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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  I love this car - 2006 Ford Five Hundred
  By brian - May 16 - 9:30 pm

  I have own this car for 7 months and I love it. The excellent mileage and the comfort of the seating speaks volumes for the Ford engineers. All of the new amenities show Ford is committed to providing cars American can be proud of.

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  Our great Ford 500 Sedan - 2005 Ford Five Hundred
  By Leon & Joan - May 16 - 8:16 am

  We are very happy with our Ford 500 Sedan w/4 wheel drive. It is fun to drive and always commands a lot of positive attention. Gas mileage is good, the car is quiet and roomy with a lot of great features. We are fast becoming spoiled to all the conveniences we have in our beautiful car. We have been aproached in the Mall parking lot by several intrested indivuals requesting information regarding this car.

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  transaxle seals - 2005 Ford Five Hundred
  By axles - May 7 - 5:43 am

  My 500 front transaxle seals both failed at 4,400 miles and it took them 13 days to receive and then install the seals. BIG DISAPPOINTMENT. Im wondering if this is going to be a recall issue.

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  Spacious Ford Sedan - 2005 Ford Five Hundred
  By Mitchel - May 2 - 10:00 am

  The exterior design looks imposing and has a vast interior. The truck is enless perferct for a growing family. Some of the features could be improved. Was time for Ford to come with a different alternative for a large sedan in addition to the old Taurus.

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  Best Ford Ever - 2006 Ford Five Hundred
  By lee warren - April 25 - 12:20 am

  I bought the Limited. This is truly a great car. Fuel economy is impressive, especially on the highway. Getting over 30mpg. I love the CVT transmission and build quality. A lot of car for the money.

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  Never buy a Ford Five Hundred! - 2005 Ford Five Hundred
  By smac315 - April 21 - 3:40 am

  I bought this car with just under 35k miles on it. The car just hit 68k miles and I had to replace the transmission already. Ive heard from the transmission repair shop the the Ford five hundreds are having this problem. I contacted Ford and they said they wouldnt do anything about it and to simply take it to my "local Ford dealership repair shop" and they could fix it for me. Yeah they could fix it, at the tune of $1700.00. Its funny how we support an American company that wont even back up there product when there is clearly a wide spread problem with the transmission on this car. I am now looking to buy a Toyota or Honda!

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  Great car so far! - 2005 Ford Five Hundred
  By Claire - April 3 - 5:13 pm

  This has been a nice car to drive. Only problem I have is the large rear view mirrors. I am small and they tend to block vision when turning corners, but the gas and brake pedal adjustment is great for me. My husband loves it as it is so easy to get into and out of as he has knee replacements. Lots of room and plenty of storage bins all over the car. Trunk very roomy. Only wish it had a trunk release that lifted the trunk lid up by itself. It is a little heavy for me to lift up. Interior is really attractive - ours is leather.

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  500 - 2006 Ford Five Hundred
  By flt769 - April 2 - 1:30 am

  I like my new 500 very much. The only complaint I have with it is the trunk. Although the trunk is huge and holds lots it is not flat and the edge around the inside of the trunk takes up valuable space. For example, I had a Taurus and the trunk was flat. The 500 with the edge or lip around the trunk will not allow me to store things like i did in the taurus. Otherwise, I like it greatly.

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  Great car w/ great service - 2005 Ford Five Hundred
  By AAA - March 31 - 9:00 am

  This car is safe, comfortable, reliable, good on gas (not great in winter weather for gas usage). Seems to have gotten worse over the years in winter time even tho I service regularly. Nice driving view, can sit up high, I like that. Fits 5 people very comfortably, nice stero and 5 changer. Great in winter snow. Great open road driving car..relax and travel.

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  Ford 500 - 27,000 miles - 2005 Ford Five Hundred
  By Peter George - March 31 - 8:43 am

  We got the 500 in December 2004. My wife is the primary driver. The car is great in the winter weather (we live in central NH) and is a very good highway car. On our trip to FL last winter we averaged 24.3 mpg.