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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  So far so good - 2005 Ford Five Hundred
  By hexanero - December 23 - 4:13 pm

  This car handles perfectly. Steering is extremely responsive for a larger car. Interior room in enormous. You can probably stick a smaller car in the trunk. The 6 speed provideds a very smooth shift. The brakes are pretty good. Overall the car is really quiet, its safe, and it fun to drive. The larger style mirrors provide excellent visibility. I would def purchase again.

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  The first 2,800 miles - 2005 Ford Five Hundred
  By affhowner - December 14 - 6:56 pm

  Overall I am pleased so far. Issues: 1. At 30-40 mph part thottle, engine/transmision audibly "groans" while in 6th gear, possibly lugging. Too much pedal travel to shift to 5th. Subtle adjustments to vehicle speed at these conditions is difficult. 2. Highway wind noise near drivers ear. Sounds like leak in the door seal; cannot locate source. 3. 3" depression in rear bumper just right of center near one of the reverse sensors. No evidence of being hit. 4. Small scratch on instrument panel. 5. Coolant smell inside once after 15 minute idle. 6. 21.3 MPG mixed driving. 7. Heated seats warm up slow vs. VW Jetta, then get too hot. On a 10 minute timer. Distribution not as good.

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  Great concept, poor execution! - 2005 Ford Five Hundred
  By MA - December 13 - 9:46 pm

  I was delighted to see Ford come up with a car that is roomy, comfortable and versatile. The first day of delivery I spotted 4 defects, 3 trims and 1 paint. The first year, I noticed that the climate control is performing erratically then the front brakes had to be replaced because the hardware fell off! Also, the instrument panel blistered from the sun. The second year, the rear doors weather stripping fell off, both sides. The front doors dont lock below 20 deg F (recall) and the starter mechanism started acting up. Also, the front drive bearings are noisy. As they say, never buy a first year car. Wait until they work the bugs out!

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  Head Turner - 2005 Ford Five Hundred
  By Phil - November 8 - 6:16 pm

  We are pleasantly surprised at the ride and fuel efficiency this Ford Five Hundred AWD Limited has. Also the performance gives the driver a feel of being in a high-end vehicle for a whole lot less money. This auto for the price is a must have vehicle in its class. We test drove a lot of vehicles and we are very happy with its overall results. People aways stop and ask what kind of vehicle it is.

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  Cruising in the suburbs - 2005 Ford Five Hundred
  By Steven Salloway - November 7 - 4:30 pm

  This is a nice car. I test drove many cars in its class. This one beat them all and for less money! The gas mileage is great. The car has scored very high in safety features. The back seat is the largest you will find anywhere. It has a timeless understated look to it that everyone seems to like. For such a large car the fuel economy is going over its sticker. It has raised seating that allows for better visibility

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  Best Yet - 2006 Ford Five Hundred
  By Ed Wood - November 7 - 2:43 am

  I am a life long Crown Vic owner. I rented a 500 for a trip up the west coast. I was hooked and bought one the next week. I drive this car over 1000 miles a week and I have had no issues with it. I feel very safe when driving. I like the visibility and high seating (63") - As a replacement for all you Crown Vic owners - Give it a test drive. Im glad I did.

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  What you see is what you get - 2005 Ford Five Hundred
  By Jack Miller - October 8 - 5:50 pm

  Very happy with the car but not much to look at. Wife had to have car. Got from showroom at 1% under invoice. It is quickly obvious the mechanical design and interior design where very well thought out. There is so much here for the money. Very comfortable, very functional. From cup holders to safety features, every thing in place without fault. A lot of car for the money. Very much recommended if looking for value.

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  Travel in Comfort for a Change - 2007 Ford Five Hundred
  By Galaxie 500 - September 28 - 2:10 am

  I travel in work all the time. The mark of a great car is not the racy numbers but how well do you feel after a lengthy trip? How comfortable were you along the way? Is there enough room to "take it with you?" How is the interior laid out? I can tell you that taking a trip in a Five Hundred sedan will be an experience unmatched by anything else in its price class.

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  This cant be a FORD! - 2006 Ford Five Hundred
  By John Mood - September 25 - 4:06 pm

  We have owned our 500 LTD AWD for a month. Absolutely LOVE it. Went to N.H. last weekend and averaged 26.6 mpg highway. Had a "glitch" with the Nav system the first morning. Temp was in the mid 30s. Its been OK since. Also a squeak developed in the right rear tire area while we were up north. Other than these two things , the car runs great, looks great, and most people CANT believe its a Ford.

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  Great "big mans" vehicle - 2005 Ford Five Hundred
  By Chris - September 18 - 8:53 pm

  The Ford Five Hundred fills a small, but important niche in the sedan market - the "big mans" sedan. In an era of rising gas prices and shrinking budgets, the Ford Five Hundred nicely meets the needs of those of us who are large framed. Unlike its many counterparts in the large sedan sector, the Five Hundred is actually comfortable, allowing for easy entrance/egress as well as ample head, leg, and seat room. Yet, it is not an SUV, which seems to be the only other alternative for those of us who prefer not to feel like we are in a middle seat on a commercial airline when we are puttering about town or commuting to and from work.