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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  500 - 2005 Ford Five Hundred
  By Gary M. Joraanstad - December 17 - 8:53 pm

  We have taken one short trip and one long trip in our Five Hundred and it is a very comfortable car to drive and sit in for long distances. Rides very nice and mileage was okay on the highway. I got 25.5 MPG driving at 73 miles per hour. We both like the high seats and the safety features on the car are outstanding. Since it is a large sedan, it isnt that nimble in a parking lot but not bad. On the road it is nimble and responds very fast to your touch. Ford needs to use a 3.5L engine with a 3.05 rear end. Mileage would increase and still have plenty of power. My engine is the 3.0L with a 3.49 rear end. When you step on the gas, the engine sounds like it strains a little.

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  Love It - 2006 Ford Five Hundred
  By toledo diver - December 11 - 10:00 am

  Lots of room and comfort, surprising how well it handles. Classy with a touch of sport.

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  New transmission - 2006 Ford Five Hundred
  By Richard W. Taylor - December 4 - 5:53 pm

  I like this car better all of the time. The main thing that is different is the transmission. The transmission doesnt shift but instead increased engine RPM is heard in the car. It is very good on the highway in performance and gas mileage on a recent trip was 30 mpg. I am very well satisfied with this car because it has a lot of room for passengers and a huge trunk.

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  Intelligently designed car, great price - 2007 Ford Five Hundred
  By MHT - November 27 - 10:33 pm

  This car meets all my requirements: minimal blind spots, excellent fuel economy, comfortable on a long trip, lots of cargo space, 5 star crash ratings, reasonable price. It is enjoyable to drive. It is not underpowered and merges, climbs hills and passes with no trouble at all. The headlights are better than many other cars. It is a safe size here in the land of huge trucks and huge SUVs. (I do most of my driving in Texas and Oklahoma where more trucks than cars are on roads) The all wheel drive is wonderful in both a heavy snow storm and a heavy rainstorm. The brakes are excellent. Heater, air conditioner and defrosters front and back are top of the line. This also matters a lot here.

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  500th Heaven - 2005 Ford Five Hundred
  By Fivehunluvr - November 23 - 5:53 pm

  Purchased this car as upgrade from 04 Honda Accord. Enamored with build quality, ride, handling, space. Ford did a GREAT job on this one! Only problem thus far is a peeling dash storage door, which is covered under warranty. Sound system is okay, but easily upgradeable and navigation is an option now available at the dealer. All in all, great car.

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  very pleased - 2005 Ford Five Hundred
  By Sam - November 12 - 7:36 pm

  Surprised and pleased is an understatement. The only complaint is the hum at lower speed from the CVT transmission. Above 45 though you cant hear it. So called fancy clock is poorly designed. It could be a classy addition but is difficult to read.

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  Love it! - 2005 Ford Five Hundred
  By Karen - November 11 - 2:13 pm

  Love the car. Great ride and comfort on trips to Jersey and back to Virginia. Trunk fits all my daughters softball gear and all of our chairs and coolers with room to spare. Mileage on the highway to and from is 29 or so. Make it from Virginia to Jersey on half a tank. Wow!

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  Perfect - 2005 Ford Five Hundred
  By Dazziegirly - November 4 - 12:20 pm

  I traded in my 2004 Expedition due to gas prices. I drove the 500 and it was amazing. Feels like I am still riding high. Plenty of room for my sams club shopping. I feel like I am driving a very expensive car. I lowered my payments over $100 a month.

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  Love this car! - 2005 Ford Five Hundred
  By Doug - October 25 - 3:43 pm

  In the 30+ years I have owned cars, this is my first Ford and I love it. My 3 middle schoolers have more room in the back seat than Moms Park Avenue. It handles very well, the CVT transmission is excellent. I am 62 and have plenty of room. More ponies would be nice, but it still gets up and goes! We like it so much, we are selling the wifes Buick and will purchase another 500, going with the Limited this time! For the money, it is a wonderful car. It rides well, handles great, lots of room and zooms down the road. I have always owned GM, so this is kind of tough for me!

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  2005 Ford Five Hundred Limited, FWD - 2005 Ford Five Hundred
  By KPG - October 14 - 11:40 am

  I have had the Five Hundred for about a month and have 4500 miles on it so far. I have found it to be a very comfortable road car with many creature comforts. I travel 25-30k per year for work and the Five Hundred is a good looking sedan with TONS of room in the rear seat and trunk.