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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Ford 500 - 2006 Ford Five Hundred
By rollin - October 26 - 11:46 pmPurchased the Ford 500 with the CVT transmission on the SE model front wheel drive. The car has plenty of power for me. I like the size and quality that Volvo has added. The doors are well sealed with rubber and makes all road sounds a thing of the past. The air conditioner gets the car cool fast. The tires are 17 inch and are wide to hold the road, nice ride. It was a bargain with the employee discount, under $20,000. It is a nice safe car. Take your foot off the gas and it rolls freely. Getting about 18 miles to the gallon around town. Could do better in town with more careful driving.
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Surprise Choice - 2005 Ford Five Hundred
By Gross Family - October 5 - 3:06 amMy husband and I were in the market for 2 new vehicles. He purchased his 2nd Explorer. I really had my heart set on a Chrysler 300. However being a "Ford Family," I had the salesman write up another Ford vehicle for myself. Just before signing the papers, I thought I would walk through the car lot one last time to be sure. As I walked out the door my eyes glanced at a car that I had not seen previously. It was the Ford 500. I had never heard of a Ford 500. Immediately I rushed into the sales office and insisted that I test drive the car. I was hooked! Great car! It was extremely important that I get a car large enough for my 14 year old son who is 6 foot 2 to ride in comfortably.
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Love my car but 2 aggravations.. - 2007 Ford Five Hundred
By Judie - October 4 - 10:00 amWe have a problem keeping the drivers seat in selected selected position. The trunk lock is real stinker. Usually takes several tries to open it. I Wish it had a key entry to it.
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Pleasantly surprised - 2006 Ford Five Hundred
By Cathy - September 30 - 3:16 amMy 99 Chrysler 300M was totaled in April and I was looking for a SAFE, reliable and comfortable replacement car. We looked at the 300s, Acura TL (nice$$) Toyota Avalon (nice$$) Lincoln Zephyr (nice$$). I am not used to car payments and really didnt want to pay the $$$ that these cars would have cost me. There are few frills, but plenty of room, pep and great fuel economy. Small car handling, large car room...great performance on daily expressway driving. The price was great and I am very happy with this car!
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Get A Town Car For 1/2 The Price - 2005 Ford Five Hundred
By ROGER JEWELL - September 26 - 3:10 amWant a Town Car for half the price? Buy a Ford! Its great right now. Its getting 24 to 25 mpg around town. I just use regular unleaded gas also. Took a great trip with my new 500 to the beach and it was very nice and wonderful to drive! Go test one today
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Great Car! - 2005 Ford Five Hundred
By A. Withers - September 25 - 8:13 amI am a salesperson and at my last client lunch a comment was made - "wow, I thought your car was one of those $80K German imports!" That made me proud of my new purchase. The car looks great, drives well and gets much better gas mileage than my family van. Another comment from a friend was wow, that car has a nice engine!
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Seems like a good car - 2005 Ford Five Hundred
By SteveS - September 22 - 12:23 amTraded a Honda Odyssey in for the 500, got all the bells and whistles. Thus far this seems to be a good vehicle; owned Toyota Avalon back in 2000 with their new body style. This car is a better riding more enjoyable car than the Toyota was for me. Gas mileage has been running around 25-26 mpg city and highway; seating is excellent. Just a overall good riding, driving, vehicle ... hope it holds up.
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Top - 2006 Ford Five Hundred
By Don Groen - September 21 - 9:20 amAfter nearly 6,000 miles, I have had no problems. On the highway I have been averaging around 31 MPG driving at or near speed limit. It is a pleasure to drive and it gets lots of curiosity lookers and questions. I am very satisfied with the 500.
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My Ford 500 - 2006 Ford Five Hundred
By Melodie - September 17 - 3:10 pmI love everything about this car, It looks good rides nice and handles good. I get stopped and asked about my Ford 500 all the time! I would buy another in a heartbeat as long as it is the Limited Edition.
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Dino - 2005 Ford Five Hundred
By Dino - September 9 - 6:46 pmI got the full loaded limited. It is roomy, quiet, and many considerate designs. Lots of features with limited amount of money.
