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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  owner review - 2006 Ford Five Hundred
  By proudowner - May 12 - 4:13 am

  Rides and handles well especially on slippery snowy roads. Mileage is better than expected.

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  I like this car - 2007 Ford Five Hundred
  By Robert - April 22 - 6:36 am

  The longer we own this car, the more we like it. We had one problem with abnormal brake wear and Ford took car of it even though it wasnt a warranty item. Handling is very good for such a large car (especially in snow with AWD), ride is excellent and gas mileage has been more than surprising. We got 31 mpg on a recent trip through Arizona and New Mexico. Average mpg in our local hilly/mountain area is 19 city and 26 highway (better than EPA estimate.)

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  Suprisingly Good - 2005 Ford Five Hundred
  By Neil - April 20 - 9:13 pm

  I have had my car for about three months and have been pleasantly surprised by this car. It out-handles and has a more comfortable ride than my Infiniti I30T that I had before. The room (interior and trunk) is wonderful. Everyone who rides in the car leaves positively impressed. I am running mid-grade gas and the performance is more than good enough unless your interest is flooring it and being pressed back in your seat. I seem to notice a more positive "carving" feel to turns with it but I am not sure if that is the AWD kicking in or not. Turn stereo treble and bass up nearly all the way to get best sound.

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  Follow Up - 2005 Ford Five Hundred
  By Family Man - April 18 - 1:46 am

  This is a follow up report from 6/11/05. Just got back from sunny California. The trip from WA was a joy. We pulled 28 mpg and a low of 18 in stop and go (the 405 in LA stinks) with the A/C on most of the time. I had the window tinted in LA (35%) and that made the comfort in side even better. My teen age kid had no problem with some of the I5 drive back. This is a nice family car. The car now has 4500 miles on it.

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  Middle age - 2005 Ford Five Hundred
  By Jim - April 10 - 4:53 am

  Very comfortable. Very roomy but does not stand out in a crowd. Like the AWD and CV transmission.

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  Best Car Ever Driven - 2005 Ford Five Hundred
  By Craig Kessler - April 4 - 9:56 am

  All you have to do is drive this car and feel how well it responds to you and the road to understand how great this car is. I went in to buy a suv and saw this on showroom floor and asked to drive it and bought it. Its a well thought out car with many options for storage inside to make your commute to wherever a fun and safe experience and easy on your wallet too for that drive in the countryside on the weekends. Take it for a test drive then you will understand.

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  Safest Car in America - 2006 Ford Five Hundred
  By TERRYP - April 1 - 3:23 pm

  Ive driven this car for 1 year and currently have no issues. This is one solidly built automobile. Ive studied the crash test data and I wasnt disappointed - 4 out of 5 tests it achieved the 5 star rating. (The 4 star rating was for rollover prevention - an issue that was corrected for 2008.) More than anything else - it is very comfortable to drive or ride in. Passengers in the back seat are surprised by the amount of leg room. When this lease is up Im buying a Taurus.

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  Ford 500 SE - 2005 Ford Five Hundred
  By UMASS93 - March 21 - 4:26 pm

  Third Ford that I have owned - step up from the Taurus. Now Ford plans to name this the Taurus due to lack of name recognition for 2008. Best car to have if you have a family. Higher off the ground that most sedans and consistently rates as one of the safest vehicles in a front and side collison. Gas mileage is acceptable, I have over 80,000 miles on my 2005. Live in MD and work in PA - 75 miles one way - average 28 mpg highway - have to love cruise control.

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  Well made American Sedan! - 2006 Ford Five Hundred
  By Dameon - March 13 - 1:43 am

  Worth the money. Its comparable to many of the more expensive euro sedans. Drives well and very comfortable. I like that it sits up high. When Im not driving, I spend most of my time thinking of places & reasons to drive. I wish Id got the Limited AWD now.

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  GREAT CAR TO DRIVE - 2005 Ford Five Hundred
  By Zhivago - March 11 - 10:03 pm

  Nice to drive and very roomy