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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  Ford 500 SEL - 2006 Ford Five Hundred
  By Thomas Crosswhite - January 9 - 12:50 pm

  I did a weeks worth of research on the internet. I then test drove a Buick, Pontiac, Saturn and Chrysler. The Ford 500 SEL by far gave us more for our money.

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  Suggested Changes - 2005 Ford Five Hundred
  By dpizzan - January 9 - 10:00 am

  Overall, the Ford 500 is an exceptional vehicle. Some improvements that could be made, more horsepower, better sound system...(Bose)...change the grill...get rid of the Ford emblem in the grill and replace it with a hood ornamant...and offer pearl white on the Limited version..with these few minor changes, this car would truly be a world class touring car!

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  at 1 1/2 months - 2005 Ford Five Hundred
  By stoctkon2 - December 24 - 10:30 pm

  everything about car very good. ride a little rough due to short wheel base and 18 inch wheels. turn signal entirely too loud. old explorer barely hear turn signal

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  Love the car, good fuel milage & looks - 2005 Ford Five Hundred
  By Kathy Bedell - December 14 - 10:10 pm

  Have made cross country trip and the car handles great. It is comfortable for long distances. I feel the low end power lacks but once you adjust to the slower acceleration its okay. I like the interior design with dash compartment for small items. Very large & comfortable car, truck is super large, its great for traveling.

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  A bit too early to tell, but here goes.. - 2005 Ford Five Hundred
  By johnclineii - November 28 - 10:00 am

  What other AWD full size sedan is available for less than $30k and fairly well equipped? An excellent car for the price. CVT is a unique feature that will, for some, take some getting used to. Be sure to check out foot space on both driver and passenger sides before buying. Plenty for me, but others might not think so. And why, Ford, no Sirius Satellite Radio? No stability control? And only the 3.0? Still, a great value and I am well satisfied, so far. Reliability remains to be proven, but may well be better than average. For this car to succeed, it must be reliable!

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  Great Value, Great Drive - 2005 Ford Five Hundred
  By JasonT1978 - November 28 - 10:00 am

  Smooth, quiet and handles great. Solid thunk to doors, and Volvo based construction makes the car feel VERY solid and safe! Awesome interior, huge inside and very comfortable.

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  Easily most comfy car Ive ever driven.. - 2005 Ford Five Hundred
  By Larry - November 26 - 7:53 am

  Ive bought a few new cars in my life, but buying this 2005 Ford 500 in 2007 may be my best car purchase ever. Has a nicer, more comfy car ever been built? I say, "no."

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  Fuel efficient, safe, comfortable - 2007 Ford Five Hundred
  By Cora - November 20 - 8:06 pm

  I bought the AWD version to replace a small SUV which got horrible highway mileage. I have been very pleased with the Ford 500. It gets 21 in town, 24 in mixed city/highway driving and will get about 32 mpg when driven at 65 on the highway. Highway mpgs vary between 27 and 34 depending upon speed driven and wind. It is great for hauling large items such as 300 pounds of horse feed and recently a table and chairs. Handling is pretty good, excellent brakes and outboard visibility, fine acceleration for merging and passing (contrary to some reviews-it goes plenty fast without straining). The steering is a bit floaty, worse in the front wheel version. Very comfortable interior.

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  500 Reasons - 2005 Ford Five Hundred
  By Stephen Fiorino - November 12 - 9:13 pm

  I also own a Lexus RX and have owned a Lexus automobile since 1990. This car is just as quiet, rides as smooth and has a lot of room. Back seat passengers love the back seat leg room. AWD is a plus as it navigates through bad weather.

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  Louisiana Highway 1 rating - 2005 Ford Five Hundred
  By Penney McCabe - November 6 - 10:53 am

  The Ford Five Hundred drives and feels like a European car. We bought it because the frame is higher than most American cars, making it easier for my disabled husband to get in and out. The gas mileage is sufficient to keep me satisfied. Since most of my driving is around town, trips of one mile or less, the mileage has never reached the advertised mark, but I understand why this is and am not dissatisfied with it. Having owned the car one year, I can state that we havent found the first thing wrong with it. This is the first auto we have ever been able to make this statement about.