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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  It was a great car - 2005 Ford Five Hundred
  By txoldmf - July 31 - 3:42 am

  The car never gave us to many problem. They do have problem areas, headlight socket over heat, air compressor are weak. Engine strut support break easy. The big problem is the instrument panel. A problem Ford, and the NTSA knows about. The problem is weak solder joints. Ours went out, Total cost for parts and labor 1300, A third of the value of the car.

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  Buy a newer Taurus - 2006 Ford Five Hundred
  By Dondi - July 30 - 5:16 pm

  Bought this vehicle with 19k miles on the odometer and remaining factory warranty. For a small V-6 (3.0) it performed very well. The 6 speed auto always had a gear appropriate for the traffic needs. At 53000 miles the rear rotors went metal to metal. Found that many owners go through rear pads every 20k miles. Ford has offered a pad with slightly different material that lasts as long as 30k miles. I did the repair myself and found that it had already been done before. My wife and I are very conservative drivers so the "premature" brake wear was a real concern. At 53k miles after the brake issue, we found a large oil leak coming from the rear main seal area. Traded to a Chevrolet Impala

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  Ok, my turn - 2005 Ford Five Hundred
  By Richard C - July 29 - 6:36 pm

  Im constantly receiving compliments on my 500s sophisticated styling and classic/ traditional look. I like the 500 best in black, with the black interior. It feels just as cozy and comfortable as other luxury cars that I have been in. The ride is almost butter smooth on the freeway. Ive often found myself cruising at 80 mph, and didnt know i was driving that fast. It really is a tremendous value, because a top-of the line 500 runs thousands less than its comparably equipped competition cars.

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  transmission problems - 2005 Ford Five Hundred
  By meetball1 - July 21 - 4:19 am

  I purchased my 07 FFH SEL in April of 2012 with 33,000mi on it, and I have noticed that the tranni slips when I accelerate from a complete stop, or from 1-2mph. But not all the time. Most of the time its a nice ride. I have to treat her like a baby. And now at 54,000mi they are telling me I need to replace the brakes. I just got this car less than a year ago! I had to sell my F150, because someone hit me from behind and sheered back the steal back bumper. So I got rid of it . But it was a beautiful truck, except I had to replace the transmission at around 95,000-98,000mi. on that one. I have read that ford overall has had tranni problems though. I should have known to check the FH.

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  From Explorer to 500 in under 2.8 second - 2006 Ford Five Hundred
  By fivehundredpa - July 19 - 2:00 am

  Overall, I am very impressed with the car. Ive only had it for over a month but so far it feels solid. After spending an entire year searching for a car to trade into from and SUV, this one had the best consumer reviews. Youd be amazed how many cars have horrible transmission problems. Got a 4 year bumper to bumper to help with Fords here and there reliability. The car feels nice on the road, handles snow decently. The stock tires I would throw into the sun if I could. Punch it and shell take off or just baby it and shell tug along. As for some folks complaint about power, its adequate and if you want pure performance then should have looked at a car with those specs.

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  A winner in the 500 - 2005 Ford Five Hundred
  By Ward - July 11 - 1:23 am

  This is my 27th automobile. I have had at least one from each of the Big 3 and many imports from either side of the ponds. This car is the best, hands down that I have ever owned. My gas mileage is a welcome surprise in recent times. 28 mpg average after 14,000 miles is no small feat for a large car.

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  Fantastic Vehicle! - 2006 Ford Five Hundred
  By Fran - July 10 - 1:20 pm

  My family and I are amazed with this vehicle. You cant beat the amount of features you get for the price - we have the AWD Limited with all of the safety options. Ive never been a fan of "large" sedans, but the exterior doesnt look large at all while the interior is truly spacious. Its a pleasure to drive.

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  Not happy with Ford 500 - 2006 Ford Five Hundred
  By Betsy - July 8 - 7:30 pm

  I purchased my Ford 500 1 year ago. I have had several problems...all which have been covered by warranties. My biggest complaint is with the brakes. I have had the pads replaced as often as I have had the oil changed, no joke. Also the rotars have been deglazed twice and turned once. Also there is a lot of road and engine noise while driving. I also had to replace the tires at 15k miles. Nothing lasts long on this car!!!

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  GREAT CAR - 2006 Ford Five Hundred
  By RJ - July 7 - 7:03 pm

  Large well equipped sedan purchased for 2 to 4 week trips by a couple who needs large trunk and clothes bar. Quiet and comfortable on both the interstate and back roads. Good sound and A/C. Easy access even for older folks. Can see over the top of most cars. Dangerous drivers will say its underpowered. Safe unticketed drivers who look and plan ahead say power is adequate. If things get tight it will go. Mpg exceeds expectations. Has stability and good feel of the road. Firmly sprung but smooth enough. Finish and fit are great. Everything works. For the money it looks good and does the job for us.

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  Could be yellow - 2006 Ford Five Hundred
  By TAMSYE ODELL - June 29 - 2:56 pm

  So far i have had to have my radio replaced new brakes and rotors and a stabilizer bar and grinding sound in the transmission . I sit and wonder what next and it doesnt have 8000 miles yet .Also gas mileage is bad could be a lot better