By KBB.com Editors
Ford's full-size Five Hundred has not been the hit for which the company had hoped. Despite its roomy interior, cavernous trunk and frugal V6 engine, consumers apparently are not impressed by the car's bland styling and lackluster performance. That's a shame, because compared to the aging Crown Victoria, a car whose sales are still going strong, the Five Hundred offers more passenger space, a better chassis, better safety ratings and the option of all-wheel drive. Although Americans appear unwilling to give up on their beloved V8 engines (note the success of the Dodge Charger and Chrysler 300), should gas prices continue to climb, the Five Hundred may yet find a larger audience.
If you're older or less agile than the average driver or passenger, you'll appreciate the Five Hundred's high-mounted seats, which permit exceptionally easy entry and exit. All-wheel drive is a plus not offered by many in this field.
If you yearn for expressive styling, the Five Hundred's conservative countenance might not thrill your synapses. Some drivers may have trouble getting used to the continuously variable transmission (CVT) fitted with the all-wheel drive system because its smooth and linear power delivery negates the familiar kick felt when changing gears.
The Five Hundred lineup has been reduced to two trim levels: SEL and Limited. Side-impact airbags and head-curtain airbags are standard on all models, while the front-wheel-drive models receive a six-speed automatic transmission. New options for the SEL trim include navigation, heated seats and SIRIUS Satellite Radio.
Driving Impressions Despite allegations of tepid CVT acceleration, a Five Hundred so equipped takes off energetically enough to satisfy most drivers and does so with gratifying smoothness. Engine blare can be heard,...
but moderately and briefly. Passing and merging response is quick and effortless. Only occasionally might you wish for a lower gear when tromping the gas. The suspension reacts promptly, yielding an easygoing, controlled ride with few unpleasant surpriseseven when the pavement starts to deteriorate. Easy to drive, this sedan maneuvers quite handilymore like a smaller car. And while handling is on the ordinary side, the car is far from cumbersome.CVT
Nothing makes the Five Hundred stand farther apart from the crowd than the Continuously Variable Transmission, which is available in only a few other vehicles and operates with a smooth flow of power.
High Seats
Few automobiles make it so effortless to slip inside. Before you know it, you're comfortably seated behind the wheel and ready for an easy drive.
Interior
Not only is the Five Hundred a breeze to enter, it's a pleasurable place to be seated. Spacious and attractive, the interior delivers comfortable front seats, sensibly laid-out controls, helpful storage areas and a low cowl for wide-open views of the road ahead. Abundant glass and good-sized mirrors also help visibility. Gauges are small but easy to read, but the automatic temperature control doesn't always follow the driver's wishes for appropriate heat. Backseat riders enjoy far more legroom than most sedans can provide, though headroom and comfort shrink sharply in the center position. The easy-loading trunk holds plenty of luggage, too.
Exterior
Shunning flashiness, Ford designers made little attempt to conceal the Five Hundred's identity. From its straightforward wire-fence grille to its big tail lights, this sedan exudes common sense. Enthusiasts might brand the design uninspiring, but such caustic comments aren't likely to sway the likeliest prospects for an amply-sized sedan. So many automakers have opted for sensuous shapes even on their most practical vehicles that it's refreshing to see a sedan that flaunts clean lines and looks like what it's intended to be. Inside and out, the Five Hundred and its Mercury Montego mate aim toward comfort, driving ease and unfettered visibility.
The front-wheel-drive Five Hundred SEL includes a six-speed automatic transmission, front side-impact and head-curtain airbags, four-wheel anti-lock disc brakes (ABS), six-way power driver's seat, two-way power passenger's seat, auto-dimming rearview mirror, fold-flat front passenger seat, cruise control, tilt wheel with redundant audio controls, AM/FM stereo with CD player and 17-inch alloy wheels. The Limited trim adds 18-inch wheels, heated chrome exterior mirrors, dual-zone automatic climate control, upgraded audio with subwoofer and six-disc CD changer, heated leather seats, eight-way power driver's and four-way power passenger's seat with memory function for driver's seat and exterior mirrors.
All-wheel drive is available on both the SEL and Limited trims. Other popular options include a rear-obstacle detection system, power-adjustable pedals, rear-seat DVD entertainment package, power moonroof, heated leather seats, DVD navigation, upgraded audio with SIRIUS Satellite Radio, fog lamps and traction control.
The Five Hundred's V6 provides good acceleration and impressive fuel economy. Low-end torque is sufficient for off-the-line sprints, but seems in short supply when it comes to performing high-speed passing maneuvers. The engine is fairly quiet until the throttle is pushed wide open, at which point it can sound like a blender at full tilt. In fairness, although not as refined or quiet as the V6 engines from Honda or Toyota, the Five Hundred's Duratec V6 is significantly improved over its former iteration.
3.0-liter V6
203 horsepower @ 5750 rpm
207 lb.-ft. of torque @ 4500 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 21/29 (FWD), 19/25 (AWD)
To compare current market prices, check out KBB.com's car classifieds to view the new and used Ford Five Hundred vehicles for sale near you.
Based on 507 Ratings for the 2005 - 2007 models.
Review this carBy sriley (MO) on Sunday, March 24, 2013
I own this car - My approximate mileage is 75,000
overall rating 10 of 10rating detailsPros: "Great car, low maintenance, dependable, quality"
Cons: "touchy steering at first until you get used to it"
Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10
"I purchased my Ford 500 when it was a year old and was one owner prior to me. The car was immaculate! Low mileage and kept perfect. I have now had the car for 5 1/2 years and have no regrets buying this car. The only draw back to it has been the steering is touchy but when you get used to it, it's fine. I love the roominess inside, the amount of trunk space, riding comfort, lack of road sound inside, and most importantly, lack of any major engine or transmission problems. I have only had routine maintenace done on the car and it drives like a top! It has been the most dependable car I have ever owned and wish Ford still made them as I would definitely purchase another."
8 people out of 8 found this review helpful
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By mas (ME) on Saturday, March 23, 2013
I own this car - My approximate mileage is 98,000
overall rating 10 of 10rating detailsPros: "Comfortable, handling, ride is good,overall 100%"
Cons: "rims"
Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10
"Love this car! Great traction in the snow, even w/ bad tires. Very sturdy, feel very safe in it. Inside sturdy, even w/ kids. The only negative is the rims. Very good handling around pot holes, bumps, stopping on dry,wet or snow covered roads. I hope this car will last me forever! GREAT GAS MILEAGE! They don't make the Ford Five Hundred anymore it went back to being the new Tauras. Very nice. And we have ALWAYS BEEN CHEVY people!! Price was right for quality."
2 people out of 2 found this review helpful
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By bugsy (NC) on Thursday, February 07, 2013
I own this car - My approximate mileage is 125,000
overall rating 8 of 10rating detailsLikely to recommend this car? (1-10): 9
"125000 miles. 2007 Limited. 23mpg overall. A/C and CD player problems. Somewhat noisy on the highway. Great handling car for it's size. It is huge inside and has a huge trunk. I got it with 70000 miles and have had it for 4 years. Overall, I got a great deal on it and has been pretty reliable so far. I figure 200,000 miles easily."
8 people out of 8 found this review helpful
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By Rounder (IL) on Monday, February 04, 2013
I own this car - My approximate mileage is 128,000
overall rating 9 of 10rating detailsPros: "Leg room, Trunk space, highway mpg."
Cons: "Low engine power."
Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 9
"I bought the car new and now have 128,000 miles on it. We looked for front and rear seat leg room as well as a large trunk. We got both in our Ford Five Hundred plus, with the engine/transmission combination, we get 28 to 32 mpg on the highway driving the speed limit. We've had no unexpected maintenance problems except for a recent minor leak of coolant. The interior with leather seats still looks new. I would recommend thie car to anyone. Too bad they were discontinued.....morphed into the Ford Taurus."
4 people out of 4 found this review helpful
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By joe (ME) on Tuesday, December 04, 2012
I own this car - My approximate mileage is 121,500
overall rating 6 of 10rating detailsPros: "looks, handling, comfort, spacious"
Cons: "gas milage, eats brakes and tires, repairs"
Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 4
"Good car when I bought it, didn't expect some things to happen to it. Currently sitting in my driveway unable to start. That's what you get for over a 100k. I loved the car and I enjoy driving it and it's looks are pretty nice. Looking for something that I wont have to fix or put money into all the time."
1 person out of 1 found this review helpful
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By hammerhed (GA) on Sunday, November 11, 2012
I own this car - My approximate mileage is 151,000
overall rating 9 of 10rating detailsLikely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10
"purchased this used in 2010 with 39999 miles on it. It has been the most dependable vehicle I've purchased and to top it off, on trips your fuel mileage will get in the high 20s ! only one set back with the wiring harness behind dash cluster. malfunction harness caused back up light, dash tach, speedo and a/c to quit working. expect that to happen, otherwise, fantastic car.!"
4 people out of 4 found this review helpful
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