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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  Thanks to the NFL Commercials - 2005 Ford Five Hundred
  By Roswell - January 23 - 10:26 pm

  One test drive was all it took. Within a week we found our color and options - and were driving it. We had 3 good snow storms (over 4 inches) - handled & drove as well as our former 02 explorer. The room, ride and comfort feel comparable or exceed my father-in-laws 03 Seville. We have had four adults and a child in a car seat and everyone still had plenty of room. Only "negative" is - be careful with the speed - it likes to go - FAST.

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  Havent had any significant problems - 2006 Ford Five Hundred
  By moonview1 - January 12 - 3:46 am

  Bought this car new in 06. Had an issue with the brakes from sitting on lot. Dealer took care of this, and also preempted later recall. An alignment issue used up rear tires by 15,000 miles . I was not happy with the dealers response which was basically an offer to sell me 4 tires and an alignment. Bought tires and alignment elsewhere. Other than that, this car has been a champ. Have 70,000+ with no problems. The only thing I have done is to change the oil religiously, and I put new brakes on rear. Sent in last payment this month, so I guess Ill put in some plugs, change the belt, and flush the coolant. Great car.

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  SEL Ford Five - 2005 Ford Five Hundred
  By Jstevenson - January 2 - 10:00 am

  Every thing on this car works. No flowing or dipping on bumps. Handles like a litetweight 540. The seats are very comfortable, Plenty room in front and back. Drove from richmond Va to Davis wv and push the car very hard and it excel in every area. Handle the mountians with ease. No panic moments. The transmisson is part of the key for this size car. Averaged 25,1 round trip. FORD has really put alot of work in this car. AS soon as the consumer finds out about this product they will sell all they can make. This is the answer to the overseas wheels. This is not a hard core sports sedan but will make a catagory of it own. If it holds up in the months to come ford has a winner.

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  BEST CAR EVER - 2005 Ford Five Hundred
  By guralny - January 2 - 10:00 am

  THE MOST COMFORTABLE RIDE EVER, CVT TRANSMITION IS A HUGE SELLING POINT

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  Great long distance commuter car - 2007 Ford Five Hundred
  By RTinSD - December 25 - 3:56 am

  Bought the car new in June 2007 and to date have accumulated over 91,000 miles commuting. Other than a rear brake recall, the car has been flawless. Gets 28+ mpg consistently. Comfortable, quiet, roomy. This car is proof that America can build a reliable vehicle.

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  Absolutely a Great Car - 2006 Ford Five Hundred
  By Tom - December 19 - 10:36 pm

  We bought this car to replace my wifes Grand Marquis, so we were used to large cars. The interior and trunk room in this car will make you rethink big. The is equipped with all options (not ordered, just the way it came) and we have found that they are mostly very useful. Adjustable gas and brake pedals are great for short drivers, they get you back some from the airbag. This car rides very smooth and responds very well to steering input. Brakes are firm and positive (and ABS). Safety (#1 pick by IIHS) was the single most important selling point for me. With the Safety Canopy and the addition of side mounted airbags, this is one of the safest cars you can own.

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  Ford 500 LTD Great Car - 2005 Ford Five Hundred
  By Robert C. Lacy - November 29 - 3:03 pm

  Everything and more than I expected in this car.

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  Fantastic Ford Five Hundred - 2006 Ford Five Hundred
  By wildgoose - November 28 - 8:10 am

  Ford has finally built an European auto, but at $10-15,000 less. I average 27 mpg on rolling hilly highways. Makes ice and snow covered roads feel like dry pavement. Plenty of room in cabin and trunk. Comfort and convenience combine with hi-tech controls and transmission for a fun-to-drive automobile. It doesnt just pretend to be of European quality. It challenges European quality. I still find it hard to believe that I got so much car for such a low price.

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  Ford #1 - 2005 Ford Five Hundred
  By verdale marquardt - September 29 - 7:20 pm

  love this car.will never sell it make it factor original show car no after market add ons ever. i get up to 35 miles to the gallon on hwy. its just a cool car, ford had waited to long to design a car like this and then they cancel it after 3 years somethings wrong with their management. this car will always remain in my family, thank you for making the Ford 500 limited edition.

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  Happy owner - 2005 Ford Five Hundred
  By suezeeq - September 25 - 11:06 am

  After six weeks of waivering back an forth about whether or not to buy the Five Hundred I took the plunge and I am happy I did! I drove both transmissions and the CVT is the only way to go - much smoother and quieter. Not sure why some people say the car needs more horses because I think it has plenty of pep for a sedan - after all it is not meant to be a race car. The AWD is a real plus for NJ weather. If you are thinking about this car, GO FOR IT!