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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  From Navigator to 500 - 2005 Ford Five Hundred
  By Sam Hampton - April 8 - 12:50 am

  I traded my Gator to get better gas mileage, lower payment, plenty of room for family trips, safety, style. Just took a trip to NC. The car did great. Power was fine, handling was very good, plenty of room for the family, gas mileage was 29 mpg. Felt very safe and comfortable. Cabin is cavernous. Great visibility.

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  Best Choice I ever made. - 2005 Ford Five Hundred
  By alspall - April 5 - 9:36 pm

  I am 62" and tried to look for a comfortable car. I was not disappointed. Plenty of leg, head, and shoulder room. Two kids are not crunched up in the rear. Plenty of trunk room. Very low level of outside noise. Very relaxed drive. No problems of any kind. Looks good, feels good. Gas mileage is good 19.5 city, 28 highway.

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  Solid Performer for the Price - 2006 Ford Five Hundred
  By 6-Month Review - April 4 - 9:30 pm

  I really think the engine is more than large enough. The strain that I hear other talking about seem to be engine noise, which is significant even when simply taking-off from a stop at moderate acceleration.

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  Ford forever - 2006 Ford Five Hundred
  By evelyn - April 2 - 9:46 pm

  I bought my vehicle brand new in 2006. She has (I call her a she) 22 inch tires and very shiny rims, tinted windows, charcoal grey. She gets plenty of compliments and plenty of heads that turn. I have not had any problems with my Ford Five hundred. She is very reliable, large interior, and great on gas. I feel honored to have purchased this vehicle in 2006 since 2007 was the last year they were made and changed to the name Taurus.

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  Thanks, Ford! - 2005 Ford Five Hundred
  By Linda - March 10 - 5:16 pm

  A vehicle with a Lincoln feel, for a very affordable price. Stepping up from a Taurus, I am blown away by this cars performance and luxury features. This is the first lease vehicle that I am seriously considering as a purchase at lease end.

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  A hard to beat Family Sedan from Ford - 2007 Ford Five Hundred
  By tbirdman - March 9 - 5:43 am

  My wife & I love this 500 which we ordered. The Alloy paint with the 18 inch chrome wheels & saddle leather interior really set this 500 off & make it an eye catching car. She especially likes the great view of the road when driving & the spacious rear seating area. What a huge trunk. This replaced a 2002 Taurus.

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  Ford Five Hundred - 2005 Ford Five Hundred
  By Ann ONymous - March 3 - 10:00 am

  The Ford Five Hundred is a great car. It is extremely comfortable, and fun to drive. Theres tons of front and rear legroom, and the features are great. I absolutely love this car.

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  One look is all it took. - 2005 Ford Five Hundred
  By Tonia - February 17 - 2:46 am

  I dont usually buy American cars because I felt the quality and the design of them was not that great. The Ford 500 hundred looked different from all the others. So I took it for a test drive. It drove great. It felt like I had more control of a car then every before due to the driver seat. For the first time ever, the thought of buying a foreign car was completely out of my mind. So I bought the Ford 500 hundred. p.s. I have never before been stopped by so many people inquiring about my new car. The car is a great ego buster. :)

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  Comfort and ergonomics - 2006 Ford Five Hundred
  By Bob Brownby - February 11 - 11:56 am

  I drive five hundred miles per week and have averaged over twenty nine miles per gallon. Ill take the gas mileage over the so called lack of power any day, especially considering the rising price of gas.The Five Hundred has great ergonomics and is the most comfortable cars Ive ever owned. Great value for the price.

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  Was looking for a Hybrid - 2007 Ford Five Hundred
  By Sid - January 24 - 9:53 pm

  I went shopping for a hybrid and due to a lack of availability i ended up buying a 500. So far I love the car. It handles well and is very spacious. I traded in a Ford Explorer so the gas mileage is a huge improvement. I see a lot of people saying the car is underpowered but Id prefer the better gas mileage over the power.