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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  Almost bought an Altima - 2005 Ford Five Hundred
  By sal - August 25 - 1:20 am

  While on my way to purchase a new Altima, I thought Id stop by the Ford dealer close by. After one drive sitting higher up off the road I did not even go back to the Nissan dealership. Easy to get in and out of. Ive had customers tell me they thought I was driving a Mercedes. While the power is average, in 90%+ of normal driving it is just fine. Averages close to 27 MPG on highway, and the room is GREAT. All in all a car worth the $$.

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  Best car Ive ever owned. - 2005 Ford Five Hundred
  By tanotunes - August 21 - 2:06 pm

  I just purchased a new 05 500 SE AWD a little over a week ago. I feel I received an excellent deal and was pleased with the buying experience. The car rides so smoothly and I love the interior. Many have had negative comments about the fake carbon fiber trim, but I find it attractive ... much better looking than the fake wood. The car is so roomy and I enjoy the high seating! All wheel drive is definitely an added plus! Didnt need leather, sunroof or foglamps, so I couldnt justify choosing a higher trim. The SE comes standard with so much as it is, including power drivers seat. I recommend this car for anyone looking for a well made sedan with an attractive price tag.

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  Perfect for me - 2005 Ford Five Hundred
  By Robert Hinson - August 11 - 11:40 am

  I traded in a 2001 Lincoln LS V8 for my new 500 Limited. My Lincoln only had 18,000 miles on it bit I wanted to trade. I looked at various vehicles and was very interested in the new Buick LaCrosse until I opened the door to the new Ford 500. I am 59 years old and found the easy of entry and exit as the number one selling point of this new vehicle, that along with its very stylish appearance and list of all options, plus ride, quietness and handling as well as power from a V6. I am thoroughly pleased with my new 500 Limited. Ford might not want me to say it, but I actually like my new 500 better than the LS. I have had many compliments on it, even from young people. This is my car!

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  Family Car - 2006 Ford Five Hundred
  By Engineer - July 31 - 8:23 am

  The Limited is comfortable and economical. I am not one for all the hype about more power. There is enough power for sensible driving in my situation. On two long trips, 2900 miles for 2 persons and 850 miles for 4 persons through Texas and the central Mid West, the transmission did downshift when using cruise on the rolling hills. The first time it downshifted two gears at 80 mph (2200 rpm to almost 4000 rpm) surprised me. We were all comfortable during these trips. We bought this car to get away from using a large SUV as our primary car. With the rolling hills and a heavy load with air on we get about 26 mpg on the highway, on level ground and normal load it is near the 29 mark.

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  Another Bad Ford Transmission - 2006 Ford Five Hundred
  By bunnytwo - July 16 - 12:40 am

  After replacing 4 transmissions on a Windstar, and another on a Taurus SHO, we still bought another Ford. Now the 2006 Five Hundred needs a new transmission with under 100k miles. Here is the funny part. The dealer said we had the new CVT or VCT TYPE tranny, but the 2nd opinion mechanic said we dont. How could the dealer be mistaken? This is my LAST Ford.

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  Safe Car - 2005 Ford Five Hundred
  By Linda - July 7 - 12:16 am

  I was in major accident, driver did not maintain lane, hit car at gas tank at 70 mph. My car rolled 3 times, hit another car, landed on drivers side, car was totaled. Seat belt on, I had no cuts or bruises (all glass was broken out). I have a hurt shoulder and a fractured neck, had to be cut out of car. If had been in another car, I would have been dead. Car saved my life, I am getting exactly the same car. Would not drive anything else.

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  Good after 12,000 miles - 2005 Ford Five Hundred
  By rtboch - July 6 - 9:46 pm

  I have driven the 500 for about 8 months and have about 12,000 miles on it. So far its all good. The AWD worked great in the snow, the ride is good and the interior is excellent. No rattles or problems at all. It has all the advantages of a luxury car. I looked very seriously at the some high end caddies and BMWs and am very pleased I did better with my 500.

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  Showing Its Age - 2005 Ford Five Hundred
  By brendan - July 1 - 10:00 am

  Now that this car has almost 50k miles on it, Im hearing rattles and clunks on all but the smoothest roads. When I drive through parking lots, the car bucks a bit. There are large paint chips where there shouldnt be. I even think my gas mileage is suffering (never mind the mpg rating for this car is generous to begin with). A shame its turning out this way, because when I bought it I felt I was driving a car worth twice what I paid.

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  Ford 500 a disappointment - 2005 Ford Five Hundred
  By JG - June 29 - 6:06 pm

  A real disappointment inside. Front seats are very uncomfortable. We did a six hour drive with two stops; both of our lower backs were sore. The seats are hard and dont support your lower back correctly. Driver side seat is not in alignment with the steering wheel. Drivers side has no room to extend left leg, passenger side has same problem - cant extend right leg because the front wheel wells are in the way. Very uncomfortable to drive any distance with your legs bent all the time. CVT transmission noisy, has outside wind noise over 50 mph like window open. Steering problems, rear doors at bottom by rear wheel wells paint chipping. Traded in a 2000 Ford Taurus. That was a better car than this 500.

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  What Ive been waiting for - 2005 Ford Five Hundred
  By rageribisl - June 16 - 6:06 am

  Being an 8 cylinder guy who doesnt care about gas prices, my priorities had to change. My wife and I traded in our 2003 Durango and it was the best thing we ever did. I was skeptical at first, but this is by far the most comfortable car I have ever been in. Being 6 3" and 230 pounds, this is the first car that I have ever been in where Im completely comfortable sitting in the back seat - with room to spare! Its great to drive and has a beautiful interior with nice and easy to use features. I absolutely love the looks of this car. My advice is the redfire metallic, prettiest color Ive seen.