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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  Great Car - 2007 Ford Five Hundred
  By Dave - September 12 - 7:13 pm

  Great car so far.

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  My Favorite - 2007 Ford Five Hundred
  By Lotson - September 5 - 9:26 pm

  I just bought my Five Hundred last week and I already love it. Being military I needed a good car to travel from Savannah to Ft Stewart everyday. I love the space, and the powerful V6 engine. The V6 and the AWD combine perfectly when i have one of those days, and wake up a little late.

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  Five Hundred Review - 2005 Ford Five Hundred
  By sbeigle - August 21 - 2:53 pm

  Excellent vehicle, the best american built car I have ever driven!

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  Ford-500 plus for a family vehicle - 2005 Ford Five Hundred
  By Lpowell - August 20 - 9:00 pm

  Ive enjoyed my 500 very much! I travel 150-200 miles a day. The comfort and ride are excellent. I intended on purchasing a Mustang but due to limited back seat space (I have 2 children - 13 and 6), I really needed more room. Salesman suggested I look at the 500. I fell in love when I sat in the vehicle. I am VERY satisfied with my purchase. Window tinting and a spoiler give it a nice sporty look.

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  Replacement vehicle - 2005 Ford Five Hundred
  By ajw79097 - August 19 - 3:40 am

  Before purchasing this vehicle, we owned an 01 Mercury Sable LS Premium sedan. My Sable was a great car and had all the amenities for someone new the owning a sedan. My Sable was starting to act its age (it had 107,000 miles on it at trade-in), so it was time to find a suitable replacement. We bought the 500 used, but it definitely didnt look to be used. The previous owner this vehicle very well and it seems practically new. Even though Ive only had it less than a week, and I do miss my Sable, this is a more than suitable replacement. It offers plenty of room for all us (I have a toddler with a large car seat), handles well and is just a great overall car.

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  Great Vehicle - 2005 Ford Five Hundred
  By Charles and Jean - August 8 - 2:56 am

  Purchased a fully loaded Ford 500 Limited with everything except the adjustable pedals. We have driven the vehicle today over 112 miles and have only used 1/8 of a tank of gas. In my truck I would have used 1/2 of a tank to travel the same distance. Fun to drive.

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  most underrated car - 2005 Ford Five Hundred
  By fordman - August 5 - 7:40 am

  I have been very impressed with the Five Hundred. This car has tight handling like a sports car and rides like a much larger and more expensive car. Gas mileage is respectable 19.2 mpg local driving with air conditioning on. I dont understand why Ford is keeping this such a secret.

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  Its about time - Ford - 2005 Ford Five Hundred
  By Ward Phelps - July 28 - 9:53 pm

  I have just been impressed for the first time to buy a sedan since 1976. I am a pickup/SUV buyer for almost 30 years. The new 500 is sweet, and the best part is the view from the drivers seat. Right On Ford, its about time you lived up to your Job 1 claim.

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  Great for the 30s Mom - 2005 Ford Five Hundred
  By Mom with kids - July 16 - 8:06 pm

  Not looking for a sedan, as looking for a cool SUV with 3 seats. Drove this and fell in love. Kids have more room in the back seat than they do in the SUVs. Got it loaded! Not just for the "Retired Folks." Great for the "Cool Mom" too. Looks like I am the wife of a rich man who gives me lots of money to shop with! All the elegance without the price.

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  Great car for the money - 2006 Ford Five Hundred
  By Mark - July 16 - 12:03 pm

  I just bought this car and was very surprised at the deal I got 12600 sel awd and only 17k. This was a no brainer. I just do not know why there are so many of them out there for such a great price. I love the features.