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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  Happy Driver - 2005 Ford Five Hundred
  By trishae77 - July 24 - 4:26 pm

  I work in sales, so I am on the road all the time. I am very happy with my Five Hundred. It is a very comfortable car, with lots of space. As I am on the road a lot, the safety ratings were very important to me. The gas mileage has seems fine. I looked at the Hyundai Sonata and Mercury Sable and found this car to be a much better value and liked its style.

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  500 Limited - 2005 Ford Five Hundred
  By ja2858 - July 19 - 11:33 am

  This is a great car! Although we have a small clunk in the rear passenger side when going over a bump, I think this is one of the better built cars I have owned. Very solid feel and very distinguished looks. This car is a real head turner and a pleasure to drive.

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  Ford 500 Limited - 2005 Ford Five Hundred
  By JO - July 19 - 5:50 am

  When I first saw the new 500 I had to go test drive them. We drove the SEL and the Limited. I noticed the difference between cloth and leather and decided to purchase the top of the line Limited. I have had nothing less than a great experience so far. I have even had people come up to me and ask me all about it. Ive even had people, when stopped at a stop light pull up along side me & wave to get my attention. I open the window and they say wow is that the new Ford? I thought it was a Mercedes until I got closer and saw the Ford emblem. My car is the Merlot Metallic Red with Pebble leather interior and the controls on the steering wheel make it easier to change different things. Love It!

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  I love this car - 2007 Ford Five Hundred
  By Darryn Dunn - July 18 - 1:10 pm

  I was looking for a car with Class, Plenty of room, Beautiful Design and Long lasting. I found all of this and more in my Ford 500 Limited. The body style has not changed in the time I brought it, giving me the feel of still having a new car. I like the refer to my car as the poor mans Maybach!

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  My thoughts on the Ford 500 - 2005 Ford Five Hundred
  By Nick Eliades - July 18 - 6:56 am

  We have gone on a couple short trips and found the car very comfortable, roomy, and with many pockets for drinks, maps and papers. The 3 liter engine is just fine with the 6 speed transmission.

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  New owners impression - 2005 Ford Five Hundred
  By The Wizard - July 13 - 2:06 pm

  As of this writing, I have only owned this car for a few weeks. We looked at Lexus ES300 (used), Impala, Chrysler 300, Acura TL (used), and a few others. Many of these where fine cars. However, we felt that we got the most value for the money with the Five Hundred. This car has loads of space, is very comfortable, has excellent safety ratings, decent styling, and good mileage. On top of that, the dealership was very decent to work with. My wife and I are happy customers.

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  Ford 500 has Style and Class - 2005 Ford Five Hundred
  By Olga Lancaster - June 28 - 4:50 pm

  The car has great style and class. The back of the car reminds me of an European model.

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  Glad I bought it - 2005 Ford Five Hundred
  By Fox - June 8 - 2:13 am

  I have older parents and was looking for a car that was comfortable, easy to get in and out of and with a trunk that could hold two walkers and a wheel chair. The Ford 500 does the trick. We love to drive it. It has great pick up and handles well. The interior is plain but everything is within easy reach. We wonder why were the only people who know about them. Weve only seen one other 500 in four months.

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  Best Buy - 2006 Ford Five Hundred
  By jpvette - June 4 - 7:20 am

  One of the best of cars I have ever owned, it is great looking, and runs smooth and quiet. The 18 inch wheels really make all the difference. The power memory seating gives you a great view of the road. The interior is smart looking and well appointed has all the features of luxury car. Great truck room.

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  2005 Ford Five Hundred - 2005 Ford Five Hundred
  By A Rudolf - May 25 - 7:13 pm

  Raised seating is a plus for entry/exit. Very quiet ride, good controls for radio and info center on the steering wheel. Great passenger comfort. Huge trunk and reasonable gas mileage as advertised.