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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  Ford 500 Gotta love it! - 2005 Ford Five Hundred
  By StandnTall - March 5 - 9:16 am

  Im 6 9" tall and I love the spaciousness of the interior. People have been surprised by the exterior design, sharp and classy. I am driving the SEL version and I love it.

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  Great Car, Great Value - 2005 Ford Five Hundred
  By angelC - February 26 - 8:03 am

  I wanted to treat this car with kid gloves. However driving in the DFW metroplex in rush hour traffic doesnt allow for such. Shes handled everything with grace, style, speed, and accurate performance. The additional driving height gives me a much better view of traffic in front of me even if its a tall vehicle such as an SUV or pickup. The steering wheel mounted controls were 2nd nature after just a couple of hours. Unlike some of the competitive vehicles I can easily see out the rear window for going in reverse. The A/C system cools down the car fast and keeps it cool. Corners great. Accelerates smoothly. Comfortable seats front and back. Conveniently located cup holders. Love everything.

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  A perfect fit - 2005 Ford Five Hundred
  By Lorraine M. - February 24 - 4:23 pm

  This was the ideal choice for me, a one car owner. It gives me the style and comfort I want along with large capacity trunk space and room for long items. It works well for me as a good handling and driving machine with a homeowners cargo hold. I enjoy driving my 500 and it has performed as well as I expected.

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  Love my Ford 500 - 2007 Ford Five Hundred
  By Ford 500 Alabama - February 20 - 8:03 pm

  I bought the 2007 Ford 500 and love it. I am a big guy and this car fits all of my safety and room needs. I just cant believe that this car didnt get a lot of press from Ford. It is the best car that I have ever own.

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  Love My Ford 500! - 2005 Ford Five Hundred
  By A. Staley - February 2 - 4:06 pm

  Ive always driven Fords but this is the best one yet! I purchased my Ford 500 last summer and I love it. It has great style and comfort. It has lots of power and is fun to drive. I get a lot of compliments on it. I recommend it to anyone who wants lots of room and a great ride with style. Gets decent gas mileage 19 to 21 mpg in city and 27 to 29 on highway.

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  Love my 2006 SEL FWD - 2006 Ford Five Hundred
  By Topside - February 1 - 1:43 am

  Bought my 2006 SEL FWD used, many miles on it, great condition. I cant believe what a great value it is. Leather, sunroof, CD, rides nice, handles very well. I must be getting old, Im excited by a 4-door. But its beautiful inside and out, black exterior with light tan leather, nicely done woodgrain trim. Im in sales and wanted to buy American, but most American cars dont appeal to me. This one does, looks almost German, the VW Passat was clearly their benchmark, but with much better interior room. Too bad they dropped the Five Hundred name and went back to the Taurus. I would have never bought it if it was named Taurus - geez, Im getting older, but Im not dead yet.

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  Not bad for an American Car - 2006 Ford Five Hundred
  By Foreign Car Buyer - January 27 - 11:43 pm

  The car feels good around me. Comfortable ride, great vision, low noise, responsive handling.

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  Good Car For The Money - 2006 Ford Five Hundred
  By S. Francis - January 16 - 4:46 am

  Great seating for visibility. Comfortable and handles well, with great fuel economy. Little noisy when engine is pressured. We love the car.

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  best car ever - 2005 Ford Five Hundred
  By dgarr22 - January 8 - 7:13 pm

  perfect. Best vehicle I have ever owned. The room, quiestness, and overall build quality are second to none. I challenge anyone to find a better car for the money.

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  My 500 - 2005 Ford Five Hundred
  By Clifton Beecher - January 3 - 7:20 am

  This car is a great car with exceptional comfort and interior space. It has good pickup speed but a little lower than expected. It rates up there with a Cadillac and a Lincoln. It is sporty and classy with a huge trunk space as well. I would buy another in the future. Very happy owner!