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 car, but Ford could do better - 2006 Ford Five Hundred
  By SFKen - December 2 - 12:56 am

  This is a great car. It is put together well, rides and drives great, looks good, etc., EXCEPT it needs a little more horsepower. The 250 HP engine due in the 2007 model will solve that problem but why does Ford make us wait. Also, the interior doors, etc. are hard plastic. I wish Ford would spend a few dollars, and I will pay more, for a softer feeling interior. Design, etc. is great. Its just 95% of a perfect car.

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  Great looking at great value - 2005 Ford Five Hundred
  By Ocean - November 23 - 4:50 am

  Excellent looking and handling ride at a terrific value. Lots of extras for the money. A few minor design issues will be worked out with subsequent year models or in the Taurus. The cars size and executive design made it very comfortable and it had a cavernous trunk. Despite its size, it handled like a much smaller car with tight handling and confident handling, great suspension and grip, while having just enough power to have some fun. The economy wasnt bad. I would like to see the rear fender redesigned so not to catch stones with its leading edge. Else, its a great all around ride. Ill miss it.

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  Mom of 2 in MI - 2005 Ford Five Hundred
  By Fordwife - October 18 - 3:43 am

  I have had this car for 18 months and love most everything about it. With 40,000 highway miles I have had plenty of time to drive it. My biggest complaint is the brakes had to be replaced at 30,000 miles at at cost of almost $400. I was not happy. One minor recall to date and the dash is bubbling a little. This car has been driven from Michigan to Florida with absolutely no problems. Very comfortable in the rear seat for my two children. Gas mileage is respectable and the trunk size is awesome - no more borrowing my husbands F-150. Overall, very nice car.

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  Nice Family Vehicle - 2007 Ford Five Hundred
  By hageman6 - August 30 - 10:26 am

  I have had this vehicle for a few months and I have been very happy with the performance. I know people keep knocking the lack of power, but really the overall power and passing power has been satisfactory for me. I must admit we are a family that had minivans due to the kids, but I am happy with the performance and comfort of this vehcile and there is plenty of room for the family.

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  2005 AWD 500 - 2005 Ford Five Hundred
  By DJ - August 15 - 5:40 pm

  I spend the winters driving to Hhockey games around Alberta. This is the perfect vehicle for it. Roomy, comfortable and lots of trunk space for hockey equipment. The vehicle handles well on the highway and feels safe in winter driving conditions. I love the CVT transmission.

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  Ford 500 - 2005 Ford Five Hundred
  By joe g - August 15 - 9:53 am

  The Ford 500 was quite a surprise on the test drive. The fuel mileage and room was the initial attractiveness but the tight, smooth feel with luxury comfort was the real selling point. The car rides and drives like a dream, giving the feel of a much more expensive car. Kudos to the seats in the Limited for comfort. Coming out of an Eddie Bauer Expedition was difficult to consider at first but even the wife now loves the car. We get stopped frequently at the grocery and gas stations with people asking questions about the car, even valet parking attendants give positive feedback on the car. We love it!

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  2007 Five Hundred Electrical System - 2007 Ford Five Hundred
  By Jean - August 13 - 4:29 am

  When i bought this car it was awesome. Drove great, rode great, and was roomy. Transmission had to be repaired at a very high price. Now at 182,000 the Instrument Cluster or whatever is causing the intermittent cluster failure is driving me crazy. I has a spot soldered on it, didnt work. Bought a replacement used, didnt work. Had the first one rebuilt, didnt work. Had all my negative wires cleaned and sanded, though it worked only to see it doesnt. It is a notorious problem with this year. I have done nothing but research and I find so many people have this same problem. Wish I could figure out what the problem really is because it keeps me from my travels. Oh by the way, Ford Dealership said it was the cluster..ha!

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  Still Not Up To Par Vs. Japanese - 2006 Ford Five Hundred
  By Freeagent35 - July 28 - 9:30 am

  This is a fleet vehicle supplied by my company. I drive it regularly, a mix of highway and city miles. Though a definite improvement from the Taurus, still not up to the level of quality of the better Japanese cars. Examples: (1) Hood has to be slammed to close. Dont have to do this if build quality and clearance is correct, but I have to slam the hood hard or it wont latch. Unacceptable. (2) Grinding and creaking noises in steering/suspension. This began shortly after purchase, in cold temps. Now happens regularly. Im sick of buying imports but will have to until Detroit makes quality their number one goal. I likely would not buy one; if so, only if it was really cheap.

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  Wheres the beef? - 2005 Ford Five Hundred
  By CJ - May 23 - 6:06 pm

  Great all around car, especially for the family. Comfort is more than adequate, trunk is huge and styling is nice. Horribly underpowered and the standard (SEL) sound system stinks. If I had it to do over again, Id look at Nissan Maxima or Volvo S80.

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  Better than the Asian cars - 2006 Ford Five Hundred
  By Domestic guy - April 15 - 10:16 am

  The new Five Hundred is a nice full sized car with room to spare. I can put a ton of things in the trunk and people in the back seat can really stretch out. This car has so much more trunk space and leg room than the Toyota Avalon that I dont see why anyone would choose it over this. Of course more power would be welcome and gas mileage has been only so so but Im sure will get better with more break in miles. Really ticked at Ford for eliminating the bodyside door molding for protection.