes plenty fast without straining). The steering is a bit floaty, worse in the front wheel version. Very comfortable interior.

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  500 Reasons - 2005 Ford Five Hundred
  By Stephen Fiorino - November 12 - 9:13 pm

  I also own a Lexus RX and have owned a Lexus automobile since 1990. This car is just as quiet, rides as smooth and has a lot of room. Back seat passengers love the back seat leg room. AWD is a plus as it navigates through bad weather.

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  Louisiana Highway 1 rating - 2005 Ford Five Hundred
  By Penney McCabe - November 6 - 10:53 am

  The Ford Five Hundred drives and feels like a European car. We bought it because the frame is higher than most American cars, making it easier for my disabled husband to get in and out. The gas mileage is sufficient to keep me satisfied. Since most of my driving is around town, trips of one mile or less, the mileage has never reached the advertised mark, but I understand why this is and am not dissatisfied with it. Having owned the car one year, I can state that we havent found the first thing wrong with it. This is the first auto we have ever been able to make this statement about.

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  My 500 - 2006 Ford Five Hundred
  By D. Lohman - October 31 - 1:03 pm

  I could hardly be more impressed with an automobile. The fit & finish and quality are superior. The "Command Seating" is great. Only two small complaints; the car has too much road noise on all but the smoothest surfaces and it could use a little more power, BUT I love the fuel economy. I am getting almost 28 MPG on the highway and 25 overall. Bottom line, I love it and am VERY satisfied.

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  Love that car - 2005 Ford Five Hundred
  By 2005 fivehundred - October 4 - 3:00 pm

  I had this car for around one month now and I love it. It handles well and there is a lot of room not only in the front seat but in the back as well.. My family is very tall and they have lots of room in the back. I find it easy to handle and the vision is unreal, lots of visibility with no blind spots I recommend this car to anyone. It rates a 10 in my book.

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  UPDATE - Cant believe its a Ford - 2006 Ford Five Hundred
  By JOHN MOOD - October 2 - 3:00 am

  Weve had the car for seven weeks. Close to 3000 miles. Took it to the dealer for a squeak. Naturally, it didnt happen at the dealers, so the issue is still unresolved. They also had to re-program the computer. Overall, We are extremely happy with the car. We get many compliments.. One thing though,we dont see many on the road and FORD doesnt advertise it much. Were somewhat confused about that!

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  Great MPG! - 2006 Ford Five Hundred
  By Douglas Miller - September 24 - 8:43 am

  You know, I really dont know why Ford is not letting the public know about this car. Granted it is not the flashiest on the road, but it does have very good sensible good looks. The real story is that the fuel economy along with the size of the interior is incredible! You have to drive it to appreciate how the six speed auto transmission gets all the power you need from the 3.0 engine. The interior is really well appointed too. I love the wood grain and leather seats, sun roof, the whole package. I havent been this happy with a car for years! Ford should be screaming the 500s praises from the rooftops.

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  Pleased to be so pleased! - 2005 Ford Five Hundred
  By Doc - September 6 - 6:33 am

  After looking at a Volvo S80 and the new TL, decided to testdrive the 500. As comfortable, stable and optioned (with what Id want) as either at $10K less. First 1000 miles produced 20 mpg city and high 20s highway.Very comfortable for long drive, great sound system and CVT creates smoothest drive experience ever. Criticisms of power without basis. More than enough for PA hills; never need to reach 60 in 6-7 seconds. Love the info module and the system checks. Returned with rear seats down to carry as much as I could have in a small SUV. Overall, Ive never felt more certain about a car purchase. Ford should advertise this car more - a loaded Limited is clearly a winner and a great touring car!