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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  2007 Ford 500 - 2007 Ford Five Hundred
  By rhowar1 - April 19 - 2:10 am

  We got our 2007 Ford 500 3 yrs ago. The tranny went out 1000 miles from home. The seat heaters quit working, the rubber moulding is coming off, the engine control module is out, the battery wont hold a charge, the transmission pan needed replaced, the reverse sensors are out and the trunk wont open most of the time. Fremont Motors in Riverton, Wyoming sure saw me coming. They knew the car was a heap, but they spit and polished it until I got it off the lot. I wish I still had my 1967 Galaxy. It was a much better car. Why cant Ford make them like that anymore?

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  Great Car - 2005 Ford Five Hundred
  By fmath - April 15 - 10:00 am

  We just bought the car yesterday and now all our neighbors are asking what it is. The style is beautiful and the handling is even better. We always drove Ford products but this is the best.

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  enjoying the road again - 2006 Ford Five Hundred
  By a.a. - April 14 - 7:13 am

  I was attracted to the 500 by its semi-luxury euro exterior which appears deceptively mid-size but open the doors and trunk lid...WOW! After purchasing, I read about its low horsepower being its weak point. City driving does have a full-size feel but on the highway this puppy gets up and Ive never felt it strain, so I attribute both inclinations to its CVT...either way, I enjoy driving again.

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  Balance - 2005 Ford Five Hundred
  By John - April 14 - 12:00 am

  My all-wheel-drive constant velocity transmission white body on black leather Ford Five Hundred provides excellent comfort, secure handling, reasonable fuel economy and adequate performance. Build quality is fine.

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  From Navigator to 500 - 2005 Ford Five Hundred
  By Sam Hampton - April 8 - 12:50 am

  I traded my Gator to get better gas mileage, lower payment, plenty of room for family trips, safety, style. Just took a trip to NC. The car did great. Power was fine, handling was very good, plenty of room for the family, gas mileage was 29 mpg. Felt very safe and comfortable. Cabin is cavernous. Great visibility.

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  Best Choice I ever made. - 2005 Ford Five Hundred
  By alspall - April 5 - 9:36 pm

  I am 62" and tried to look for a comfortable car. I was not disappointed. Plenty of leg, head, and shoulder room. Two kids are not crunched up in the rear. Plenty of trunk room. Very low level of outside noise. Very relaxed drive. No problems of any kind. Looks good, feels good. Gas mileage is good 19.5 city, 28 highway.

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  Solid Performer for the Price - 2006 Ford Five Hundred
  By 6-Month Review - April 4 - 9:30 pm

  I really think the engine is more than large enough. The strain that I hear other talking about seem to be engine noise, which is significant even when simply taking-off from a stop at moderate acceleration.

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  Ford forever - 2006 Ford Five Hundred
  By evelyn - April 2 - 9:46 pm

  I bought my vehicle brand new in 2006. She has (I call her a she) 22 inch tires and very shiny rims, tinted windows, charcoal grey. She gets plenty of compliments and plenty of heads that turn. I have not had any problems with my Ford Five hundred. She is very reliable, large interior, and great on gas. I feel honored to have purchased this vehicle in 2006 since 2007 was the last year they were made and changed to the name Taurus.

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  Very impressive - 2005 Ford Five Hundred
  By Nick - March 29 - 5:30 pm

  Buy the Pebble leather interior and with X-plan you have pure luxury for $25,000.

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  190,000 - 2007 Ford Five Hundred
  By bergie44 - March 11 - 12:28 am

  I have a 2007 Five-Hundred SEL, with 190,000 miles on it. It runs great, and did not have any major problems. Did normal tune-up, replaced brake pads about every 50,000 miles. Replaces Uni-Royals about every 70,000 miles. Great, great car.