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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  Our Ford - 2006 Ford Five Hundred
  By Scotty - June 11 - 11:33 am

  Bought to replace a 97 Buick Regal GS. Not near the HP of the supercharged Buick, but enough for our needs. Interior is great, more than enough room. Seats are comfortable on long trips, tall seating position is great, better than the Buick. Car does not stand out on exterior styling, certainly not a Chrysler 300. Our daughter says it is a car we can grow old with. She says it is a geezer car (she drives a Mustang). CVT was a little odd at first, but we got used to it. AWD drive is great on nasty roads. When it is bad we can actually take the direct route home up a hill without going out of the way for a flatter path.

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  Heaven - 2005 Ford Five Hundred
  By cynthia homis - June 5 - 10:06 pm

  My new car is a home away from home. The leather seats are so soft and durable. I dont feel like I am in a car but on my luxury sofa at home. My work takes me to many offices throughout the day so my car needs to be efficient and comfortable. I am confident that my car will keep me safe in all weather. The traction and controls are superb. Having the options on the steering wheel makes my travel more enjoyable.The airbag in the passengers seat will turn off if the weight is under 80 pounds. .Enjoy the CVT smooth ride. This is the best purchase I have made. I would highly recommend this car to everyone.

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  LOVE my new 500!! - 2005 Ford Five Hundred
  By 4thefrd500 - June 3 - 9:16 am

  I recently traded in my Mercury Monterey minivan for the Ford 500. (est drove 4 other cars before buying). Was skeptical at first but I love it more with each day. It is fun to drive, the kids have plenty of room in the back seat and the trunk is HUGE (can fit the kids bikes in the there)! It is also affordable and GREAT on gas. Also, cheaper to insure that the minivan. No complaints here. I would recommend this car to anyone.

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  SoFarSoGood - great looks, smooth ride - 2005 Ford Five Hundred
  By jekcartalk - May 31 - 4:36 am

  Like the overall appearance of the car; some factory defects on the back passenger doors ( looks like someone dinged the door). The power is adequate.The CVT transmission is smooooth. The interior is nicely laid out with comfortable seats (have driven over 400 miles in one sitting). The stereo system is fine. 26mpg highway and 21 city. Road noise is minimal in the Limited. Compared to the other cars I have driven (Audi, BMW, Acura, MDX) there is no clear advantage or disadvantage. The car is solidly built and for the price paid (~$4.5k less than sticker), reasonably priced for the market. For a family man with three active children it has good cabin space compared to other sedans.

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  Love it - 2005 Ford Five Hundred
  By Heather - May 29 - 1:30 pm

  I went from a Ford Explorer to the new 500 and got better gas mileage and more room. Love it.

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  First Ford Auto Bought Since 1986 - 2007 Ford Five Hundred
  By Chrysler Man - May 16 - 7:46 pm

  Took on a trip to the Upper Peninsula of Michigan, and couldnt ask for a better ride. About a 1200 mile round trip, getting almost 29 miles per gallon. Had no trouble passing or getting up the grades on cruise control. I would definitely buy another Ford product.

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  2006 Ford 500 SE CVT Tranny - 2006 Ford Five Hundred
  By mts35 - May 16 - 3:44 pm

  Just a quick review due to character space. The car has been very reliable. No transmission issues (CVT does not shift like the 6 speed. I feel others who voice transmission problems actually have the 6 speed as you do not notice gear shifting in a CVT, it is constant and smooth). Bought with 62k miles and presently I have 128k miles and only work needed was a brake change. Now to capture reasons on car rating. Performance: slow and mild engine. 203hp is a little weak for this size car. Comfort, design, quality I put 4 as they are nice. Reliability excellent as Ive had no issues. Value poor. Typical of american cars with high mileage.

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  Transmission Failure - 2006 Ford Five Hundred
  By Dora Sweigart - May 10 - 1:20 pm

  With 68,000 miles, the transmission went out. The cost to repair was $4,200. Now the air conditioning is going out. I will not buy another Ford product.

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  Great Family Car - 2005 Ford Five Hundred
  By Robert Emslie - May 8 - 1:20 pm

  Many reviews have dunned the 500 for the Euro-styling and adequate power. What few mention is the largest in U.S. trunk and excellent fuel economy. The 21 cubic foot trunk shames the Avalon with only 14 and the ability to get 25MPG real-world on regular grade gasoline keeps me glad I made the purchase. On the down side, I wish the nav system had been available in 05 and there is a bit of wind noise around the A-pillars.

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  transmission - 2005 Ford Five Hundred
  By diane - May 6 - 10:03 pm

  well, all i can say is i thought this was my car of choice.only owned for 2 yrs and transmission went out. dealer states "oh, you will love the 6 speed transmission".it does have 70,000 miles but i have never ever nor my husband had this happen with a vehicle before.we did call dealer and ford customer service but we got no where with them! we were going to buy a new taurus or fusion but you couldt GIVE me one now and that is what we told dealer and ford.very very ashamed of ford.we wlii buy a honda!!