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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  Great Car - 2005 Ford Five Hundred
  By Kathy - November 19 - 1:56 pm

  I fell in love with the Limited back in April and nothing else in this class would do. This is my first Ford after many Hondas. While the exterior may appear somewhat "average", I assure you that the interior is not. Its a pretty car, enormous trunk, great family car with style. I purchased a red with beige leather interior. It rides high, which feels safe. The surround airbags are a great safety feature. Its just a pretty car and I smile whenever I drive it!

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  Satisfied with my Five Hundred - 2006 Ford Five Hundred
  By Roger - November 19 - 11:56 am

  I just purchased a 2005 model year Limited FWD for my wife. We have had it about 2 weeks and simply love this car. The interior is simply outstanding and has a very luxury look and feel to it. Seats are very comfortable, front and rear legroom is great, road noise is acceptable but could be improved (I can still carry on a conversation in the car without raising the level of my voice). Power is more than adequate for us. The Duratec 3.0 liter engine is a very reliable engine. I have a 1996 Sable, also purchased new, with over 90K miles and have had no issues whatsoever with it. Im looking forward to several years of driving pleasure with our new Five Hundred.

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  Love the 500 - 2006 Ford Five Hundred
  By WFoley - November 12 - 1:26 pm

  As a previous Passat owner, I love the look of the Euro cars. However, as a family man I needed more room. The 500 delivers! I have been very pleasantly surprised, it is a great looking car, very comfy, very roomy, easy and intuitive controls. Highly recommend.

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  I Love My Ford 500 - 2005 Ford Five Hundred
  By Linda C - November 8 - 5:03 pm

  I bought my Ford 500 brand new from the showroom floor. I love the fact that I got the 5 year bumper to bumper warranty on it. What ever minor things went wrong. Ford authorized repair fixed it free of charge. Now that my warranty is up, I bought the extended 3 year warranty which covers over 500 components from the engine & transmission to the radio. Love my car. I wish they had made a 2010 version of it. Love the fact also that there arent many on the road that I see and Im always asked " What kind of car is that?" Overall performance in my opinion for my Ford 500 is just about a 10. Love it....Love it...Love it !!!

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  AWD Limited - 2005 Ford Five Hundred
  By Robert - November 2 - 11:20 am

  Very pleased with the overall appearance and quality of the new Ford 500. The vehicle currently is getting 19.3 mpg in city driving. I recently drove a 300 mile trip and averaged 25.6 mpg. A very solid heavy car; there seems to be adequate power with the CVT transmission. The 203 hp V-6 is quiet and very refined. The brakes are great with large rotors. I especially enjoy the feel of the car behind the drivers seat. The new system Ford calls "Command Seating" is very nice, vision through the windows is perfect. Leather is of good quality, and the numerous comfort convienences are very nice. Heated seats, 6 airbags, fog lights and so much more make the car appear so much more costly.

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  fun to drive - 2007 Ford Five Hundred
  By james foster - October 31 - 2:13 am

  The main reason that I purchased the 500 was the driving character of this car. The ride of this car equals that of the more expensive models.The total design of this car inside and out is what people use to expect of Ford. The 500 is a great value.

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  Best Ford Yet! - 2005 Ford Five Hundred
  By Conneaut Lake - October 24 - 12:03 pm

  Ive had my Five Hundred since March of 2006 and find it to be one of the best cars Ive ever owned. No problems since the day it left the dealership. On the open road I get 28MPG and combined it usually get between 21-25MPG. While the car is a pleasure to drive, I would like to see a little more style to it. Ford has a problem with making all these cars look the same. A good example is the Five Hundred/Taurus will have the same look from the front as the Fusion. With all the stylist Ford has, I would think they could of come with with a different look.

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  5 Months & still happy - 2005 Ford Five Hundred
  By atyger7 - October 24 - 12:23 am

  Ive now had the car for 5 months and thought I would update. Anyone who thought they could only buy an SUV for height & space is wrong! I have as yet to fill it up. My only complaint is the engine seems to have a hard time deciding what gear to be in as you slow in city traffic and then accelerate again. I am 52" and all the controls are very easy to reach. No problem getting away from the steering wheel and still reaching the pedals. Very comfortable in town & on trips. Thrilled when I heard 5 star crash test scores in all categories! If I had been renting for this long, I would definately buy it. Live in Erie, PA, 100" snow and it goes great! With the weight & traction control AWD not necessary. Buy it!

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  What a great car. - 2005 Ford Five Hundred
  By Bill - October 22 - 4:36 pm

  We have always had trucks or SUVs. We have not bought a car in 12 years. The first test drive we fell in love and every time we drive we are more in love with this car. In the snow the 500 handles better then my new 4x4 pick-up truck, due to the great AWD and CVT. We feel safer and more in control than we do in the pickup.

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  Nice, Big Car - 2005 Ford Five Hundred
  By Michael Bramnik - October 16 - 8:10 pm

  For years Ive only been driving SUVs because of my size. Im 6 ft 7 and not skinny! I tried out the 500 and was amazed that not only did I fit in this sedan, but I was comfortable and normal-human-sized people actually fit behind me too! This car drives like one of my fathers neat German sports cars (BMW, Audi) compared to anything Ive driven before - its great!