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 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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  Mom of 2 in MI - 2005 Ford Five Hundred
  By Fordwife - October 18 - 3:43 am

  I have had this car for 18 months and love most everything about it. With 40,000 highway miles I have had plenty of time to drive it. My biggest complaint is the brakes had to be replaced at 30,000 miles at at cost of almost $400. I was not happy. One minor recall to date and the dash is bubbling a little. This car has been driven from Michigan to Florida with absolutely no problems. Very comfortable in the rear seat for my two children. Gas mileage is respectable and the trunk size is awesome - no more borrowing my husbands F-150. Overall, very nice car.

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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.

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  The best sedan on the road - 2005 Ford Five Hundred
  By getsemoffquick69 - October 5 - 10:00 am

  This car has it all for a great price. Hondas, Toyotas and Lexus cant even compare especially when you look at the value and quality/features of this All Wheel Drive sedan. Splendid!!!

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  Fun Car to Drive - 2007 Ford Five Hundred
  By MIke Hanlen - October 2 - 2:36 pm

  I like the way it handles and the engine power is adequate. The styling is good, but it needs some body side molding to protect the finish from careless people in other cars.

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  Great Car and Great Value! - 2005 Ford Five Hundred
  By Maude - September 27 - 8:30 am

  The Ford 500 provides a wonderful driving experience -- with no nonsense, no hassle performance and agility. Its surprisingly comfortable, is peppy and is just the right size. The roomy interior as well as the trunk space is a surprise and a delight. Forget what the reviewers say about the exterior styling. If may not be "flashy" but it made a splash with me (and my wallet!).

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  Best car Ive ever had - 2006 Ford Five Hundred
  By Beth - September 24 - 11:10 am

  We adore this car. Over the years we have had several models of Toyotas, Subarus, Nissans, VWs. Nothing has matched it. The Five Hundred is powerful, comfortable, reliable, gets excellent gas mileage, fun and easy to drive, has inexpensive upkeep and the lease payments are cheap. I was devastated to hear that Ford wants to nix it in favor of the Taurus, which seems like a "secretary car" to us.

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  Great Car - 2006 Ford Five Hundred
  By Doc - September 17 - 1:16 am

  I traded in my Nissan for the Five Hundred SEL and am so happy. I now get up to 30 mpg (hwy), have great visibility and a huge trunk. Although critics have said the engine is underpowered I disagree. When I want to pass I tap the gas and it takes off. My insurance went down due to the cars safety features. Ford got it right with the Five Hundred and I recommend this car to everyone. Go drive one and see for yourself.