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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  Many problems.. - 2006 Ford Five Hundred
  By Marla - May 9 - 3:40 am

  I have had nothing but problems with this vehicle. Power steering going out, told the rack n pinion need to be replaced. Brakes are a major problem with this vehicle.. had them replaced twice so far, along with rotos, only 80,000 miles. First set of brakes under 15k miles. Now, my fuel pump went out.. only had this car 3 years! Ford will not stand up to their product! Grinding and cracking noises in steering.

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  Extreme Commuter - 2005 Ford Five Hundred
  By psychchaplain - May 6 - 8:10 pm

  I run this sedan back and forth between Northern Alabama and Northern New Jersey several times each month... thats a 12 hour drive. At 75-80 mph it runs at 28 mpg. The seats are both firm and comfortable. The trunk is huge. Dealers in Alabama and New Jersey have been great about service. At 50k miles, I have had absolutely no trouble whatsoever.

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  An Excellent Value - 2005 Ford Five Hundred
  By Jeff - April 29 - 10:30 am

  I drive a lot and love this car. It is extremely comfortable. I moved to this car from an Expedition that never gave us a single problem. However, gas mileage inspired the move. The great visibililty, huge trunk, nice handling and what more could you want? Great safety ratings. I got every option available on this car and it is fun.

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  Ford 500 - 2005 Ford Five Hundred
  By nanny kay - April 24 - 8:06 pm

  Highway gasoline mileage has exceeded 31 miles to gallon. What I like best is the ease of entry and exit. I do not have to have a handle to help me to get out. I AM 70 YEARS OLD AND THE EASE OF ENTRY AND EXIT IS MOST IMPORTANT!. Have had more compliments on this car than any I have ever owned since 1959 Galaxy .

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  Lacks kick - 2007 Ford Five Hundred
  By gonskeen - April 22 - 12:25 pm

  Got the car new in October, 2006 as a Company Car. Upgraded to the limited & got the leather, full power, upgraded radio, heated seats etc. Very roomy car & comfortable on long trips. Handles fine in the snow. I put snow tires on it in the winter. Overall very reliable. The engine has always been on the loud side & lacks spunk. The alternator has gone out 2x, currently on its 3rd. The heated seats have also malfunctioned 2x. Biggest issue is the A/C. It stopped giving cold air at low speeds & idle last year. Brought it to a local dealer 3x. They replaced the condensor & to this date, still doesnt work right.

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  Love my Ford 500 SEL AWD - 2006 Ford Five Hundred
  By Paul - Pennsylvania - April 21 - 6:56 pm

  I have been looking at this car since it has been in production. I think it is one of the best looking cars on the market, in its class. I am 6’-1.” When I went to the dealer I wore my Penn State hat and still had some head room. We have three children and my wife and I were concerned with space and safety. This vehicle has both! We purchased our 500 with the safety package which has dual air bags and a side air curtain. As for the space, I am able to keep the seat completely back and my boys still have plenty of room. I can’t believe this car is not selling like hot cakes. The 500 has been getting some great reviews.

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  A good car for bad weather - 2005 Ford Five Hundred
  By Bruce - April 18 - 11:20 am

  I bought the AWD model to handle the snow and ice and it does have great traction. The boy racer types claim it is not powerful enough, but it is faster zero to 60 than my DeLorean was, so how much power is enough? Im very satisfied with the power and handling.

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  five hundred,yeah - 2007 Ford Five Hundred
  By marjan ackov - April 6 - 10:22 am

  i got this one new 2007.by far the best car i ever had.i had bmw,mercedes,audi and many others but with this one did not have single issue.all services done in ford dealership,normal stuff, oil and filter.have 149000 miles on the car,i replice tires and the battery ones and thats it.still drives strong,interior is great,paint like new,not a single squik,overall very vell build.hard to find these for sale,people are not selling them because is good car.would buy new taurus.

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  More than meets the eye - 2007 Ford Five Hundred
  By briggleman - April 4 - 12:20 pm

  The acceleration is great, once you get use to the CVT transmission. It handles like a nS80 Volvo. Gas mileage so far at 24 mpg on my 44 mile round trips to work. Lots of room, wish the front seat went back about another inch. (I am 65") Good head room and I love the adjustable brake and gas peddles. Air bags everywhere, even in the canopy. Facts you need to know. The 3.0 duratec engine is from a Porsche designed 2.5 (Ford bored it out to 3.0) the AWD is the Haldex system from Volvo. Suspension is also Volvo derived from the S80. 0-60 is under 8 seconds. CVT transmission is German designed and built from ZF transmission group. Very underrated car.

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  Comfort - 2006 Ford Five Hundred
  By gary maddox - March 30 - 8:33 am

  The car isnt designed for tall people to drive. Cant tilt the steering wheel to see fuel, temp. gauges. Not good tilt system. Not enough leg room. When seat is all the way back arms are extended so far youre tired when you drive very long. The car wanders. Trunk is too heavy, hard to open. Hood has prop. Trunk light isnt located good and times off to soon.