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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  LOVE THIS CAR!!!! - 2007 Ford Five Hundred
  By rainibow - January 28 - 7:44 am

  I bought this car with 100,000 miles on it. I have since only replaced the rear brakes and it is due for new spark plugs and wires, but nothing major. The only complaint I have is that my traction control light comes on randomly and I can not figure out what is wrong. That is a bummer, but nothing too bad. I drive 100 miles a day for work and this car makes it tolerable. It is very comfortable and reliable. It doesnt get the best mpg, but the comfort makes up for that. I have 2 teenagers and they say they have tons of room in the back. It is now at 130,000 miles and I am hoping it will survive a few more years!!! I would recommend this car!!

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  Truth Be Told... - 2006 Ford Five Hundred
  By db13 - December 27 - 3:18 am

  I thought it was the best engineered car around...for the money and its functionality and form. Its simply a beautiful, comfortable, and fun-to-drive car. Untill the power steering pump, and rack went out at only 30k. $1100.00 ouch! Now, at 57K Im hearing howling as I drive to work at night. No, not Halloween warewolves, I wish; wheel (axle), bearing. $360.00 if dearler does the job.

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  some problems - 2005 Ford Five Hundred
  By wayne - November 4 - 5:00 am

  nice car to ride in and drive, but have had problem. rt rear brake hung up wearing out entire brake assembly at 28000 mi. now, today found out rt front bearing/axle assembly wore out. cost over 500 $. these things should not wear out this soon under normal driving. now have 38800 miles and glad i purchased extended warranty.

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  3 years in my 500 - 2005 Ford Five Hundred
  By shadma5 - October 31 - 4:16 am

  I bought in the spring for a road trip with my brother and our wives.Plenty of room and economy was good. Above 30 MPG on the western planes going plenty fast. Had one warranty issue, transmission shifting hard and erratic. Also had a recall on back brakes. Now with 90k am having loud suspension knocks when on rough pavement. I do like and will look to upgrade to the new Taurus next year

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  Good Value - 2005 Ford Five Hundred
  By Ted - October 19 - 3:23 am

  I have 2000 miles on my SE with CVT. I like the CVT a lot. Contrary to some reviews, I do not find the car under powered. I like sitting higher although the price for this might be less agility in parking ramps. Very comfortable highway car. Gas mileage first tank in mixed driving was 20.5 mgp. A lot of car for the price. At $8000 less than the Toyota Avelon a good deal.

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  My Last Ford - EVER - 2006 Ford Five Hundred
  By Carl D. Clark - September 6 - 10:00 am

  The paint is coming apart on the leading edge of the hood, an obvious defect from the factory. The collision center manager at the dealer "confirmed" that it is a factory defect, and stated that ford is not standing up and warranting it. The dealer said it will cost $500 to repaint the hood and that they could not warranty the repair due to the problems with the aluminum hood. After contacting Ford Customer service I received a call from the dealer saying that they can get Ford to pay $200 of the $500 to repaint the hood. Today Ford Customer service said that this case is not closed. Never again.

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  Ford Five Hundred Limited AWD - 2005 Ford Five Hundred
  By marti - September 5 - 1:16 am

  Interior: comfortable. "Pebble" color is much too light. Difficult to keep rugs clean. Glare from light colored dash onto windshield. Convenient dash controls. Floor heat from "auto" climate control blows on drivers right foot. Very hot and uncomfortable. Navigation system, satellite ready radio, aux input are not a factory option. The second 12V plug is inconveniently located in the center console. Exterior: high, 18" wheels, plain, conservative styling. The car is comfortable, has a car-like ride, functions like an SUV in the bad weather with much better gas mileage than an SUV. Its perfect for anyone who wants the features if an SUV in the safety and ride of a car.

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  Great car for the money - 2006 Ford Five Hundred
  By MEAHTUH - August 24 - 8:26 am

  Love the comfort, space, handling and fuel economy (high 20s consistently). I am partial to the styling vs. the new "Taurus" design. This is my wifes car which is used mainly for business. Incredible space in trunk for her samples. She can haul about as much as a pickup with seats down. No exaggeration. Problems so far - CD did not work soon after purchase and was replaced. Rear brakes! Worn out at 28K. Dealer said this was normal. We had them replaced at a local shop. 2 weeks later, received letter from Ford extending warranty on them to 36K miles - big deal. They should last longer than that. Received refund for the work we had done.

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  Nice car but beware of paint flaws - 2005 Ford Five Hundred
  By Karl - August 10 - 11:26 pm

  I love the body style and the ride is very comfortable. Great trunk space and rear leg room. Quiet cabin and controls are easily accessible. American car with a Euro look. Problem is my car came with something I didnt pay for -- A TON of PAINT FLAWS. Also have some interior fit and finish issues.

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  Great Value - 2005 Ford Five Hundred
  By D Dixon - August 2 - 6:36 pm

  Have had this car for over a year now. Find it to be very comfortable and easy to drive. I get the low end for mileage, but it really does great on the highway. You can carry people in the back with great comfort and room. One problem fixed under warranty and the two safety recalls.