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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I love this car - 2005 Ford Five Hundred
By Juudede - July 25 - 11:26 pmAfter 5 years with an SUV which I hated, I tested a Camry XLE and a Maxima, which were my dream cars. I was so disappointed with them both. So I went back to my Ford dealer to try the Five Hundred and I was wowed. I just picked it up 2 days ago and I cant wait to run errands. Ive got the Limited AWD, and all these bells and whistles will be so convenient. I will report back in a few months, and I hope that I have as many good things to say as I have read here already on this site. I just dont understand why Ford wasnt advertising this vehicle more aggressively.
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Why doesnt Ford advertise this car more - 2006 Ford Five Hundred
By greg - July 25 - 10:06 pmI have put 6,000 miles on our 500 so far and we love it. The fit and finish are great and the comfort is outstanding. I took it up to our cabin in Idaho and blasted through two feet of snow in our driveway with no problem. I have driven Mercedes Benz for 20 years can honestly say wow! I love the way the cvt tranny shifts and the awd is tremendous. My wife loves the heated seats (I do too) and the elevated seating is so easy to get in and out of the car. Give this car a look.
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Great Car - Very Underrated - 2007 Ford Five Hundred
By Jerry - July 16 - 12:56 pmI have had three Honda Accords. I decided to buy a used Ford 500 versus the new 2008 Accord based upon value. This car is great. It drives well and has lots of room - lots of compliments from riders about the room. My family enjoys the car, too. Safety ratings were a big reason for purchasing as well. Fuel economy has been very good. Consistently 20-21 in town. On the highway between 29 and 32 (I did get 32.5 on one trip). Overall, this is a great car. Although many in the press have not given favorable responses, many owners like me seem to think this is a highly underrated car - a diamond in the rough. SEL package is nicely equipped. Great A/C system in hot climate.
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The best 4 door on the market - 2005 Ford Five Hundred
By lazman - June 25 - 10:00 amThis car is a 50% cost luxury car that can compete with any Audi or Lexus. It is a beautiful car with great road manners and is a steal for $29.000.
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Ford 500 a Great Value - 2005 Ford Five Hundred
By Scott Olson - June 10 - 9:10 amThe new Ford 500 is a great value. At $24,000 for a mid-range fully equiped model, its priced about $5,000 less than one would expect for the features and quality. People have said its under-powered. I dont see that driving the highways of metro-Detroit. It will accelerate up hill into a 70 mph zone without any problem.
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Well driven - 2006 Ford Five Hundred
By Mr pbns - June 5 - 4:33 am12000 miles and defects starting to show. Front suspension bearings and springs replace. TSB issued. It is now winter and auto heating system not working properly. After driving Japanese cars for many years and after buying this Ford I now remember why I used to drive Japanese cars.
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Old foggy - 2005 Ford Five Hundred
By John J Warmbier - June 4 - 11:30 pmDriving this car is a pleasure. The steering and handling are very good. The seating is high so old foggies like me can enter and exit the car easily. The interior panels are easy to read. However the clock is set too low and hard to find. The trunk is big. Going on a trip we dont have to plan how to fit everthing in. The head room is high. I can wear my hat and not hit the roof with my head. The gas mileage is excellent in the city and on a trip.
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Oh I love this Car - 2007 Ford Five Hundred
By Marilyn - May 26 - 5:40 pmI test drove Honda Accord, Toyota Camary, Ford Fusion and even a Lexus. I couldnt seem to find one that I felt like driving. The 500 did it. At first it didnt turn my head for looks but oh my, I drove it and was in love. I do prefer the understated but rich look of the interior and exterior. I am just so happy that when stop at a light there isnt 10 other cars just like mine. I didnt think about that at the time I was looking for a car. I am getting 18 MPG in town. No long trips yet. Everyone loves the huge trunk. I love the comfort and style.
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500 - 2006 Ford Five Hundred
By 500 - May 26 - 5:36 amVery pleased with performance on long and short distance driving. Most comfortable with plenty of room for passengers and luggage, etc.
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pure happiness - 2005 Ford Five Hundred
By big n bald - May 25 - 2:26 amI have the 500 Limited AWD. This car is all round goodness. Black exterior. Black interior. Little over 5K miles and the more I drive it the more I love it. I have had soooo many people tell me how sharp this car looks. Im 63 and I actually have room in this car to breathe/move. Adjustable pedals & seat with memory. Great for after my wife drives & I go to get in, all I have to do is hit the button and not even fiddle with it or worse yet, get jammed between the steering wheel and seat trying to move it back! AWD is great in the snow. No problem getting up our driveway anymore. Such a smooth ride. After you train it - it has great get-up & go. Stereo rocks! One of the best cars Ive ever owned!
