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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  Comfortable Ride, Easy Handling - 2005 Ford Five Hundred
  By Diane Fetzner - January 6 - 11:03 pm

  At first I was skeptical about the Ford Five Hundred since I was giving up a 2000 Eldorado. To my pleasant surprise I found the interior to be quite large, comfortable, and roomy. The back seat has more than enough room for a large or tall person, and the trunk is very spacious. The handling of the car impressed me. I particularly like the non-shift transmission and the quiet ride. My favorite feature is the reverse sensor. I highly recommend buying this car. P.S. Theres plenty of room for my large German Shepherd.

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  Perfect for me - 2005 Ford Five Hundred
  By jake121015 - December 24 - 9:23 am

  This vehicle is the perfect vehicle for me. Safety, functionality, stylish, and made in America. I was getting ready to buy either a Accord or Camry when I saw an advertisement for the new Five Hundred. This was the car that I REALLY wanted. The build quality on this car is excellent. I have had no problems nor have I found any quirks that I didnt pick up on during the test drive. I generally drive alone but on the weekends its large enough for my young family of five. I am just waiting for this winter to get a feel for the AWD portion. Why anyone would complain about a lack of power is beyond me, it has more than enough power even for my heavy foot when Im late for work in the morning.

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  Big Comfort, Snow Machine - 2007 Ford Five Hundred
  By moose72690 - December 23 - 11:36 pm

  Overall this is a great car! I bought mine with 104,000 miles on it for $7,500 bucks! Its AWD and Limited. I live in Vermont up in the mountains so the AWD has been put to the test and it works great! Even without snow tires I can plow through the snow... The Limited "creature comforts" are great and all still working without issue. I average 22.8MPG which I think is prettty good considering I drive daily on mountain roads and its AWD.

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  New SEL 500 owner - 2006 Ford Five Hundred
  By Jeff - December 22 - 6:53 pm

  Have a new FWD SEL 500 with Pwr Moonroof and leather. Except for the analog clock, heated seats and backup sensor, it could be a LIMITED. The most comfortable riding Ford I have ever driven aside from my Ford Pickup.

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  Drive it and you will buy it - 2006 Ford Five Hundred
  By TommyB2513 - December 18 - 10:10 pm

  This is one of the best vehicles I have driven in quite a while. It is comfortable, has plenty of power, large interior space, A/C cools well - I am in Texas and that is important - large truck and best of all, a quality vehicle. Too many people are saying it has no power; it does have what is necessary for a professional/family sedan. I have had many compliments after people have ridden in the car. You must take a look at it before you take the word of people who just like high priced fast cars. This car is for the normal everyday Joe who wants a car that will last him a long time.

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  we love this car - 2005 Ford Five Hundred
  By Bud - December 15 - 9:23 am

  Our first trip was 350 miles and gas mileage was 25.5 city and highway. Ride is great, and we both love the memory seats and setting up high. This car has all the bells and whistles of a more expensive car. We came out of a 2003 Crown Vic, and we would never go back. I love the handling and ride. My first V6, and it has all the power we need.

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  Great car for the money (AWD) - 2006 Ford Five Hundred
  By Tony - December 12 - 5:16 am

  Just purchased the car but am very impressed. Didnt think Id ever say this but I really do like to drive in the rain and cant wait for the snow. My Five Hundred has AWD and traction control (Limited Series) with all of the bells.

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  2006 SEL - 2006 Ford Five Hundred
  By Bob Egmond - December 6 - 9:40 pm

  I have had my Ford Five Hundred for about one year now and have had zero problems. The interior is very spacious and also very comfortable a a long trip.

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  WAY UNDER RATED - 2007 Ford Five Hundred
  By scotsman5 - November 30 - 11:01 am

  My 2007 I bought new. The only thing that we replaced is a altenator and battery once and the normal brakes, tires, filters, tuneups. This car still drives and rides like the day we bought it. The car has 182,488k miles. Id buy a new one but ford no longer builds them. Ready to buy another with 37k miles. Love these cars.

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  Great Replacement - 2005 Ford Five Hundred
  By Amy W - November 12 - 7:56 am

  I bought his car to replace my 01 Mercury Sable LS Premium and have not been let down yet. It is far roomier and the trunk space is amazing! I have a 2 year old and can easily fit 2 strollers, high chair and our bags in the trunk when we visit my parents. It has all the amenities the Sable had, plus a few extras such as the in-dash CD changer, dual climate control and heated seats (just to name a few). This is a great family car and I would eagerly recommend one to anybody who asked.