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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  Big Surprise - 2006 Ford Five Hundred
  By BTG - April 10 - 5:50 pm

  I need a large car to provide room and comfort to clients. Many of my co- workers buy luxury nameplates I chose the 500 for its comfort. Almost all of my passengers are amazed at the quality, comfort and ride of the 500. Poor weather handling is fantastic. This car is not as ego inflating as those German megapriced sedans but it has surprised those owners with the good seat support and unequaled rear seat room, comfort and ride quality. On the highway it is quite, smooth and responsive. In over 28,000 miles my only service has been oil changes and tire rotation. I have not had one single defect or problem. The AWD works without any fuss and adds a true feeling of security. Bravo Ford!

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  love the car but hate the monthly visits - 2006 Ford Five Hundred
  By mrscal - April 6 - 9:06 pm

  I purchased my 500 brand new and fell in love with it. My husband gave it to me for a Christmas present/baby gift. Car performed well when we had a collision later that year. Then the monthly visits began. The car has had a new blower motor installed, a ton of transmission work, three brake jobs, door repairs, interior repair, and now the radio has died. We also believe there is an electrical problem with the car the dealership has not located as of yet. I am ready to move this car on. Loved the car, but I hate the almost monthly dealership visits. I would not recommend this car nor any Ford product...and this coming from a former Ford fan.

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  Great Daily Driver - 2005 Ford Five Hundred
  By Marauder Fan - March 28 - 4:30 pm

  This is a great family car and daily driver. Much more personality than an Asian appliance car. Maintenance was easy and low cost, and interior fit and finish are good. The rear brakes had issues with pad life but Wagner Thermoquiet fixed that. I like the CVT, took some getting used to, and with regular fluid changes, at 100K miles I have no issues.

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  A very very comfortable car - 2007 Ford Five Hundred
  By John - March 1 - 1:56 pm

  All in all, very little to complain about after 5000 miles. Factory CD failed on first use, but replaced. Very comfortable to be in, although larger drivers may find their right leg too close to the center console. Complaints by critics about styling/power have proven unwarranted. People like the look of the car and havent found acceleration lacking with CVT/engine pairing. Handling is OK, not great, but ride is better than that. It is not silent at highway speeds, but not really a problem. Plenty of interior storage, huge trunk, elevated seating position; its (mostly) all good.

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  Formal rental purchase - 2005 Ford Five Hundred
  By formal rental - January 21 - 8:33 am

  Bought car for only 11k and worth every penny. I am sure this car was abused before I bought it and it still holds up very well as my commuter. Its big and brawny like a st bernard but without the teeth. If power and performance is what you are after your a fool to be looking at this car. But if you have a commute and you dont want lower back pain with very respectable freeway mileage this car is a winner. A trunk for the gotti family and a back seat for the prom date of your dreams this big beast is a regular unleaded running winner. Fyi my weekend toy is an 04 E55 thats a big reason I dont look to this car for any performance satisfaction.

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  Excellent car as a used purchase - 2005 Ford Five Hundred
  By Mike - January 18 - 12:50 am

  Just bought the car used with 15,000km on the clock. Bought it for the safety, space, comfort and reasonable economy. Learned later its not so safe on side impacts without the side airbags, which contradicts the brochure. Took a short road trip and found it very comfortable, with good economy of 8.2L/100km. It looks sharp and the interior is nicely laid out. Its very comfortable with lots of room. Relaxing and easy to drive around the city when driven at a reasonable pace due to the 6 speed. Good turning circle and steering weight is spot on. The heating controls are a tad low though and fiddly to use when driving. Compartment lid bubbling on dash as per TSB. Handles like a smaller car.

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  Surprised to like it! - 2007 Ford Five Hundred
  By villaridgegal - January 16 - 2:16 pm

  I have had this car about a month and starting to really like it. I was surprised that the drivers seat raises up high enough for me. I have had SUVs the last couple of times and at first was concerned that a car would be too low. I love the sides and back, but the front of Fords vehicles arent that sharp. Inside is great -- lots of extras. Only negative is power. I did not get AWD, so I have the regular transmission. I previously had the CVT in a Freestyle and got used to the smooth shift. The Five struggles with the a/c on and I have to remember not to pull out in front of anyone. I mean 206 hp for a 3700 lb vehicle is ridiculous.

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  Great changer for Ford - 2005 Ford Five Hundred
  By Jay Hassenfratz - January 16 - 2:00 am

  Very nice car. I was very impressed with ford. I just came back from Europe which is showing a trend of more impressive cars made and designed by ford. I anticipate that this car will hold its value base on its change from the "Basic Ford" look and feel. Elagant interior that is roomy. Lots of gadgets.

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  Ford 500 Limited AWD at 125K Miles - 2005 Ford Five Hundred
  By pkfloydlvr - August 29 - 8:52 am

  This car has been dependable and almost bullet proof. Will likely drive to 225K miles or more. Transmission - I have the CVT transmission and service every 60K miles as per schedule. No issues at all. Local dealer shared stories of failed CVTs, but poor/late or no service led to problems/failure. Dealer has some fleet cars approaching 300K without CVT issues. Brakes - The weakest system on the car, IMHO. Replaced brakes at 18K (warranty) and 32K. Recall took care of rear brakes. Went to aftermarket brakes and rotors and harder compounds. Longer life, but poorer performance. Currently getting about 65K on brake sets. Ride - Original suspension.

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  Ford 500 - 2005 Ford Five Hundred
  By montasir - August 26 - 2:03 pm

  I really like this car, having only driven an SUV for so long it was a pleasant change. The only problem is I wish I had gotten the AWD. I had a little problem in the snow a few months ago I got stuck so many times it was awful. I also think the the seats could be a little more comfortable and maybe heated and a little more ajustable. Thank you.