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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  CROSS COUNTRY WITH MY 500 - 2005 Ford Five Hundred
  By Carol - May 13 - 6:23 am

  Purchased the 500 more for the roominess. Traveled from NY to AZ and it was awesome. Extremely comfortable and rides very well. Enjoy the kind of sportiness it has and the way that it handles with the rack and pinion steering. I also enjoy just riding around town. The interior to me has a rich look with the simulated wood grain and the gear shift in the console.

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  Love It - 2005 Ford Five Hundred
  By Nye - April 22 - 12:13 pm

  Love it! We traded in a 2002 Explorer for our Ford 500.The 500 has as much room as the Explorer with trunk included. The 500 is as easy to get in and out of as the SUV. Very easy on backs and knees. You dont sit up as high as the SUV but it does set up higher then any car Ive ever been in. It goes well in snow, but does not feel as safe in hugging the road as the SUV did in snow. But I really like it and love the way it handles. We get a lot of positive comments on the looks of it.

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  Our family car - 2007 Ford Five Hundred
  By Dano - April 11 - 1:16 pm

  We are a family of 4, two are still in car seats. Lots of room inside, you dont have to worry about kids kicking the back of your seat. The trunk is awesome, lots of room for everything. Just wished the mileage was a little better. We struggle to get 30 hwy.

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  Ford 500 SEL - 2005 Ford Five Hundred
  By Francene Kaufman - March 23 - 8:50 am

  From the first time I saw a picture of the Ford 500, I wanted to learn more about it. I have always been a Ford owner, and at the the time drove a 97 Ford Mustang GT, and before that, a 93 Ford Probe, so I was a sports car, speed and muscle car person.The 500 is the first four door car I have ever owned. It has been a joy to drive. I love everything about it.The performance; the gas milage is wonderful; the exterior and interior are as luxurious as my friends new BMW, and the ride is more comfortable than his BMW (he admits this). I also enjoy the admiring looks and remarks from others. My family thinks I should make a commercial.

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  Great design - glad I test drove! - 2005 Ford Five Hundred
  By David Klein MD - March 14 - 9:40 pm

  I had previously owned (2) Accords. Was gonna purchase a 3rd Accord or Mazda 6 sedan when I decided to test drive new Ford 500 after seeing some at dealer & hearing positive feedback from media. I test drove on a Saturday afternoon & purchased the car on the spot! Much better ride quality than Accord or Mazda6. Ford feels as well built as those with much more character, not to mention options for the price. I have no complaints so far with 2k miles. Look forward to a long drive to Nevada in Jan. Give this car a try - you might be as surprised as i was!

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  My New Ford Five Hundred - 2005 Ford Five Hundred
  By Suzanne R. Cronin - March 8 - 6:10 am

  I had a Mercury SUV prior to this purchase. Due to unforseen circumstances, I had the opportunity to drive a sedan for a few weeks. When we were deciding to purchase a new vehicle, I had seen the Ford 500 and thought I would like a sedan as opposed to another SUV. It is a beautiful car. We chose Black Clearcoat with Pebble interior...what a beautiful color. We are definitely a Ford Family, now more than ever.

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  love it so far - 2006 Ford Five Hundred
  By Jon VanDyk - March 5 - 5:16 am

  After three SUVs, I wasnt sure how I would feel about driving a sedan, even if it did feature "command seating." I have NOT been disappointed. this car is everything it is advertised to be and more. European style, great comfort, large in size and surprising gas mileage. altogether a great package.

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  My Ford 500 - 2005 Ford Five Hundred
  By T - February 9 - 11:56 am

  I went from a Chevy Tahoe to a Ford 500. I enjoy sitting higher in a regular car, the gas mileage is great. The seats are very comfortable. It is a quiet running car, not a bumpy ride at all. It is a very classy car and the body style is fabulous.

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  New and Happy Five Hundred owner - 2007 Ford Five Hundred
  By 500 - January 2 - 7:56 am

  I like my new Pearl Blue Ford a lot. I refer to it as The Big Ford, because that is the best feature. It fits real people in real time. So easy to get in and out of and it is still so new I want to drive it a lot. My mileage is still not great (about 17.4) and I do hope it improves. So far, all things are working great. I will make the dealer align the car at the first service, but that is the only thing I have noticed. Really nice, plain, and high class automobile. Will drive it happily and feeling safe.

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  Great New Ford - 2005 Ford Five Hundred
  By Victor Haddock - January 1 - 6:40 am

  After driving a Ford Taurus for 7 year I traded in for a brand new Limited 500. What a difference!. The 500 is a great roomy sedan that handles very well and has plenty of safety features. In addittion the AWD option is a nice upgrade. All around a great car with many great options. For the price you cant beat it.