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 First Ford - 2006 Ford Five Hundred
  By Sam Mayle - May 1 - 3:10 pm

  I find this to be a very pleasurable and comfortable auto. From its quick response when you step on the gas to the take charge of road cockpit which gives you a sense of being above the road instead of down on it. If something were to happen to my Five Hundred I would replace it tomorrow with the same car. This time Ford definitely did their homework.

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  Thrilled With This Purchase - 2006 Ford Five Hundred
  By Mitchell - April 28 - 3:13 am

  After 2 months, I could not be happier with my new 500. I test drove 20 cars before choosing the 500. I was close to buying a Benz E320, but the 500 delivered much more value. The cvt seemed like a sales gimmick, but the smooth shifts are so unnoticeable in my hilly neighborhood. The rear leg room made possible by the raised front seats means my kids do not fight over the front. (The rear is as roomy as a BMW 700 series or Mercedes S Class!). The trunk is massive. The inside feels totally luxurious. Please do not compare with a Honda Accord, this is so much roomier and luxurious. And the 6 cylinder may not be a rocket, but it delivers enough power with good gas mileage. Go buy this car.

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  The Best! - 2005 Ford Five Hundred
  By A.Gray - April 24 - 6:50 am

  Id been looking foward to this car since I saw it at the auto show in NYC last year. Now that I own it all I can say is WOW! The Command Seating gives you real confidence. The cars overall stature is impressive. Handling is better than the Taurus. Interior space is overwhelming. Exterior design is flawless. Heads turn when you drive by. This ones a keeper. Great Job Ford!

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  Pathetic! - 2006 Ford Five Hundred
  By tsblack - April 22 - 3:09 pm

  I bought this car an 06 SEL in 08. Had great miles on it and the car presented very well. Overall a great looking comfortable car. However its all the cosmetic things that are ticking me off and now as of today I am getting a skipping occurence where the car is trying to hiccup?? going down the road. The engine light has now come on and were going to be off to visit a mechanic soon. Im not happy. Moreover, the drivers door keeps setting off an alarm that its open when of course its not going down a highway! and the car just frankly rides like crap. Very noisy ride. Wont do this again. Another let down from Ford.

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  Dont waste your hard earned money - 2007 Ford Five Hundred
  By Michelle Younger - April 20 - 6:59 am

  Ford made a bad car and knew about it when they put this out on the market. Ford has a class-action lawsuit against them right now for the transmission going out before 80,000 miles, also can go out while driving it. This car was bought new off the lot in 2007,and has been in the family and taken good care of, the transmission started a "helicopter" noise at 79,000 miles drove it till just over 80,000 miles when we figured out it was the transmission. BTW (80,000 miles it when the warranty expires on it.) Now at 82,000 we take it in to the Ford dealership we purchased it from and they "never heard of this problem" yet Ford has a Class-action lawsuit on them for this problem. I have always been a Ford person, I now I have No trust in the name or the people that work for them. All that could store my trust in them is that they do the right thing and replace all the transmissions that are affected, and the other problems with the car. Over all the car was a nice ride, luxury car for Ford, but since I only got 80,000 miles out of and purchase price of $30,000 dollars I give it a low review.

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  Practical & Comfortable - 2005 Ford Five Hundred
  By Vince Shevlin - April 14 - 5:13 am

  Took a trip from LA to Phoenix and back one week after purchase. The car is quiet, comfortable with surprising acceleration. Got 27mpg on trip with less than 1000 miles on odometer. Still breaking it in.

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  Recomended for a good reason - 2007 Ford Five Hundred
  By Hi5 - April 7 - 4:06 pm

  Consumer reports hit the nail on the head. This big car drives well, gets good mileage and has lots of room. Add to that the fact you can get big discounts and rebates with a 5 year 60K warranty and its a no-brainer, if you are in the market for a big American car that drives like an import and looks like it wont age much.

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  After one month... - 2005 Ford Five Hundred
  By cr - March 31 - 12:16 pm

  Weve had the car for just over a month and have been quite pleased with its handling and comfort. All the extra features make the car fun to drive on long trips with 4 people and it handles great in the snow and rain. We had hoped for better MPG in the city, but highway mileage is appropriate for a car of its size (or even smaller). The higher seating puts it at a very nice, neutral level (no getting up out of a car or down out of a truck) and the seats are very comfortable.

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  Luxury Car All The Way! - 2007 Ford Five Hundred
  By Ellen - March 20 - 5:30 am

  My family and I love or 2007 Ford Five Hundred Chrome Limited Edition. The interior is very spacious as well is the truck space. The only problem is my husband is 63" and he said that there is not enough space for his left leg to stretch out when he drives. Other than that, the car has all the bells and whistles and comfort.

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  Ford 500 instead of a Charger - 2007 Ford Five Hundred
  By Rena - January 28 - 5:30 am

  We bought a 500 while looking for a Charger. When we saw the 500 my husband fell in love with it. The seats are very comfortable and roomy, especially the back seats. I am rather tall, and can cross my legs and ride comfortably in the back. The woodgrain interior is beautiful. I like the backup signal feature, it helps when my teenagers are parallel parking. We really like the CVT. It rides so smoothly on the highway, accelerates smartly, even going up a steep hill, and you do not feel the gear change. I am very happy with the 500. I thought I really wanted a Charger, but I am not a bit disappointed with the 500, in fact, I am thrilled with it!