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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  You need to drive - 2005 Ford Five Hundred
  By Randall Rankens - February 7 - 11:50 am

  I own a new 500, everybody who drives it or even rides in are extremely pleased with the vehicle. I did not buy the vehicle to blow people off the road or drag race anybody. I purchased the vehicle because it fits me well. I am 66" and have a family. It seats 5 adults very well, and have taken several trips with 4 adults with all the luggage and had no problems with performance. This car is perfect for my real estate business, and the AWD in Colorado is perfect. Yes I could have purchased a car with more horsepower etc, but why? The 500 has no problem maintaining all the posted speed limits, even 75. I did rent the new Chrysler 300, drove it over 2,500 miles and hated it.

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  GRAY HAIR/BIG CAR - 2005 Ford Five Hundred
  By tom - February 6 - 7:13 am

  I like my 500 but it is definitely underpowered...not sure if the CVT is the culprit for the lack of power. I would like to see an SRT version of the 500 for us Boomers that like to be respectable, comfortable, and civilized but want the "extra" under the hood that we can set free on those all too rare occasions.

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  Too early to tell - 2006 Ford Five Hundred
  By Patrick - January 31 - 11:43 pm

  Living in CA with the high gas prices, I traded my import SUV in for my first domestic vehicle. I did much research prior to deciding to buy this 500 but so far its still too early to tell. I bought mine used with 8k miles for almost $10k less than a new one. Its already been in the shop once for a power steering pump replacement. I went out of the country for two weeks, came back, started it up and heard a big loud boom sound (happened only once) when the engine cranked. The engine in adequate but not great. Interior noise is low and driving it is a breeze. Hopefully nothing else will turn up. Thank goodness for the 3 year/ 36k warranty. I wouldnt have bought it without that!

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  The Generic 500 - 2007 Ford Five Hundred
  By Poncho35 - October 27 - 9:03 am

  The 500 is the only sedan I could get into with a huge trunk and interior for less than $25K loaded up. The styling is generic but not offending. The 3.0 liter engine has good highway passing power and far from being underpowered. The ride and handling are ok but steering could be a little firmer and more direct. Shame on Ford for removing the door protection moldings. I will have to see if the dealer can install them aftermarket.

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  Such a pretty car! - 2006 Ford Five Hundred
  By Lucia - September 2 - 7:53 am

  When I first spotted this car I thought it was a Mercedes with its overall good looks of distinction. I instantly fell in love after looking at so many cars. It drives like a Cadillac with a smooth ride and the extra room inside is reminiscent of the big cars of yesteryear. My husband who is an auto mechanic swore he would never own a Ford, but was highly impressed with this car. He says the only down side is the engine is too small for such a large car. Hes into speed while Ill take comfort and smoothness of ride any day.

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  Family Car - 2006 Ford Five Hundred
  By Engineer - July 31 - 8:23 am

  The Limited is comfortable and economical. I am not one for all the hype about more power. There is enough power for sensible driving in my situation. On two long trips, 2900 miles for 2 persons and 850 miles for 4 persons through Texas and the central Mid West, the transmission did downshift when using cruise on the rolling hills. The first time it downshifted two gears at 80 mph (2200 rpm to almost 4000 rpm) surprised me. We were all comfortable during these trips. We bought this car to get away from using a large SUV as our primary car. With the rolling hills and a heavy load with air on we get about 26 mpg on the highway, on level ground and normal load it is near the 29 mark.

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  Another Bad Ford Transmission - 2006 Ford Five Hundred
  By bunnytwo - July 16 - 12:40 am

  After replacing 4 transmissions on a Windstar, and another on a Taurus SHO, we still bought another Ford. Now the 2006 Five Hundred needs a new transmission with under 100k miles. Here is the funny part. The dealer said we had the new CVT or VCT TYPE tranny, but the 2nd opinion mechanic said we dont. How could the dealer be mistaken? This is my LAST Ford.

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  Good after 12,000 miles - 2005 Ford Five Hundred
  By rtboch - July 6 - 9:46 pm

  I have driven the 500 for about 8 months and have about 12,000 miles on it. So far its all good. The AWD worked great in the snow, the ride is good and the interior is excellent. No rattles or problems at all. It has all the advantages of a luxury car. I looked very seriously at the some high end caddies and BMWs and am very pleased I did better with my 500.

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  Showing Its Age - 2005 Ford Five Hundred
  By brendan - July 1 - 10:00 am

  Now that this car has almost 50k miles on it, Im hearing rattles and clunks on all but the smoothest roads. When I drive through parking lots, the car bucks a bit. There are large paint chips where there shouldnt be. I even think my gas mileage is suffering (never mind the mpg rating for this car is generous to begin with). A shame its turning out this way, because when I bought it I felt I was driving a car worth twice what I paid.

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  My First Ford - 2006 Ford Five Hundred
  By Sam Mayle - May 1 - 3:10 pm

  I find this to be a very pleasurable and comfortable auto. From its quick response when you step on the gas to the take charge of road cockpit which gives you a sense of being above the road instead of down on it. If something were to happen to my Five Hundred I would replace it tomorrow with the same car. This time Ford definitely did their homework.