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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  Wally Comments - 2007 Ford Five Hundred
  By Wally - August 31 - 6:30 am

  I keep hearing that this vehicle needs a bigger engine...dont agree. The 3 liter engine is fine 95-98% of the time. (If I lived in the middle of the Rocky Mountains I might lower that % but most of us dont!). The 6 speed transmission downshifts more than one is used to but you quickly learn to work with it. Even in 5th gear, engine speed is close to what many other cars are in their "top gear". I bought this car because its a full size sedan with a sensible engine size and Im very happy with it. I love to cruise along at 70 MPH, 2000 RPM and get mileage that hangs around 30 mph...a whole lot better than my Lexus ES300!

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  Great car for the money - 2005 Ford Five Hundred
  By Carguy44 - August 19 - 5:13 am

  We recently bought this car and have put on our 1st 1000 miles. Averaging 27 MPG, really comfortable. High seating, sturdy Volvo chassis, comfortable ride, tight steering radius, huge interior space and good looks make it a worthy buy. Dont pay sticker price! We bought the SE base model for $19k (sticker is like $22,400) by taking an Internet offer in hand from another dealership to them. Performance is better than expected. 6 cylinder automatic transmission does a decent job of finding the right gear and getting you moving. Not a sports car, and it can lag getting onto highways or off the line, but it has everything you need when passing and regular driving.

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  New owner - 2005 Ford Five Hundred
  By dbmash - August 1 - 6:43 pm

  We just purchased this vehicle so this may be too soon to rate it. However, this is a useful new car owner impression. We were sold on the safety ratings we read and what the dealer showed us. At 63" 195lbs i really appreciate its roominess both in the front and back seats. The trunk is incredibly big. Yet in spite of all this room, the car doesnt look that big. It is also easy to get in and out of as the seat is at just the right level. Driving home from the dealer on two lane country roads the mileage showed 30 mpg. It rides extremely well. It handles great. I had to swerve to avoid a car that pulled out of a driveway and it responded great.

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  Great Automobile - 2006 Ford Five Hundred
  By jimbo - July 27 - 4:53 pm

  First car I bought other than a Taurus for over 20 years and am very pleased. Great riding, extremely comfortable and spacious with room in the back.

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  Good Investment - 2006 Ford Five Hundred
  By CB - July 23 - 2:46 am

  Bought this car 2 years ago. Had no problems. Looks great (black with black leather interior) Fully loaded.

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  The First 500 in the Upstate - 2005 Ford Five Hundred
  By Gamecockgal - July 6 - 3:00 pm

  I love this car. I know it is not designed for the 20 something driver but i am 25 and it is the best car i have driven.

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  My 500 - 2005 Ford Five Hundred
  By Kerry Ayers - July 1 - 12:16 am

  As soon as I saw it, I wanted it. This is my first Ford. The interior styling is elegant and functional. The CVT and the 3.0 six have plenty of power for me. I wanted a car with AWD and not an SUV. Compared to the VW, Subaru and Volvo, I got more car for my money. The car is built well, tight and maintenance free. I had no adjustments or complaints at my first service.

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  not getting rid of it - 2007 Ford Five Hundred
  By jadebudan - June 5 - 6:57 pm

  We just got 14 inches of snow and i decided that i might want something with four wheel drive. i found a jeep and went to read the reviews on it.. they were mostly very bad! so i figured i would read the reviews on my car and they were amazing which made me realize that i do have a great car. i only had a weird electrical problem with my dash that hasnt happened after it happen that once ( all the gages wouldnt move and then were jumping up and down while i was driving.. did this happen to anyone else??). I am very glad that i got this wonderful car and im definitley not trading it in anytime soon!

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  Two 500 Family - 2006 Ford Five Hundred
  By Eric - May 29 - 12:30 am

  My wife and I traded our both old cars at the same time and bought 2 500s. Mine is the SEL. I Have been a sedan man all my life until I bought an SUV four years ago. Im very happy to be back in this sedan. It reminds me of the Grand Marquis I use to drive. Comfortable, handles well, minimal road noise. The CVT in my wifes Limited has better pickup, and the Limited has a few more features, but the SEL is good for me. While I might buy a Limited next time, it really isnt that much different.

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  500 is a lot of car for the money - 2005 Ford Five Hundred
  By Jim - May 28 - 6:40 pm

  I just got my 500 and with all rebates it is a lot of car for the money. The size and ride are great and the fuel cost is the best for a large car. So far my 500 has had no problems.