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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  BEST CAR EVER - 2005 Ford Five Hundred
  By guralny - January 2 - 10:00 am

  THE MOST COMFORTABLE RIDE EVER, CVT TRANSMITION IS A HUGE SELLING POINT

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  Great long distance commuter car - 2007 Ford Five Hundred
  By RTinSD - December 25 - 3:56 am

  Bought the car new in June 2007 and to date have accumulated over 91,000 miles commuting. Other than a rear brake recall, the car has been flawless. Gets 28+ mpg consistently. Comfortable, quiet, roomy. This car is proof that America can build a reliable vehicle.

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  Absolutely a Great Car - 2006 Ford Five Hundred
  By Tom - December 19 - 10:36 pm

  We bought this car to replace my wifes Grand Marquis, so we were used to large cars. The interior and trunk room in this car will make you rethink big. The is equipped with all options (not ordered, just the way it came) and we have found that they are mostly very useful. Adjustable gas and brake pedals are great for short drivers, they get you back some from the airbag. This car rides very smooth and responds very well to steering input. Brakes are firm and positive (and ABS). Safety (#1 pick by IIHS) was the single most important selling point for me. With the Safety Canopy and the addition of side mounted airbags, this is one of the safest cars you can own.

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  Satisfied owner - 2006 Ford Five Hundred
  By Steve Nemeth - December 8 - 9:13 am

  I purchased my 2006 Ford 500 SE with the CVT transmission in November of 2005. It presently has 6,500 miles on it and is running great. I am very happy with this car and how well it is built. So far, it has lived up to my expectations. I read a lot of research about this car before I purchased. It does take time to get used to the CVT tranny and how it shifts. The car drives well. I cant really say its fun to drive, although it handles well. Fun driving to me, would be in a smaller sportier car.

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  Ford 500 LTD Great Car - 2005 Ford Five Hundred
  By Robert C. Lacy - November 29 - 3:03 pm

  Everything and more than I expected in this car.

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  Fantastic Ford Five Hundred - 2006 Ford Five Hundred
  By wildgoose - November 28 - 8:10 am

  Ford has finally built an European auto, but at $10-15,000 less. I average 27 mpg on rolling hilly highways. Makes ice and snow covered roads feel like dry pavement. Plenty of room in cabin and trunk. Comfort and convenience combine with hi-tech controls and transmission for a fun-to-drive automobile. It doesnt just pretend to be of European quality. It challenges European quality. I still find it hard to believe that I got so much car for such a low price.

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  Really, its a Ford? - 2007 Ford Five Hundred
  By Adam - November 12 - 8:03 am

  I just got this car for our company for the traveling salesman. Over the weekend, it was not being used and my car was getting fixed, so I borrowed it. Although its not as fast as my other cars, it still has power for accelerating, but passing at high speeds is difficult for it. The interior in huge. The seats are big and comfortable. I was really suprised at how good this car was after hearing so many terrible things about Ford (and being a GM guy, this is hard to admit) The Ford really is a good daily car. Not for an enthusiast, but it gets the job done.

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  what a disappointment! - 2005 Ford Five Hundred
  By hadlovedit - November 5 - 2:06 am

  Within the first 600 miles the transmission had to be replaced. In order to fix it they put on an additional 123 miles; said had to road test it ... the cd was replaced 3 times. The seats dont work (still), am driving much too far back. Loud noises in the undercarriage. Oil light keeps going on and Fords people are totally uncooperative. Car been at the dealer 3 weeks in the three months I owned it. As I wait for the parts to come in, I can only wonder what disaster will happen next!

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  My 500 Experience - 2005 Ford Five Hundred
  By Camp13ell - October 17 - 8:03 am

  I love my new vehicle, black with black leather-ish interior. I was in an accident and ended up totaling my 2001 Mountaineer, and was shopping around and came across the 500, and i fell in love right away. Large, roomy, its big enough for me (hehe). It has a smooth ride, and I love the layout. I get looks from folks everywhere asking what kind of car I have, and theyre surprised its a Ford. I believe Ford hit the nail on the head with this car.

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  mpg over rated in 500 - 2006 Ford Five Hundred
  By Jim - October 10 - 9:36 am

  I just bought a 2006 500 Limited. My shock was that it averages 5 mpg less than the sticker. Instead of getting 29 highway I am getting 24.5 mpg and I am only getting 18 in city. This is based upon the onboard computer. Each of my former vehicles my mpg matched the highway mileage for performance. Same roads - what a disappointment! Radio is cheap, too.