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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  Love it, Love it, Love It! - 2007 Ford Five Hundred
  By George Hargreaves - September 26 - 10:00 am

  Bought the car in June 07 with 24,000 km on it. Great in the winter since we added a set of Michelin X-Ice tires. We live on the Canadian prairies and this is the most comfortable vehicle we have ever owned. Good power, lots of head & leg room. Huge trunk. Just finished an 8,000 km drive to the Atlantic provinces and U.S. east coast and very enjoyable drive. Great gas mileage. Looking forward to more trips. Rear brakes replaced by Ford after 40,000 km. Car now has 75,000 km and runs fine. My wife loves the light green color so I hope Ford brings this color back in a few years.

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  April 500 - 2005 Ford Five Hundred
  By mark - September 24 - 9:53 am

  Ford 500 is a great car if you are concerned with safety. My wife noticed that her line of vision is great no matter where she looked. The side air bags are a great feature. We are very happy with our purchase.

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  vinnie500hd - 2007 Ford Five Hundred
  By vinnie - September 22 - 9:56 am

  My new 500 with all chrome accessories is shiny black and fun to drive. The only thing I dont like is the soft suspension. Turning quickly makes the car sway left, and right, but driving on a highway with the CD blasting at any speed everything is fine.

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  The Ultimate Affordable Sedan - 2005 Ford Five Hundred
  By 500FX - September 19 - 3:30 pm

  I ordered this car as a company vehicle, and my first test drive was on the way home from the dealership. I am very impressed with this vehicle. It is well designed, and the fit and finish are excellent. The base SE model is very nicely equipped, and at a very affordable $22K price. I do appreciate the ride height and the ease of entry and exit. The car is very responsive, and the 6 speed transmission provides excellent gearing, combined with more than adequate power. Styling is similar to a $60K sedan, at less than half the price. I believe a Five Hundred belongs in every American driveway. This car has very nice styling and ergonomics. The SE performance with 6 speed is "adequately brisk".

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  Love This Car - 2005 Ford Five Hundred
  By Jim Whalen - August 22 - 7:00 am

  Have 20,000 miles on car. It is large, safe and economical. Six speed auto transmission gives performance that is more than adequate but not a roadburner. City 23 mpg, highway 27-29 mpg on regular gas. Very happy with car.

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  Good car - 2005 Ford Five Hundred
  By edman76 - August 19 - 5:13 pm

  Great car! Very impressed with Ford. Smooth Ride, enough HP (who needs more? Gas is at an all time high anyways). CVT engine is great for the endurance on the transmission. (Ive had Ford before and transmissions seem go out quickly.). I was waiting for a nice car made by Ford to come with CVT engine. Overall 9 out of 10.

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  2006 Ford 500 - 2006 Ford Five Hundred
  By John Ingraham - August 12 - 9:03 am

  This is an excellent all-round automobile. The ride is smooth and the CVT transmission is seamless at all speeds and and rpms. There is plenty of power in the 6 cylinder engine and the handling is excellent with the 4WD. The interior is well designed and very comfortable. My wife loves the large windows and wonderful view from the passenger side of the front seat. The leg room in the back seat is great. And the trunk is huge.

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  Love my 500 - 2006 Ford Five Hundred
  By JJRF - July 30 - 5:03 am

  I have had a great experience with this car. I got it new as a company car and bought it from the company when I left other than the recall on the brakes in the first year there has been no issues with this car. I live in the northeast and the car is great in the snow. (traction control) on the 2 wheel drive model has never left me stranded or feeling insecure on snowy or icy roads. I love this car! It has 80,000 miles on it and will run for another 100,000.

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  My Wonderful Choice! - 2005 Ford Five Hundred
  By Debe - July 29 - 1:50 pm

  I searched for a new car for over 6 months, researching websites and magazines. I then proceeded to test drive a variety of hybrids. While driving the Ford Escape Hybrid (which I had planned to buy) I was deeply disappointed. And there on the showroom floor was a new vehicle, the Ford 500. As a lark I asked to drive it too. I immediately fell in love with it! I had grown up with full sized Cadillacs and a Ford Thunderbird. The 500 gave me all the luxury that I was used to and a price I could afford. I never would have considered a regular sized sedan, but this vehicle truly raises the sedan to a new level. It has no comparison yet on the market. I absolutely love it!

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  First New Car....GOOD CHOICE! - 2005 Ford Five Hundred
  By ihorlacher - July 28 - 2:06 pm

  I wasnt even looking at the Ford Five Hundred when I was shopping for a new car. Roomy, stylish, good gas mileage, are all good things that I can think of at the moment! For my first new car, and a total GM owner, I was impressed. Test drove it and bought it the same day. Total ego boost as one other person put it. Everyone has been impressed with my choice.