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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  Nice for trips - 2007 Ford Five Hundred
  By Claudia Dawson - May 4 - 7:56 am

  This car is super comfortable, and gives wonderful visibility. It is quiet in the interior, and goes great in the snow, without AWD. The safety feature is a bonus. Very nice car.

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  Five Hundred Reasons to say Yes! - 2006 Ford Five Hundred
  By hday - May 3 - 8:03 pm

  I purchased this car merely 5 days ago and already have 800 miles on it. This car is wonderful and certainly a steal for the money. There is a *slight* underpower issue, but for me its hardly noticeable. I traded in a Buick LeSabre, now THAT was underpowered. The seats are extremely comfortable and the moonroof and optional safety package are a must. The gas mileage has been around 22mpg. Not bad for the break in period. Audio system is great. I absolutely love this car! As does my 2 year old, who let me change his diaper in it twice without kicking me once!

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  2 Weeks into a new car - 2005 Ford Five Hundred
  By tinger - April 29 - 9:40 pm

  I purchased a new 500 SEL a couple weeks ago becasue my 1997 Lincoln Mark VIII was totaled by a deer. Having been used to a large car, I was skeptical as to the roominess of the 500. I initially wanted a new 05 Mustang, but when I drive one I realized everything was small and tight. The 500 was huge compared to the Mustang. The only real drawback is the lack of legroom for front passengers (Im 63"). I love the CD player and the view. The frontwheel drive is a bit touchy, and the pickup is quick, but whines alot. The exterior styling is great! Everyone says it looks super. I was the first in the area to get one, and am very happy I decided to go with it. Way to go Ford!

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  I love my car - 2005 Ford Five Hundred
  By oliver feria - April 29 - 10:23 am

  I have been enjoying the car as much as possible. I feel good in the car because is a smooth drive and also give me style. Very comfortable and even though it doesnt give you the feel of performance car it is very responsive. I can say that the power is there with the acceleration in a smooth way that other dont give you.

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  Love my Ford 500! - 2006 Ford Five Hundred
  By sunsetat6 - April 21 - 7:20 pm

  The nicest vehicle I have ever had the pleasure of driving or driven in .... and that includes the foreign vehicles.

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  this is my fantastic voyage - 2006 Ford Five Hundred
  By S.J. Carey - April 12 - 11:30 pm

  My wife went from Independence Missouri to Saint Louis Missouri and had a 1/4 tank left.That is a 8 hour drive. Because it does not come with side airbags we thought it would be unsafe and were looking at a 2007 Honda Accord.The 2007 Accord gets 4 stars crash test rating with side steel beams and airbags. My 2006 Ford 500 with NO airbags gets 5 stars. Consumers Reports has it as a recommended buy and me and my family agrees. If you want a sedan that is comfortable with an incredible amount of trunk space that gets good gas mileage this is the car for you.

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  Nicely done - 2007 Ford Five Hundred
  By Value - April 7 - 6:26 am

  New alloy color, tinted windows and the Pirelli tires turns heads. Excellent handling & ride. Glad for the fuel economy of the 3.0L engine. Im sure the 2008 w/3.5L will be more fun to drive. Incredible value for family still raising kids. Nicely done.

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  A $31,500 Lemon - 2006 Ford Five Hundred
  By Timothy Ploing - April 7 - 1:43 am

  The paint bubbled up on the front edge of my aluminum hood without having any surface damage to it at all this happened around 38,000 miles! Out of warranty! My Navigation GPS, motor quit around 43,000 miles! I need to replace the cars disk brakes rotors around 48,000 miles! At 55,748 miles the power steering fluid went bad and that ruined my power steering rack! I have never owned a vehicle with this many problems! 36,000 miles warranty.

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  Just What I was expecting! - 2005 Ford Five Hundred
  By Juan Romagosa - March 27 - 10:03 am

  The interior space I thought I could only find in the Expedition I had. I do not think you can get more car for your money. Ford read my mind in terms of design, craftmanship and engine response. It is difficult to find such a set of features in this price range. Features that are typical of much more expensive cars. I am extremely impressed!

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  A good car - 2006 Ford Five Hundred
  By ALECAT - March 13 - 5:20 pm

  Best car I have ever owned, have not had it back to dealership for any reason except oil changes. I have two identical ones, except for exterior color, and both of them have performed flawlessly. As for power it is not a sports car but it is fast enough. The CVT was a bit hard to get used to as for no shift points. The mileage I get from mine is around 30 mpg at 70 mph. A/C on, and two people in the car. I would buy another of these cars any day.