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:

• 

  Just Bought One - 2005 Ford Five Hundred
  By Tim Fukuda - July 19 - 10:00 am

  I just purchased the SEL model of the Five Hundred. It is very roomy and comfortable, and has enough power to get me up to speed quickly. It handles well, and is fun to drive. I love the leg room and head room. The faux wood paneling is very nice, and accents the interior very well.

• 

  Best In Class - 2006 Ford Five Hundred
  By Scott C. - July 16 - 10:13 am

  I spent several weeks trying to find the best car in my price range. I am the type of person who has to be sure I am satisfied before I spend a large amount of money. I test drove and researched every other car in this class and price range. Safety was a big concern and there is nothing better in the same class. It beat the Camry, Accord, etc. The Five Hundred was designed by Volvos top structural and safety engineers and the crash test results reflect it. The car has adequate power and rides like a luxury car. I have seen some reviews that said this car would appeal more to the older crowd. I am 33 and two other people bought a Five Hundred while I was there and they were even younger.

• 

  500 SEL with a little extra - 2007 Ford Five Hundred
  By Robert - July 16 - 4:03 am

  I really like driving this car a lot, it handles very well and rides smooth and quiet. This car is very roomy inside for the family and has a huge trunk. The Continental Tires that came with it were garbage, good for summer and smooth roads, but horrible in wet/snow/icy conditions. I put a complete set of Goodyear TripleTred on it and it handles great in the wet/snow/ice conditions as well as a bit more responsive on turns. This car replaced our Grand Prix and it gets a little better MPG and still has the getup and go, but a lot/lot/lot more room inside. We have the individual temp control for driver/passenger which also came w/6cd MP3 player/superior sound system, a nice addition.

• 

  Great Car - Now a Classic? - 2007 Ford Five Hundred
  By Jim Tritten - July 9 - 5:03 am

  Nothing but total satisfaction. For the life of me, I cannot see why this car has not sold better (other than lack of advertising) and why it is now being discontinued. I guess the good news for current owners is that the car will likely become a classic.

• 

  First Week - 2005 Ford Five Hundred
  By atyger7 - June 7 - 10:00 am

  Fun to drive! Stunning looks. I bought the first one in our area and everyone is asking me about it! Fuel economy better than listed on first trip. Only complaints are loud turn signals, no lumbar support on SEL and no ashtray! (They expect smokers to loose a cup holder, although this car does have 8!) Was driving a 50th Anniv Edit. Olds 88 and I still feel like Im driving a luxury car. Guys at the car wash thought it was a Lexus!! I was looking at small SUVs because I wanted a place for my sons bike and was thrilled when I saw this and found I didnt have to go to the SUV to get the space. His BMX 20" bike fits in the trunk! Would definately recommend anyone needing space drive it!

• 

  Extreme Commuter - 2005 Ford Five Hundred
  By psychchaplain - May 6 - 8:10 pm

  I run this sedan back and forth between Northern Alabama and Northern New Jersey several times each month... thats a 12 hour drive. At 75-80 mph it runs at 28 mpg. The seats are both firm and comfortable. The trunk is huge. Dealers in Alabama and New Jersey have been great about service. At 50k miles, I have had absolutely no trouble whatsoever.

• 

  An Excellent Value - 2005 Ford Five Hundred
  By Jeff - April 29 - 10:30 am

  I drive a lot and love this car. It is extremely comfortable. I moved to this car from an Expedition that never gave us a single problem. However, gas mileage inspired the move. The great visibililty, huge trunk, nice handling and what more could you want? Great safety ratings. I got every option available on this car and it is fun.

• 

  Ford 500 - 2005 Ford Five Hundred
  By nanny kay - April 24 - 8:06 pm

  Highway gasoline mileage has exceeded 31 miles to gallon. What I like best is the ease of entry and exit. I do not have to have a handle to help me to get out. I AM 70 YEARS OLD AND THE EASE OF ENTRY AND EXIT IS MOST IMPORTANT!. Have had more compliments on this car than any I have ever owned since 1959 Galaxy .

• 

  Love my Ford 500 SEL AWD - 2006 Ford Five Hundred
  By Paul - Pennsylvania - April 21 - 6:56 pm

  I have been looking at this car since it has been in production. I think it is one of the best looking cars on the market, in its class. I am 6’-1.” When I went to the dealer I wore my Penn State hat and still had some head room. We have three children and my wife and I were concerned with space and safety. This vehicle has both! We purchased our 500 with the safety package which has dual air bags and a side air curtain. As for the space, I am able to keep the seat completely back and my boys still have plenty of room. I can’t believe this car is not selling like hot cakes. The 500 has been getting some great reviews.

• 

  A good car for bad weather - 2005 Ford Five Hundred
  By Bruce - April 18 - 11:20 am

  I bought the AWD model to handle the snow and ice and it does have great traction. The boy racer types claim it is not powerful enough, but it is faster zero to 60 than my DeLorean was, so how much power is enough? Im very satisfied with the power and handling.