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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Best Car On Earth - 2005 Ford Five Hundred
By JDAMND - September 3 - 10:00 am1 Word sums up this vehicle: EXCELLENT!
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Almost bought an Altima - 2005 Ford Five Hundred
By sal - August 25 - 1:20 amWhile on my way to purchase a new Altima, I thought Id stop by the Ford dealer close by. After one drive sitting higher up off the road I did not even go back to the Nissan dealership. Easy to get in and out of. Ive had customers tell me they thought I was driving a Mercedes. While the power is average, in 90%+ of normal driving it is just fine. Averages close to 27 MPG on highway, and the room is GREAT. All in all a car worth the $$.
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Best car Ive ever owned. - 2005 Ford Five Hundred
By tanotunes - August 21 - 2:06 pmI just purchased a new 05 500 SE AWD a little over a week ago. I feel I received an excellent deal and was pleased with the buying experience. The car rides so smoothly and I love the interior. Many have had negative comments about the fake carbon fiber trim, but I find it attractive ... much better looking than the fake wood. The car is so roomy and I enjoy the high seating! All wheel drive is definitely an added plus! Didnt need leather, sunroof or foglamps, so I couldnt justify choosing a higher trim. The SE comes standard with so much as it is, including power drivers seat. I recommend this car for anyone looking for a well made sedan with an attractive price tag.
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Perfect for me - 2005 Ford Five Hundred
By Robert Hinson - August 11 - 11:40 amI traded in a 2001 Lincoln LS V8 for my new 500 Limited. My Lincoln only had 18,000 miles on it bit I wanted to trade. I looked at various vehicles and was very interested in the new Buick LaCrosse until I opened the door to the new Ford 500. I am 59 years old and found the easy of entry and exit as the number one selling point of this new vehicle, that along with its very stylish appearance and list of all options, plus ride, quietness and handling as well as power from a V6. I am thoroughly pleased with my new 500 Limited. Ford might not want me to say it, but I actually like my new 500 better than the LS. I have had many compliments on it, even from young people. This is my car!
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Safe Car - 2005 Ford Five Hundred
By Linda - July 7 - 12:16 amI was in major accident, driver did not maintain lane, hit car at gas tank at 70 mph. My car rolled 3 times, hit another car, landed on drivers side, car was totaled. Seat belt on, I had no cuts or bruises (all glass was broken out). I have a hurt shoulder and a fractured neck, had to be cut out of car. If had been in another car, I would have been dead. Car saved my life, I am getting exactly the same car. Would not drive anything else.
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What Ive been waiting for - 2005 Ford Five Hundred
By rageribisl - June 16 - 6:06 amBeing an 8 cylinder guy who doesnt care about gas prices, my priorities had to change. My wife and I traded in our 2003 Durango and it was the best thing we ever did. I was skeptical at first, but this is by far the most comfortable car I have ever been in. Being 6 3" and 230 pounds, this is the first car that I have ever been in where Im completely comfortable sitting in the back seat - with room to spare! Its great to drive and has a beautiful interior with nice and easy to use features. I absolutely love the looks of this car. My advice is the redfire metallic, prettiest color Ive seen.
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Great New Design - 2005 Ford Five Hundred
By Russell Hylton - June 8 - 6:10 amMy wife and I looked and test drove several models of new cars before deciding on this purchase. We were very pleased by the roominess of the Ford Five Hundred and also the large amount of space available in the trunk. The test drive was a wonderful experience. The Five Hundred is very powerful for a car of this size and offers a smooth enjoyable ride and it handling is great! We have had our car almost 2 months now and are very pleased with it. We think Ford has a real winner in this model.
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My new 500 LTD - 2005 Ford Five Hundred
By Robert Hinson - June 2 - 11:03 amMy experience thus far is excellent. I am a 59 year old disabled man who traded in a 2001 Lincoln LS V8 for this vehicle. I love the increased level of height which allows for easy entrance and exit. All controls are at my fingertips. The cabin is quiet and the ride is smooth. I do not feel the lack of performance some magazines criticize the car for. My experience so far is one of praise in nearly all areas of ownership.
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I love my Ford Five Hundred - 2005 Ford Five Hundred
By Deborah - May 31 - 9:06 pmI brought this car about 3 weeks ago and I love it. I has a exceptionally smooth ride. Attractive features, especially the radio controls on the steering wheel for safety. Its really a nice car and Im loving it.
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Great car for your money - 2006 Ford Five Hundred
By MaryFrances - May 25 - 3:46 pmI LOVE THIS CAR. Smooth ride, great handling, no blind spots. Very sweet looking car. Soft leather seats are very comfortable and dont get cold like other leather seats do. Handles better in the snow than my old Explorer did. Radio controls on steering wheel are a pleasure. Remote start is the best - glad Ford is finally offering it. Having my own controls for heat and a/c are great - Im always cold and the hubby is always hot. Plenty of leg room for all - especially tall people. Can sit in the back seat and not have knees up to your chin. Can not believe the trunk space.
