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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  Love it - 2007 Ford Five Hundred
  By Gerry - May 23 - 1:30 pm

  We bought a 2007 Ford 500 and we have 93,000kms on it already. I am 77 years old a retired professional transport driver and have had a lot of cars in my life time. I Have never had a vehicle that is as reliable for driving in the snow, ice and slush of Alberta Winters. We have gone to Alaska, and Nova Scotia and never had one ounce of trouble. Love It love It Love It!!!

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  Best car - 2007 Ford Five Hundred
  By B.j. - April 20 - 7:56 am

  I just purchased my Ford Five hundred. It is an amazing car. I like the trunk space. The car has a very attractive look to it. Very roomy just as big as a BMW 754 or Mercedes Benz. Ford did a great job building this car. Wouldnt trade it for the world.

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  The Long Haul - 2005 Ford Five Hundred
  By JIM - April 18 - 9:40 am

  We live part time in Pittsburgh PA and winter in Spring Hill FL. The vehicle has been outstanding in ride and fuel economy; 28-30 on the Interstate. The only fault is too much road noise. We can pack it like a pickup due to the large trunk and the fold down seats. We see many other vehicles advertised but there are too many good points in the 500, especially the ability to have good visibility all around. It is an excellent over the road car. I now have 19,300 miles on it and will be taking a trip to Chicago in August, a round trip to Florida in September and a one way to Florida in November. Our 99 Cadillac will be sitting it out.

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  Lots of room, but electrical problems - 2006 Ford Five Hundred
  By ebutterfly - April 10 - 12:10 pm

  This car has lots of room and great to have with 2 kids. The problems that we have had though is that they have already had to replace the radio. It would just go out and have no sound with it. Now we are having problems with the windows not working. I dont know if we just got a lemon or if this is a manufacturing problem. If the windows are working, I love this car.

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  Room to grow - 2005 Ford Five Hundred
  By Family Man - March 28 - 4:56 pm

  Just picked up our 500. My wife and daughter drove it for the first two days, city and some highway. Wife likes the ride and enjoys how high she can sit. The daughter is a teenager; need I say more? I get to drive it to work now, Round trip 80 miles 90% highway with speeds up to 65 mph. I like the ride! My first tank of gas got 25 mpg.

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  Beautiful car - 2007 Ford Five Hundred
  By Deb - March 28 - 3:56 am

  I bought this car on my brothers advice. Ive had two previous Tauruss. Ive had this car for 5 days. So far I drove home in a bad rain storm and had great handling on wet road. Highway power was good, I had not problems passing or going up hill. I drove to KC and got 28 MPG driving around 78 MPH. I felt this was good. My 2001 Taurus got 30 MPG and is a lighter car. I feel safe in this large car. It is very comfortable and I can see out, Im 53" so that is important. I love the rear seats folding down. I transported a dog without fear of ruining my leather seats. Im still learning where all the features are. I had a bad alternator from wire glitch, a bummer but..

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  Move back to ford - 2006 Ford Five Hundred
  By joe b - March 5 - 3:33 am

  Was surprised by smooth ride, good size and mileage. Got a good price and low APR.

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  Best of The Best - 2006 Ford Five Hundred
  By Robert Staples - March 3 - 4:23 am

  Great Car! Lots of Room, Nice Ride, Comfortable, It has been a Joy to Own!

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  Early Ownership Impressions - 2006 Ford Five Hundred
  By David - February 23 - 11:40 am

  This car is the best combination of room, comfort, features and economy in the marketplace. More after 20,000 miles or so.

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  Best car we have ever owned. - 2005 Ford Five Hundred
  By The Bunchs - February 20 - 12:46 am

  Our first experience was a trip to Houston, got a rental car,a brand new 2005 Ford 500 which we have never heard of. We drove it over 400 miles in a few days and was very excited about the smoothest of ride and the space we had (a daughter-in-law and her two kids, my wife and I) all fit extremely well in this car. First time we have had that since one of my old 60s or 70s cars. We owned a 2002 Taurus SEL at the time. After we got home and had about a month to think about it, we decided we just had to have that car, so we went to see our friend at the dealership to make us a deal. We wanted exactly the same care we had rented. Extremely pleased.