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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  More HP - 2005 Ford Five Hundred
  By BOB CASEY - August 22 - 6:36 pm

  Excellent car; so far only have 5000 mile on it. Could use more horsepower. It is a little sluggish from 0-60, other than that very well built car.

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  Ford Trouble - 2005 Ford Five Hundred
  By MrPNS - July 11 - 5:10 pm

  Now have 24000 miles on car. Front suspension fixed 3 time with no permanent repair in sight. Rear suspension replaced. Air conditioner fixed but auto heat /air does not work properly and is a continual annoyance.This is a good example of why Ford is in trouble. There is a TSB on the front and rear suspension.

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  Updated review - 2005 Ford Five Hundred
  By Jay Hassenfratz - June 28 - 10:06 pm

  I have now had this car for 7 months, and I have some more thoughts on this car that may be helpful. I still agree with many of my other positive feelings associated with the car, but I have become disenchanted with a few items. The engine is sluggish; it needs more pep. But the aspect that aggravates me the most is the poor gas mileage. I average 20 miles/gallon. This may be good for some consumers, but I came from a car that was averaging 28, and with our gas prices today, this is a big turn around.

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  space space space - 2005 Ford Five Hundred
  By tall driver - June 12 - 2:56 am

  At 65" I can fit into usual competitors (Impala, Charger...), but a full-size person could not fit in the back seat of other cars behind me. Back seat in this car makes you feel youre driving in a limo. Raised seats keep legs/back from cramping during long rides. EXTREMELY comfortable. Only car where I dont feel in a hurry to get out of car. Agile. Acceleration in town good thanks to gearing. Youll hear engine entering freeway, but runs smooth and very quiet at highway speeds (75 mph) allows you to enjoy radio. Wind noise nearly non-existent, road noise reasonable. Suspension/ride perfect -- absorbs bumps well but feels nimble. Friends will want to take your car.

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  Transmission and brake pedal problems - 2005 Ford Five Hundred
  By NotAFordFan - June 9 - 3:23 am

  This is my wifes car, and she is happier than I am. Im 62", 275# and I find the seat lacks back support on long drives. My major problems are the transmission and the brake/gas pedals. We got the 6 speed with FWD for the mileage. Im used to being able to use engine braking by using a lower gear in my car. This is not an option with the Five Hundred. We had some very hot brakes coming back down from the mountains. With my size 13 feet, I find the pedals too close together both laterally and vertically. With the spongy feel of the brakes, Ive found myself pushing down on both pedals at the same time at stop lights. I was thinking about the Freestyle for me, but not with these problems.

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  My 500 - 2006 Ford Five Hundred
  By Louie - April 22 - 7:26 pm

  When first purchased, the wheel alignment was way off. Had to get it fixed twice. Another problem was the hood. It seems to flutter in high wind while driving at 45 and above. No other problems so far. Poor acceleration, but excellent fuel economy. Sound system OK, and wind noise is low. Handling in rain is good an cornering is good. Steering is tight. Other comfort controls are good. Silly that no mechanical trunk lock is included ... what is the battery goes dead? Engine layout is good. Nice features in the information center. Not sure why gearshift is limited to D and L and nothing more. (6 speed). Truck is huge, but lighting extremely poor. One tiny light on left side almost useless.

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  Poor Acceleration - 2006 Ford Five Hundred
  By Patrick Guggerty - April 18 - 6:56 pm

  Only problem is the acceleration should be better; Buick, Mazda, GM & Toyota offer an upgraded engine! But the reason I bought it was the all wheel drive. I just hope the power train holds up.

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  A Breakthrough for Ford - 2005 Ford Five Hundred
  By fourthvoice - April 18 - 3:06 am

  I became a Ford customer with my 1986 Taurus company car. That car was a breakthrough for Ford. The new Five Hundred is another breakthrough vehicle. It combines the best of American values with engineering from around the world. Weve had 3 Duratec V6 Tauruses; what a fun and reliable engine. The new ZF 6 speed transmission is smooth and responsive. Good work, Ford!

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  An Unsung Gem - 2005 Ford Five Hundred
  By shotsy - April 10 - 10:13 am

  Press had lower reviews for power and styling of this car, but I like it. The Limited version looks very nice from all angles. Body is solid. You can tell the door and panel structure is well engineered (doesnt have that paper thin feeling). The power is fine for me as I dont view it as a sports car. Interior is very clean looking (no unnecessary clutter on dash or console). This car is an excellent choice for taller people like myself. This is the first car I have owned where my knees are not hitting the dash even with the seat all the way back. Plenty of headroom as well.

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  Problems, anyone else experience? - 2005 Ford Five Hundred
  By rb - April 6 - 2:13 am

  Rear rotors warped and turned within 200 miles. Now have creaking and grinding in brakes. Rear end rattle that sounds like a lumber wagon (dealer says no problem found). Cruise control cuts off by itself. Anyone else have these problems?