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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  A big car for the money - 2005 Ford Five Hundred
  By Jeff A. - September 7 - 9:26 pm

  We had been researching vehicles for some time, comparing the Chrysler 300, Toyota and Buick. This car had everything we wanted for a great price. So far gas mileage is right on target with sticker. It really feels like you are in a much more expensive automobile.

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  Impression - 2005 Ford Five Hundred
  By foman - August 31 - 2:26 am

  Recently took trip in new 500; very pleased with ride economy and handling. So far more than pleased with our purchase.

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  Great Ride - 2007 Ford Five Hundred
  By Ron - August 29 - 6:00 pm

  Purchased in Illinois and drove to AZ with very good performance. Window showed highway 29 MPG, obtained 28.8 MPG. GPS system works great and over all clean tight fit with a comfortable ride.

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  Nice vehicle - 2006 Ford Five Hundred
  By WisconsinGal - August 24 - 7:16 am

  Purchased the SEL in March of 2006. Have yet to see 29 miles to the gallon. 24 at best. Vehicle has some type of wheel problem. theyve replaced links and flushed steering column (no idea why). However, the problem with the wheel - persistent steering wheel shakes and the noise is so loud I have to turn my radio up just to hear it. Not the car I bought back in March. Computer odometer seems to be off will have them look at that as well.

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  big car - 2005 Ford Five Hundred
  By don - August 14 - 11:36 am

  This is a really nice car. It has a smooth ride, is quiet inside, comfortable and gets good gas mileage.

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  Computer is deceiving - 2006 Ford Five Hundred
  By W. Graham - July 24 - 2:40 am

  I test drove one of these before buying mine and loved it. Mine has been excellent except for the brake problem and the fact it is underpowered. I found the gas mileage to be better than expected, but I actually compute it the old-fashioned way with pencil and paper. If you subtract the ending miles from the beginning and divide by the actual gallons used per the gas pump, you will see that your mileage is significantly better than the computer shows. I dont know why. I live in the country and get 23-25 running around and 25-27 on trips, using regular gas. I dont like the look of the 2008, but will try one when the time comes. Long time relationship with this great dealer.

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  Far better than you think! - 2007 Ford Five Hundred
  By Joel - July 7 - 6:56 pm

  I purchased this vehicle as a result of searching for something comfortable after major surgery. Strong engine for a 3.0, CVT is quite cool once you get used to how it operates, AWD is seamless, the ride and handling are comfortable without being bone jarring, controls are well placed. The interior and trunk are cavernous, fit, finish and features are quite good for a car picked up with 19800 miles and going on three years old. Intuitive controls, upward seating position, phenomenal stereo and nav system round out a really cool car. Im not certain why the automotive reviews were so harsh on this car. I could not disagree more with the reviews out there by the auto critics.

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  Ford 500 - 2005 Ford Five Hundred
  By John - July 1 - 1:10 pm

  A great car on the highway and easy to manuever in town. The high seating is a pleasure for getting and out. The engine is more than sufficient when teamed with the CVT. Good mileage.

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  The Ford Five Hundred - 2007 Ford Five Hundred
  By thundrol - June 30 - 8:06 am

  When I first saw the vehicle I knew that I wanted to have one of my own. I got one the next month, and boy have I ever had fun with it. I have not regretted getting it since the day that I got it. The performance of the car was phenomenal.

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  Tremendous Value and Comfort - 2006 Ford Five Hundred
  By RalphEllis - June 7 - 7:53 pm

  This car is comfortable, handles well, and is a tremendous winter car in Canada. It is bascially a Volvo S80 in disguise. Where else can you get huge interior space, a technologically advanced drive train, AWD and a CVT for this price. The only knock on the car is rapid depreciation. Since I own my cars for a long time, this is not an issue for me. I love it and would buy it again.