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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  Beautiful car - 2007 Ford Five Hundred
  By Deb - March 28 - 3:56 am

  I bought this car on my brothers advice. Ive had two previous Tauruss. Ive had this car for 5 days. So far I drove home in a bad rain storm and had great handling on wet road. Highway power was good, I had not problems passing or going up hill. I drove to KC and got 28 MPG driving around 78 MPH. I felt this was good. My 2001 Taurus got 30 MPG and is a lighter car. I feel safe in this large car. It is very comfortable and I can see out, Im 53" so that is important. I love the rear seats folding down. I transported a dog without fear of ruining my leather seats. Im still learning where all the features are. I had a bad alternator from wire glitch, a bummer but..

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  All Around good car - 2005 Ford Five Hundred
  By tony - March 7 - 9:23 am

  Overall a good car - It has a lot of features that I didnt expect for the price of the car. The "lack" of power is over-hyped. I found the power more than adequate for the size of the automobile. I test drove a Mercedes C240 V6 and it seemed to have less power then the Five Hundred. I believe its automobile writers personal preference than actual performance. I would recommend this car - but please read suggested Improvements).

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  Move back to ford - 2006 Ford Five Hundred
  By joe b - March 5 - 3:33 am

  Was surprised by smooth ride, good size and mileage. Got a good price and low APR.

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  Best of The Best - 2006 Ford Five Hundred
  By Robert Staples - March 3 - 4:23 am

  Great Car! Lots of Room, Nice Ride, Comfortable, It has been a Joy to Own!

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  Early Ownership Impressions - 2006 Ford Five Hundred
  By David - February 23 - 11:40 am

  This car is the best combination of room, comfort, features and economy in the marketplace. More after 20,000 miles or so.

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  Best car we have ever owned. - 2005 Ford Five Hundred
  By The Bunchs - February 20 - 12:46 am

  Our first experience was a trip to Houston, got a rental car,a brand new 2005 Ford 500 which we have never heard of. We drove it over 400 miles in a few days and was very excited about the smoothest of ride and the space we had (a daughter-in-law and her two kids, my wife and I) all fit extremely well in this car. First time we have had that since one of my old 60s or 70s cars. We owned a 2002 Taurus SEL at the time. After we got home and had about a month to think about it, we decided we just had to have that car, so we went to see our friend at the dealership to make us a deal. We wanted exactly the same care we had rented. Extremely pleased.

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  Thanks to the NFL Commercials - 2005 Ford Five Hundred
  By Roswell - January 23 - 10:26 pm

  One test drive was all it took. Within a week we found our color and options - and were driving it. We had 3 good snow storms (over 4 inches) - handled & drove as well as our former 02 explorer. The room, ride and comfort feel comparable or exceed my father-in-laws 03 Seville. We have had four adults and a child in a car seat and everyone still had plenty of room. Only "negative" is - be careful with the speed - it likes to go - FAST.

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  Havent had any significant problems - 2006 Ford Five Hundred
  By moonview1 - January 12 - 3:46 am

  Bought this car new in 06. Had an issue with the brakes from sitting on lot. Dealer took care of this, and also preempted later recall. An alignment issue used up rear tires by 15,000 miles . I was not happy with the dealers response which was basically an offer to sell me 4 tires and an alignment. Bought tires and alignment elsewhere. Other than that, this car has been a champ. Have 70,000+ with no problems. The only thing I have done is to change the oil religiously, and I put new brakes on rear. Sent in last payment this month, so I guess Ill put in some plugs, change the belt, and flush the coolant. Great car.

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  SEL Ford Five - 2005 Ford Five Hundred
  By Jstevenson - January 2 - 10:00 am

  Every thing on this car works. No flowing or dipping on bumps. Handles like a litetweight 540. The seats are very comfortable, Plenty room in front and back. Drove from richmond Va to Davis wv and push the car very hard and it excel in every area. Handle the mountians with ease. No panic moments. The transmisson is part of the key for this size car. Averaged 25,1 round trip. FORD has really put alot of work in this car. AS soon as the consumer finds out about this product they will sell all they can make. This is the answer to the overseas wheels. This is not a hard core sports sedan but will make a catagory of it own. If it holds up in the months to come ford has a winner.

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  Great Car (so far) - 2005 Ford Five Hundred
  By Gallum - January 2 - 10:00 am

  The interior design of this car was very well thought out. Everything is within easy reach and logically placed. The seating position is a little odd initially (raised app. 3-4 inches higher than other sedans) but is very comfortable on any length trip. The rear seat legroom is outstanding and the width and shape allows 3 adults abreast fairly comfortably. The exterior design is fresh and clean, but not awe- inspiring. Engine power is adequate and the 6-speed automatic is quite smooth. Handling is crisp and precise, but the lateral support of the front seats is lacking. Gas mileage has been averaging 25-32, depending on conditions. Overall, a solid choice for many baby-boomers.