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:

• 

  Wow what a car! I love it. - 2005 Ford Five Hundred
  By alcontejr - December 29 - 5:16 am

  I moved up from a long line of Tauruses. I was skeptical during my first test drive. Thought it too confining with poor visibility due to size of side view mirrors which I thought blocked front corner vision during tight turns. I also do not like the high beam stalk switch. It is vague.

• 

  My European sport sedan - 2006 Ford Five Hundred
  By DMS - December 21 - 10:00 am

  Oh man when I first saw the car I said whats a 500? A friend had to tell me about the old name plate and I remembered so when I traded in my 97 Olds Aurora I was so impressed with the 500 with the look and how it handled, cause I only care about performance and how a car handles and the look was Awesome,while most of my buddies bought European Cars I bout a FORD FIVE HUNDRED AWD LIMITED,they were impressed also. havent had any problems and I bought it used with 41,000 I just put brakes on and new tires on it.I just want it to be more sporty but the car is the best SPORT SEDANAmerican I have had. My motto is "drive now, drive forever, drive Ford. Thanks Ford this is my first one.

• 

  The 500 after 6 months - 2005 Ford Five Hundred
  By Chuck - December 13 - 3:43 pm

  I bought my 500 in May 2005. I previously owned a Lincoln Town Car and was looking for a car to retire with. The size of the 500 was just right and its price didnt take much of a bite. After my initial test drive I was sold. The fit and finish of this car was as good as any I had seen. The CVT transmission is one of the smoothest I have ever experienced. Granted the interior leaves a bit to be desired but the economy and performance is right on. I have read some reviews that said it was under-powered. I dont find this so. The 50 to 80 passing speeds are so quick that you hardly realize that you have achieved 80 when passing. With my six months with the 500 I have had no problems.

• 

  A LOT of car for the money! - 2006 Ford Five Hundred
  By Brian - November 10 - 8:10 am

  We love this car! After trading in our 3rd Explorer, we were a bit worried about winter traction up here on our New England mountain but after experiencing two snow storms, were convinced that we did the right move. Compared to the 2002 V8 Explorer we traded-in, we doubled the "in town" fuel mileage and are close to 30 mpg in the right situations "on highway"(steady 70 mph). Quality is better than my friends 05 Maxima which seems to be constantly at the dealer for parts falling off or failing. Cant believe the room and comfort. This is one sedan I can brag about. Nice job, Ford!

• 

  Terrific Car, Totally Under-rated - 2005 Ford Five Hundred
  By Jay Scovie - November 8 - 7:16 am

  Bought new in 2006, love it. Am so glad I did not buy another Toyota Avalon, which had expensive 3.0V6 engine problems over and over. Ford was much better bargain in purchase price and maintenance. Now it has 48,000 miles, so far, not one problem. I average 25.2-MPG driving mainly California freeway. Nobody knows what it is. Everywhere I go people comment how cool it looks which is funny, because all the magazine reviewers slammed is "boring" styling. This was a terrific buy I would recommend to anyone.

• 

  Ford 500 - 2005 Ford Five Hundred
  By Glenn - November 6 - 6:23 pm

  The first thing that drew us to the Ford 500 was the looks. It looked like a luxury sedan. Then we looked at the price and were hooked. The list price was very reasonable. After we saw the price my wife sat in it and we were sold. We are both over 6 tall and have been driving a Taurus for 5 years so when we sat in the Ford 500 the head room and spaciousness of the cabin convinced my wife that a change was needed. As for driving, I find it to be fun to drive and the knock on the engine to be unfair. I feel there is plenty of power for entering the freeway. This is a family sedan not a sports car. I also have not received less than 24 mpg. Having driven over 3000 miles now I am extremely happy.

• 

  Love my Ford 500 - 2006 Ford Five Hundred
  By VA Guide - October 29 - 5:16 am

  Bought this for commuting and long trips (my other car is a 350Z). Love it! I can hear the stereo and engage in conversations at 70 MPH. Very comfortable on long trips and in traffic. I live in a cabin on the woods so I appreciate the all wheel drive. I actually was deciding between an Infinity M35 AWD and the Ford 500. Couldnt justify the extra 20 grand for the M35.

• 

  Bad brakes - 2005 Ford Five Hundred
  By Sif2b - October 28 - 8:06 pm

  I love my 2005 Ford 500 and have had nothing but great things to say about it until now. I take it in to the shop every 3,000 miles or so for servicing to include tire rotation, brake check, etc. I took it in at 20,227 miles only to be informed that my rear brakes and rotors were shot and needed to be replaced. Another 2005 Ford 500 was in the shop the same day and that owner was told the same thing about their car. 3000 miles ago my brakes were good. From what Ive been able to find out, this brake problem seems to be a not-so-uncommon story with the 2005 Ford 500. Anyone who has had this problem should contact Ford Motor Company.

• 

  Its a great car! - 2007 Ford Five Hundred
  By gibson63 - October 21 - 9:06 am

  I have a 2007 SEL that I love! It is so comfortable for myself who is 62", I really like the stadium style seating, to sit higher is so much more like sitting in a chair. The back leg room is amazing and so is the trunk space, then to have the back seats drop down even more space. It is very deceiving from the outside, it does not look that roomy until you get inside. I like the style of the car, I do not get the "boring" label given to it. The issue of power, I have not felt it be a problem, I drive in the Bay area and if I can make it there anyone else should be able to. I did have the brakes replaced by Ford during an oil change they suggested it and was covered by them at 24K.

• 

  Love My Five Hundred - 2005 Ford Five Hundred
  By Shaun - October 10 - 2:00 am

  I purchased my Five Hundred about a week and a half ago. I love it. The ride is smooth and a lot of people have complimented me on how much they like it after riding with me.