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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First new Ford in a while....like it! - 2007 Ford Five Hundred
By KDS - October 11 - 8:30 pmWe are in our 50s & take road trips with friends, swapping drivers so I sometimes end up in the back. I have a very tall upper body & somewhat short legs. We test sat/drove many vehicles of all makes including the 2008 Taurus and the Five Hundred was the only one I didnt have my head touching the roof when sitting in back. Ours is a 2007 Five Hundred Limited FWD in white/pebble and we love it! Is it the most luxurious car weve ever owned? no. The sportiest? no. But it is perfect for us. Room aplenty, smooth ride, good gas mileage, adjustable pedals, thoughtful features, classy looks, good build quality. Were just happy we got one before they were all gone.
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Awesome Purchase! - 2005 Ford Five Hundred
By John DeCarvalho - October 8 - 5:06 pmI love this car! It is safe and roomy. Being 6 feet tall I have no problem getting comfortable even in the second seat. The interior design is classy and the command seating is great in traffic. We made a great choice!
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Beazley Review - 2007 Ford Five Hundred
By Thomas Beazley - October 5 - 1:06 pmAt this point, the only thing that I would change is a little larger engine. It strains some times.
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2005 Ford Five Hundred - 2005 Ford Five Hundred
By Danielle - September 27 - 12:26 amI decided to order my Five Hundred after driving one at a ride and drive in Cincinnati. The performance, handling, and comfort impressed me. The only complaint that I have would be the city gas mileage b/c I only get about 18 mpg. I have just tested the awd and traction control systems b/c we got a big snow and the handling was great. It never once slid, fish tailed, or lost control. Overall this vehicle is sleek, classy, and versatile. I give it an excellent rating.
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Great car for the money - 2006 Ford Five Hundred
By Wally Walczak - September 26 - 4:20 pmWe did a lot of research on this car. We had a 2003 Acura TL before this. For the money, Ford gives you a lot of car for under $30,000. The AWD Limited is the model we purchased. My wife is the main driver and she loves it. It sits a lot higher for a great view, its loaded with just about every option, and the 5 Star safety rating gives us a great sense of security when driving. It burns regular gas which is a big savings over the Acura which requires premium gas. The car handles well and the engine, which some say is underpowered, is plenty powerful for us. If you are looking for a loaded car with a lot of room and safety features, you cant beat the Ford Five Hundred. We love it!
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Better than a Volvo! - 2005 Ford Five Hundred
By Deb - September 11 - 9:03 amI was hesitant to buy a Ford and was test driving and researching Honda, Nissan, and Mazda. But they didnt live up to their accalims and I was deeply disappointed. When I test drove the 500 it was just as a lark. The moment I saw it I was intrigued by its stylish European look. Once inside the roomyness and luxury was astonishing. Then on the road it just continued to impress me. The silent, smooth, fast acceleration; the outstanding handling on sharp turns; and the audiophile stereo is incredible.
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Fortunate 500 Owner! - 2005 Ford Five Hundred
By Fortunate 500 Owner - August 27 - 6:30 pmIf theres a heaven on earth, youll feel like youre in it when driving this car. Luxurious...every comfort I every wanted and some I didnt know existed (power brake pedals, height adjustable, speed sensitive volume - who knew!). I love this car and everyone asks me, what kind of car is this? Very nice and worth more than the price...but dont tell Ford that!
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My Five Hundred - 2005 Ford Five Hundred
By Kathy Payne - August 25 - 6:13 amWe love the car; it not only drives wonderfully but is so comfortable. Even the kids and friends of it comment on what a great looking car it is. We compared it to many other cars and the options in the Five Hundred were so much more for the dollar also. We owned a Park Avenue 6 years ago and I compare it to the ride and comfort we had in our Park Avenue. Great Car!
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GREAT Car ... either for the price or even more - 2005 Ford Five Hundred
By abacuses - August 11 - 7:30 pmI hit 110,000 this week and figured I would sing some praises after reading some of the other issues. 1st, the "downside." This car goes through the brakes. My dealer said that Volvos are known for their safety; with that comes hard wear on the brake pads. Yes, this has the Volvo engine in it. Im on my 5th set of pads and 2nd set of rotors. I started noticing a little bucking in drive-thru line s and traffic jams ... always when the AC is on. Otherwise, no issues whatsoever and this has been my favorite car ever. Im not a fan of the new Taurus, but I do love the Ford Edge. I continue to have great experiences with my Fords ... TAKE CARE OF THEM and they will do the same for you too.
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2006 Ford Five Hundred AWD - 2006 Ford Five Hundred
By VtHockeyDad - July 29 - 5:23 pmI am very impressed with the Ford Five Hundred. I am in sales and drive approximately 35,000 miles per year. I was first impressed that this car was basically a Volvo S80 for a little over half the price. Safety is very important since my kids will often ride with me. I average about 25 MPG, mostly highway. I love the transmission which is unconventional since it never shifts. It is a bit slow off the line, but once the speed reaches 20 mph, it has plenty of power. My only complaint is road noise. There should more insulation. The car handles very well with the AWD even at higher speeds. I highly recommend it for the money and mileage.
