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:

• 

  A good family car. - 2005 Ford Five Hundred
  By joe - September 19 - 6:26 pm

  The car drives very well. I have 3 kids and they have enough room for long trips. The trunk is big. In the snow it did very well. I do have two things I do not like. It lacks power and my dash has a bump in it that Ford says it cant fix. The bump showed up within 4000 miles.

• 

  Inspect It Carefully! - 2005 Ford Five Hundred
  By James S. - September 6 - 7:03 am

  The Bad: Our white 500 had massive problems with areas of the car not being painted (primer showing through) and with paint runs/defects. Lower front bumper, door jams, inside trunk areas etc. It also had problems with the sheet metal along the rear door seams and rear quarter panel being deformed. Theres also the issue of the notorious heat bubble that shows up on the center dashboard console that Ford will not currently fix due to a "pending solution." Next you have the gas tank strap recall that is also pending. The Good: The fuel mileage and cruising range are very good for a car of this size. Achieved 550+ miles on highway trips from the 20 gallon tank. Transmission is impressive.

• 

  Great car for the money - 2007 Ford Five Hundred
  By Guy - September 3 - 5:13 am

  I really like the car. I wish that it had more power. I drive 110 miles a day and this car is perfect because i never have to worry about it breaking down on me. It really seems to be built good also.

• 

  A Solid Car for the Right Price - 2006 Ford Five Hundred
  By Mark - August 21 - 5:53 am

  After 6,000 miles I am very satisfied with my Ford Five Hundred. I have a fully loaded AWD Limited. The amount of options and features available for the price is an excellent value. I purchased this vehicle when gas prices were at their peak in hopes to achieve better MPG than my F-150. I am very satisfied with the MPG I am getting (about 19/20 city). I would recommend this vehicle to anyone who is in the market for a sedan. I have an issue with the electronics in the instrument panel and interior lighting that causes the lights to dim and flicker periodically. I am not sure if this is a widespread problem or if I have a faulty component.

• 

  Excellent find - 2007 Ford Five Hundred
  By Tony - August 16 - 6:30 am

  A perfect fit for a tall family - lots of elbow and leg room . Our first voyage was 300 mi and not a complaint from anyone . Handles great and fuel consumption was acceptable for a full size car . Interior was very comfortable as was the ride - the dual climate zone is a marriage saver and the heated seats make for a very cozy ride in the winter months . After driving the AWD version , I wouldnt be happy with anything less

• 

  nice commuter - 2005 Ford Five Hundred
  By Mark - July 17 - 2:36 am

  I needed a comfy commuter with auto transmission, decent mileage, fairly quiet ride that was around $26k. This Limited does what I need without the big price tag. The looks are fine (silver with black interior) and visibility from cabin is excellent. At 500 miles on engine, I get around 30 mpg cruising 55-70. Heavy pedal lowers mpg to low 20s. Engine is smooth and quiet and six speed auto works well. Highway passing is adequate but I usually drive alone. This cars handling feels like a smaller car with a good turning radius.

• 

  Problems with console in dash - 2005 Ford Five Hundred
  By Brenda - July 8 - 2:56 pm

  Overall, I really enjoy the Five Hundred, but there are some problems. The lid on the console in the dash bubbles in the heat/sun. Ive seen it on 6 of 8 new Five Hundreds on the sales lot at the dealership. Ive had mine replaced 3 times in as many months. Ive also had to have the transmission fixed after only 5,000 miles. The vehicle hasnt been the same since. If Ford can work out the kinks, this car will by FAR be an incredible vehicle!

• 

  I miss my 02 SEL Taurus - 2005 Ford Five Hundred
  By Vincent - June 29 - 2:40 am

  This vehicle dosnt have the power of my 02 Sel Taurus, you would think having the same motor this car would fly like the Taurus. The 3.0 Duratec in my Taurus would give you whiplash, but not my Five Hundred. The inteior isnt as roomy either, but Ill get use to it. If your tall dont get a Five Hundred without adjustable pedals, the seats dont go back far. I do like the message center, it can be convienent. The Audiophile stereo is better than The Mach that was in the Taurus. It handles pretty good, It has better tires than the Taurus (Continentals) which dont last very long. This car is new for me, bought it used, its loaded and Im sure in due time Ill own an 08 Taurus Limited.

• 

  Very impressive - 2005 Ford Five Hundred
  By Nick - March 29 - 5:30 pm

  Buy the Pebble leather interior and with X-plan you have pure luxury for $25,000.

• 

  190,000 - 2007 Ford Five Hundred
  By bergie44 - March 11 - 12:28 am

  I have a 2007 Five-Hundred SEL, with 190,000 miles on it. It runs great, and did not have any major problems. Did normal tune-up, replaced brake pads about every 50,000 miles. Replaces Uni-Royals about every 70,000 miles. Great, great car.