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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Practical & Comfortable - 2005 Ford Five Hundred
By Vince Shevlin - April 14 - 5:13 amTook a trip from LA to Phoenix and back one week after purchase. The car is quiet, comfortable with surprising acceleration. Got 27mpg on trip with less than 1000 miles on odometer. Still breaking it in.
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New Car - 2006 Ford Five Hundred
By Mark - November 1 - 4:40 pmThis is a smooth transition car. It doesnt have the big jump when you step down on the gas but it accelerates very quick. The ride is great for both driver and passengers. Everyone appreciates the leg room, both front and back. The trunk space is almost unbeatable! On my drive across the Midwest in 90 degree weather, I still was able to drive 500 miles between fuel stops. It is not a car for high-speed, tight curves and the rear end will feel slow through those tight turns.
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Fairly Good Full Size Sedan - 2006 Ford Five Hundred
By Freeagent35 - June 18 - 5:00 amThis is a company issued automobile for me. The basic load out is decent (CD, power equipment). The vehicle is reasonably attractive and the seats are comfortable. Controls seem to be well designed. Good amount of interior storage (center console, door pockets; especially like the dash storage bay). Engine runs a little rough at times, but ok. The CVT transmission is a little odd and it feels like a car with a slipping clutch. But, CVT seems to increase gas mileage about 10% or more. Irritating engine noises, especially when cold. Fit and finish spotty (hood shakes at 70 mph and must be slammed to shut). Overall, not a bad auto. I may buy it when company sells it IF the price is low.
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Brakes-Brakes-Brakes-Brakes-Brakes - 2005 Ford Five Hundred
By WV MAN - April 5 - 9:30 amI just finished putting on the third set of Ford factory rear brake pads and rotors. My car has 81000 miles on it. Something wrong with this picture. Its not the calipers replaced them the second time.
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All Around good car - 2005 Ford Five Hundred
By tony - March 7 - 9:23 amOverall a good car - It has a lot of features that I didnt expect for the price of the car. The "lack" of power is over-hyped. I found the power more than adequate for the size of the automobile. I test drove a Mercedes C240 V6 and it seemed to have less power then the Five Hundred. I believe its automobile writers personal preference than actual performance. I would recommend this car - but please read suggested Improvements).
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Great Car (so far) - 2005 Ford Five Hundred
By Gallum - January 2 - 10:00 amThe interior design of this car was very well thought out. Everything is within easy reach and logically placed. The seating position is a little odd initially (raised app. 3-4 inches higher than other sedans) but is very comfortable on any length trip. The rear seat legroom is outstanding and the width and shape allows 3 adults abreast fairly comfortably. The exterior design is fresh and clean, but not awe- inspiring. Engine power is adequate and the 6-speed automatic is quite smooth. Handling is crisp and precise, but the lateral support of the front seats is lacking. Gas mileage has been averaging 25-32, depending on conditions. Overall, a solid choice for many baby-boomers.
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Satisfied owner - 2006 Ford Five Hundred
By Steve Nemeth - December 8 - 9:13 amI purchased my 2006 Ford 500 SE with the CVT transmission in November of 2005. It presently has 6,500 miles on it and is running great. I am very happy with this car and how well it is built. So far, it has lived up to my expectations. I read a lot of research about this car before I purchased. It does take time to get used to the CVT tranny and how it shifts. The car drives well. I cant really say its fun to drive, although it handles well. Fun driving to me, would be in a smaller sportier car.
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Really, its a Ford? - 2007 Ford Five Hundred
By Adam - November 12 - 8:03 amI just got this car for our company for the traveling salesman. Over the weekend, it was not being used and my car was getting fixed, so I borrowed it. Although its not as fast as my other cars, it still has power for accelerating, but passing at high speeds is difficult for it. The interior in huge. The seats are big and comfortable. I was really suprised at how good this car was after hearing so many terrible things about Ford (and being a GM guy, this is hard to admit) The Ford really is a good daily car. Not for an enthusiast, but it gets the job done.
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My 500 Experience - 2005 Ford Five Hundred
By Camp13ell - October 17 - 8:03 amI love my new vehicle, black with black leather-ish interior. I was in an accident and ended up totaling my 2001 Mountaineer, and was shopping around and came across the 500, and i fell in love right away. Large, roomy, its big enough for me (hehe). It has a smooth ride, and I love the layout. I get looks from folks everywhere asking what kind of car I have, and theyre surprised its a Ford. I believe Ford hit the nail on the head with this car.
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mpg over rated in 500 - 2006 Ford Five Hundred
By Jim - October 10 - 9:36 amI just bought a 2006 500 Limited. My shock was that it averages 5 mpg less than the sticker. Instead of getting 29 highway I am getting 24.5 mpg and I am only getting 18 in city. This is based upon the onboard computer. Each of my former vehicles my mpg matched the highway mileage for performance. Same roads - what a disappointment! Radio is cheap, too.
