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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My 500 - 2006 Ford Five Hundred
By D. Lohman - October 31 - 1:03 pmI could hardly be more impressed with an automobile. The fit & finish and quality are superior. The "Command Seating" is great. Only two small complaints; the car has too much road noise on all but the smoothest surfaces and it could use a little more power, BUT I love the fuel economy. I am getting almost 28 MPG on the highway and 25 overall. Bottom line, I love it and am VERY satisfied.
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The Generic 500 - 2007 Ford Five Hundred
By Poncho35 - October 27 - 9:03 amThe 500 is the only sedan I could get into with a huge trunk and interior for less than $25K loaded up. The styling is generic but not offending. The 3.0 liter engine has good highway passing power and far from being underpowered. The ride and handling are ok but steering could be a little firmer and more direct. Shame on Ford for removing the door protection moldings. I will have to see if the dealer can install them aftermarket.
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Poor transmission - 2005 Ford Five Hundred
By menchaca - October 21 - 1:05 ambought with less than 30,000 miles. pervious owner had great record keeping on maintenance. Almost immediately started noticing weird things with transmission. It is very hazardous. Had a few close calls with car not speeding up when turning onto roads. It is mainly acceleration problems. Would not buy this or Taurus model in the future. Probably not any ford model. Ran into other owners with exact problem same problem.
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Love that car - 2005 Ford Five Hundred
By 2005 fivehundred - October 4 - 3:00 pmI had this car for around one month now and I love it. It handles well and there is a lot of room not only in the front seat but in the back as well.. My family is very tall and they have lots of room in the back. I find it easy to handle and the vision is unreal, lots of visibility with no blind spots I recommend this car to anyone. It rates a 10 in my book.
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Fix the bugs - 2006 Ford Five Hundred
By Johnnyrama - October 3 - 6:23 pmI really like my Ford 500 limited. I enjoy the way you sit up high with a good view. Its a big roomy, safe feeling car, with a massive trunk. Ive had mine in the shop for repairs several times over the rear brakes. They had to be replaced at 20,000 miles the 1st time, and they are still noisy, like metal to metal at times.Ive had the motor in the drivers side electric window replaced, the dash compartment lid got bubbles in it and had to be replaced, my seat heater for drivers seat had to be replaced, Ive had the trunk looked at( hard to open), and now my radio, CD, clock, is not working, back to the shop.
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UPDATE - Cant believe its a Ford - 2006 Ford Five Hundred
By JOHN MOOD - October 2 - 3:00 amWeve had the car for seven weeks. Close to 3000 miles. Took it to the dealer for a squeak. Naturally, it didnt happen at the dealers, so the issue is still unresolved. They also had to re-program the computer. Overall, We are extremely happy with the car. We get many compliments.. One thing though,we dont see many on the road and FORD doesnt advertise it much. Were somewhat confused about that!
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Great MPG! - 2006 Ford Five Hundred
By Douglas Miller - September 24 - 8:43 amYou know, I really dont know why Ford is not letting the public know about this car. Granted it is not the flashiest on the road, but it does have very good sensible good looks. The real story is that the fuel economy along with the size of the interior is incredible! You have to drive it to appreciate how the six speed auto transmission gets all the power you need from the 3.0 engine. The interior is really well appointed too. I love the wood grain and leather seats, sun roof, the whole package. I havent been this happy with a car for years! Ford should be screaming the 500s praises from the rooftops.
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Pleased to be so pleased! - 2005 Ford Five Hundred
By Doc - September 6 - 6:33 amAfter looking at a Volvo S80 and the new TL, decided to testdrive the 500. As comfortable, stable and optioned (with what Id want) as either at $10K less. First 1000 miles produced 20 mpg city and high 20s highway.Very comfortable for long drive, great sound system and CVT creates smoothest drive experience ever. Criticisms of power without basis. More than enough for PA hills; never need to reach 60 in 6-7 seconds. Love the info module and the system checks. Returned with rear seats down to carry as much as I could have in a small SUV. Overall, Ive never felt more certain about a car purchase. Ford should advertise this car more - a loaded Limited is clearly a winner and a great touring car!
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Best Car On Earth - 2005 Ford Five Hundred
By JDAMND - September 3 - 10:00 am1 Word sums up this vehicle: EXCELLENT!
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Such a pretty car! - 2006 Ford Five Hundred
By Lucia - September 2 - 7:53 amWhen I first spotted this car I thought it was a Mercedes with its overall good looks of distinction. I instantly fell in love after looking at so many cars. It drives like a Cadillac with a smooth ride and the extra room inside is reminiscent of the big cars of yesteryear. My husband who is an auto mechanic swore he would never own a Ford, but was highly impressed with this car. He says the only down side is the engine is too small for such a large car. Hes into speed while Ill take comfort and smoothness of ride any day.
