Photo: Wikimedia Commons (CC)
Power
Top speed (200 km/h)
Combined, EPA 2007
What owners say
Our take, from owner reports
Sentiment is mixed, leaning towards cautious acceptance as a used, high-mileage value proposition.
5 problems reported (1 very frequent, 2 recurrent, 2 isolated) · medium confidence
Problems owners report
- Very frequentCVT transmission failures
"Check Transmission" warning light, loss of power, inability to accelerate above 30 mph (48 km/h), diagnostic trouble codes (P0701, P0871, P0961). Issues are reported to be more frequent in warm weather (above 70°F/21°C).
- RecurrentIntermittent fuel pressure loss
Engine stalling or sputtering, particularly after driving, with fuel pressure dropping to very low levels (7.25 PSI). Associated with replaced fuel pump, filter, and sensor.
- RecurrentElectrical and sensor gremlins
Instrument cluster failure, erratic throttle response and acceleration ("revs up and accelerates for no reason"), power steering and throttle pedal failure accompanied by warning lights (resolved by restarting the vehicle).
+ 2 more issuesShow fewer
- IsolatedEngine misfires
Specifically cylinder 2 misfire (code P0302), causing rough idle and driving, potentially related to spark plugs or ignition coils.
- IsolatedCooling system issues
Leaking water pump leading to overheating, requiring replacement.
The version owners recommend
Insufficient owner data available. No specific trim or powertrain configuration is consistently praised as superior. The AWD Limited trim is mentioned in the context of experiencing CVT problems.
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Overall sentiment
Sentiment is mixed, leaning towards cautious acceptance as a used, high-mileage value proposition. The vehicle is characterized by owners as an unremarkable but generally serviceable full-size sedan that can offer reliable transportation when purchased at a low price point and with diligent maintenance. Positive feedback centers on its ability to achieve high mileage (190,000+ miles cited) with relatively few major issues when well-maintained, and its practical, spacious nature. However, significant and recurrent criticism is directed at the reliability of its continuously variable transmission (CVT), particularly in the all-wheel-drive (AWD) models, which exhibits failure symptoms including warning lights, loss of power, and sensor codes. Other electrical and mechanical gremlins, such as intermittent fuel pressure loss, instrument cluster failures, and throttle body issues, are also reported, contributing to a perception of the car as potentially problematic and expensive to repair as it ages.
Positioning vs competitors
Insufficient owner data available.
Recommended configurations
Insufficient owner data available for specific configuration recommendations. One owner report suggests that aggressive, frequent oil changes (every 2,500-3,000 miles) were performed by a previous owner, though this is presented as an anecdote of good maintenance rather than a formal recommendation.
General recommendations
Suitable as a low-cost, high-mileage used vehicle for buyers who prioritize interior space and are mechanically inclined or prepared for potential transmission repairs. Strongly recommended to secure a comprehensive warranty, as evidenced by one buyer seeking a one-year/15,000-mile warranty on a 2005 model. A thorough pre-purchase inspection focusing on the CVT transmission, fuel system, and electrical components is essential. NOT recommended for buyers seeking trouble-free, long-term reliability without a significant repair budget. Consider the cost of a potential CVT replacement or major repair against the vehicle's low purchase price.
Remarks
The Ford Five Hundred's reputation is heavily defined by its CVT transmission, which is a focal point of owner complaints. The transmission problems appear to have a thermal component, with multiple reports of issues manifesting or worsening in warm ambient temperatures. The vehicle's platform and powertrain were shared with the Ford Freestyle, and maintenance advice for the CVT (e.g., fluid flush every 60,000 miles) is noted from external repair guides, though not explicitly confirmed within the owner discussions. The car occupies a niche in owner discussions as a forgotten, ubiquitous sedan that is neither loved nor hated but is recognized for its potential to be a durable beater when its specific weaknesses are managed. Analysis based on approximately 10 substantive owner discussions focused on the vehicle.
Generation by generation
Owner insights per generation and US complaint/recall records (NHTSA).
Complaints and recalls by model yearNo year grades F. Best year: 2007Source: NHTSA (US)Show table
Each year graded against the model's other years: Year Score.
| Year | Complaints | Recalls | Most-reported area |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2007 | 199 | 2 | vehicle speed control |
| 2006 | 364 | 1 | vehicle speed control |
| 2005 | 510 | 3 | power train |
| 2004 | 1 | 0 | service brakes |
Complaint counts come from owner reports filed with the US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Higher-selling years naturally accumulate more complaints.
Recall notices6 on record · Source: NHTSA (US)Show recalls
2007 · fuel system, gasoline:storage:tank assembly:filler pipe and capcampaign 11V355000
FORD IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2007 FORD FIVE HUNDRED AND MERCURY MONTEGO VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FROM SEPTEMBER 5, 2006, THROUGH SEPTEMBER 11, 2006. THE FUEL TANKS MAY NOT HAVE CONSISTENT WELDS BETWEEN THE FUEL TANK AND FUEL FILLER NECK SPUD WHICH CAN AFFECT THE STRENGTH OF THE JOINT. SOME FUEL TANK SPUD WELDS MAY NOT PROVIDE THE EXPECTED STRENGTH IN THE EVENT OF A SEVERE REAR IMPACT TO THE VEHICLE. AN IMPROPER WELD CAN RESULT IN A CRACK IN THE JOINT WHICH COULD ILLUMINATE THE EMISSIONS MALFUNCTION INDICATOR LIGHT, CAUSE A FUEL ODOR, OR ALLOW FUEL TO LEAK OUT.
2007 · fuel system, gasolinecampaign 06E056000
CERTAIN AFTERMARKET FUEL FILTERS SOLD UNDER THE PUROLATOR BRAND NAME, P/N F65277, SHIPPED FROM JANUARY 16 THROUGH JUNE 2, 2006, FOR USE ON THE ABOVE LISTED PASSENGER VEHICLES. DUE TO INCORRECT DESIGN, THE QUICK CONNECTORS MAY NOT FULLY SEAT WITH THE TUBE INTERFACE, EVEN THOUGH THE PERSON MAKING THE CONNECTION MAY BELIEVE THAT THE QUICK CONNECTOR IS FULLY ATTACHED.
2006 · fuel system, gasolinecampaign 06E056000
CERTAIN AFTERMARKET FUEL FILTERS SOLD UNDER THE PUROLATOR BRAND NAME, P/N F65277, SHIPPED FROM JANUARY 16 THROUGH JUNE 2, 2006, FOR USE ON THE ABOVE LISTED PASSENGER VEHICLES. DUE TO INCORRECT DESIGN, THE QUICK CONNECTORS MAY NOT FULLY SEAT WITH THE TUBE INTERFACE, EVEN THOUGH THE PERSON MAKING THE CONNECTION MAY BELIEVE THAT THE QUICK CONNECTOR IS FULLY ATTACHED.
2005 · fuel system, gasolinecampaign 06E056000
CERTAIN AFTERMARKET FUEL FILTERS SOLD UNDER THE PUROLATOR BRAND NAME, P/N F65277, SHIPPED FROM JANUARY 16 THROUGH JUNE 2, 2006, FOR USE ON THE ABOVE LISTED PASSENGER VEHICLES. DUE TO INCORRECT DESIGN, THE QUICK CONNECTORS MAY NOT FULLY SEAT WITH THE TUBE INTERFACE, EVEN THOUGH THE PERSON MAKING THE CONNECTION MAY BELIEVE THAT THE QUICK CONNECTOR IS FULLY ATTACHED.
2005 · fuel system, gasoline:storage:tank assembly:mountingcampaign 05V515000
ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, THE STRAPS THAT SECURE THE FUEL TANK TO THE VEHICLE BODY MAY BREAK, CAUSING THE FUEL TANK AND FUEL TANK HEAT SHIELD TO DROP ON THE DRIVESHAFT (ALL WHEEL DRIVE VEHICLES) OR EXHAUST SYSTEM (FRONT WHEEL DRIVE VEHICLES).
2005 · latches/locks/linkages:doors:latchcampaign 06V383000
ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES CURRENTLY REGISTERED IN THE FOLLOWING STATES: ALASKA, COLORADO, CONNECTICUT, DELAWARE, IDAHO, ILLINOIS, INDIANA, IOWA, KANSAS, KENTUCKY, MAINE, MARYLAND, MASSACHUSETTS, MICHIGAN, MINNESOTA, MISSOURI, MONTANA, NEBRASKA, NEW HAMPSHIRE, NEW JERSEY, NEW YORK, NORTH DAKOTA, OHIO, PENNSYLVANIA, RHODE ISLAND, SOUTH DAKOTA, UTAH, VERMONT, WEST VIRGINIA, WISCONSIN, AND WYOMING. THE SIDE DOOR LATCH MECHANISMS MAY EXPERIENCE WATER INTRUSION ALLOWING THE LATCH MECHANISM TO FREEZE IN COLD WEATHER.
Specifications
3.0i V6 24V
3.0L 6-cylinder · 203 hp · AWD · manual
Built 2004–2007