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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  LOVE MY NEW AUTO - 2005 Ford Five Hundred
  By J Tudor - November 5 - 4:33 pm

  I like everything about the auto. It is the first new car Ive ever owned. When I took my test drive it was like a good fitting coat. It felt good.

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  Love this car! - 2005 Ford Five Hundred
  By Darlene - November 3 - 8:46 am

  I love this car! Comparable to Lincoln Town Car with its roomy inside and ride. Sporty looks but also classy too. Only complaint is that the moonroof doesnt close automatically when doors are locked.

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  Great Benchmark - 2006 Ford Five Hundred
  By Richard - Maryland - November 1 - 10:20 pm

  Im a sales rep and the 500 is my company car. Best one yet. Im 6-2" and I can easily fit 3 customers and myself comfortably. My wife is looking at luxury cars and were using the 500 as a benchmark. So far were disappointed in what a $36K luxury car can give us compared to this car. Example, if we were to take friends out to dinner wed feel more comfortable asking them to sit in the back of the 500 vs. the Lexus ES330 or the Acura TL. 500 has great visibility, plenty of room, a place for my Blackberry, cell phone, chargers, notebook, coffee, bottled water and more ... all at the same time. Im tempted to get one for my wife with leather et al and forego the "luxury" cars.

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  New Car - 2006 Ford Five Hundred
  By Mark - November 1 - 4:40 pm

  This is a smooth transition car. It doesnt have the big jump when you step down on the gas but it accelerates very quick. The ride is great for both driver and passengers. Everyone appreciates the leg room, both front and back. The trunk space is almost unbeatable! On my drive across the Midwest in 90 degree weather, I still was able to drive 500 miles between fuel stops. It is not a car for high-speed, tight curves and the rear end will feel slow through those tight turns.

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  A good car, but getting wary now. - 2006 Ford Five Hundred
  By Vance - October 12 - 1:36 pm

  I bought this car at the end of the 2006 modely year and have enjoyed it a lot. The car is very comfortable and fun to drive. Excellent handling in snow and wet conditions. I am a bit disappointed with the mileage, but I can live with what is delivers. The big issue is that it has had problems starting in the last month. Five times now I have jumped in and it wont start. I had it towed last week but the service desk could not find the problem. It failed to start yesterday when I was running errands. fter 20 minutes it did start and I took it back for service. I am very unhappy with this reliability issue. Ford has enough problems.

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  Ready for an 08 - 2005 Ford Five Hundred
  By J Jennings - October 10 - 7:50 pm

  Bought this car one day and put 1500 miles on it starting the next day. Handled great in all types of terrain. Mountains of N.Y. and New England, and interstate highways. Since purchase it has been in the shop for bubble in dash storage, one recall, and all 4 wheel covers replaced for peeling clear coat. All replaced under warranty. 30,000 miles the rear brakes were worn out but front were fine. Nothing major that would stop me from purchasing another 500. Gas mileage, comfort, and style all great. AWD only let me get stuck in snow once. Hope Ford keeps building this vehicle.

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  A Mechanics Dream to make more money - 2006 Ford Five Hundred
  By Carl - October 5 - 2:50 pm

  This car is a piece of junk, mechanically speaking. 60,000 mile, with 3 brake jobs, 1 alternator, 1 front wheel bearing, 2 idler arm ball joints and Fidelity Extended Insurance wont cover it, considered normal wear. What a crock. I will never purchase another Ford product.

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  2nd Go Round - 2006 Ford Five Hundred
  By JHW - October 1 - 8:56 pm

  I bought my first 500 back in late 2004 and it was the Limited version, which I absolutely loved. I traded it in after 9 months because I thought Id have more fun with a Mustang since it seemed to be a "younger" car. I have traded twice since then and have returned back to the 500. This time, I went with the SEL version. The only difference I can tell is heated and memory seats and a sun roof. I intend on adding a sunroof but am still completely sold on this car. You get so much for the money. I have looked at several Euro cars and this one definitely gives more bang for the buck. I think Ill keep this one for a while!

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  favorable - 2005 Ford Five Hundred
  By Brian D. Brown - September 17 - 6:16 am

  My Ford Five-Hundred Limited has a spacious interior and a very smooth ride. The command seating gives me the feeling of having an advantage over drivers who are seated closer to the ground in other cars. Im finding that my mileage is hovering around the low estimate of 19mpg in the city, but on the open road it gets well into the estimated 29mpg range. Curves are handled deftly and the interior "noise" is less than Ive experienced with other Fords. I feel there is great value in my car considering its relatively low price and so far Im quite pleased with it. Reverse sensors & front and side airbags increase my confidence regarding the safety of the vehicle.

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  Ford 500 - 2005 Ford Five Hundred
  By Sue - September 16 - 1:20 am

  I regret buying this car. There is no pick up, the quality of the interior is very poor, the gas mileage is horrible. I could hear and feel the brakes each time I pressed them. I could feel the axles moving in my car when I turned the steering wheel. In the 2 years that I have had this car, I have had to have the power steering pump replaced and the air conditioner fixed twice.