2006 Ford Five Hundred Review
2006 Ford Five Hundred Review
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Edmunds' Expert Review
by the Edmunds Experts
Pros
- Huge backseat and trunk, balanced ride and handling, attractive and functional cabin, excellent visibility, available all-wheel drive.
Cons
- Mediocre acceleration, below-average drivetrain refinement, can't get stability control, yard-sale-quality stereos.
What’s new
New options for the Ford Five Hundred in 2006 include a rear-seat DVD entertainment system and a navigation system. Leather seating is now available on the SE.
Edmunds says
The full-size 2006 Ford Five Hundred isn't a sedan you'll be excited to drive, but for the money, there's a lot of space and practicality here. It's worth a look for families on a budget, especially if all-weather capability is a must.
Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2006 Ford Five Hundred SE 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl CVT) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.64 per gallon for regular unleaded in Ohio.
Monthly estimates based on costs in Ohio
$215/mo for Five Hundred SE
Five Hundred SE
vs
$224/mo
Avg. Large Car
Vehicle overview
Although there's still room for basic, economical transportation in the family sedan segment, many consumers now expect their sensible rides to incorporate liberal doses of style, power, convenience items and safety measures. Some buyers even go looking for luxury ambience and sporty handling in a segment once written off for its blandness and lack of originality.
With the thoroughly mediocre Taurus out of the spotlight, Ford is now waging a two-pronged attack on the import-brand leaders: For buyers seeking athleticism, there's the midsize Fusion. For buyers seeking maximum comfort, space and value, there's the full-size Ford Five Hundred. Based on a platform shared with Volvo's S80, the Five Hundred makes extensive use of Volvo safety and all-wheel-drive technology. This roomy Ford car offers an airy cabin with eight cupholders, a full menu of airbags and one of the world's largest trunks (21 cubic feet). A tall seating position helps wean SUV groupies off the habit, while providing excellent visibility and easy entry for passengers.
The power source for every Five Hundred is a 3.0-liter V6. Output is only 203 horsepower, putting the car at a disadvantage when compared to the powerhouse V6s offered by many competitors. A continuously variable transmission (CVT) and a six-speed automatic are available, and buyers have a choice of front- or all-wheel drive. Ride and handling is a strong point for the Five Hundred, as Volvo genes give it a pleasant blend of comfort and agility. However, the brakes could use a little more power when it comes time to stop this 3,600-pound sedan. Although weak acceleration limits the appeal of the 2006 Ford Five Hundred, its spacious and functional cabin makes it a solid bet for families. Add in a sophisticated all-wheel-drive system and you've got a bona fide SUV alternative.
Performance & mpg
Every Ford Five Hundred comes with a 3.0-liter V6 rated for 203 horsepower and 207 pound-feet of torque. Buyers have two transmission choices. The first of these is a continuously variable transmission (CVT), which has an infinite number of ratios and chooses whichever one best fits a given situation. The other option is a six-speed automatic. Buyers can decide between front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive. Front-drive SE models and all AWD models come with the CVT. Front-drive SELs and Limiteds get the six-speed automatic.
Safety
All Five Hundred models come with a full set of disc brakes, ABS and Electronic Brakeforce Distribution. Optional on all models are side-impact airbags that protect front occupants' torsos and side curtain airbags that protect the heads of outboard front and rear occupants. Traction control is standard, but stability control is not available. Front- and side-impact testing by the NHTSA returned a perfect five-star rating across the board. The IIHS named the Ford Five Hundred a "Best Pick" after conducting its frontal-offset crash test.
Driving
The V6 provides adequate power for easy city driving, but buyers will wish for extra midrange torque for passing at highway speeds and climbing grades. Power delivery is less refined than in most competitors. Of the two transmissions, our preference is the CVT, which is smoother and does a better job of keeping the engine in its power band. Thanks to its Volvo-engineered chassis, the 2006 Ford Five Hundred offers a pleasant balance between smooth ride quality and responsive handling.
Interior
Scrutinize the cabin and it's apparent that designers put a lot of thought into creating an attractive and functional environment. In lieu of the shapeless dash and seats found in the Taurus, the Ford Five Hundred has the crisp, clean lines popularized by the Passat. Rear passengers are treated to equally spacious quarters, making this Ford car a good bet for families with teenagers. The rear seats fold flat in a 60/40-split and this, along with the fold-flat front-passenger seat, allows owners to transport items up to 9 feet in length. Trunk capacity is an impressive 21 cubic feet.
2006 Ford Five Hundred models
The Ford Five Hundred sedan is available in one of three trims: SE, SEL and Limited. The SE starts you out with 17-inch wheels, a six-way power driver seat, full power accessories, air conditioning, a CD player and cruise control. The SEL adds an eight-way power driver seat, dual-zone automatic climate control, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, wood interior trim, an MP3-compatible in-dash CD changer, a fold-flat front-passenger seat and an auto-dimming rearview mirror. Step up to the Limited and you'll get 18-inch wheels, leather upholstery, a four-way power passenger seat, seat memory, an upgraded audio system, heated seats and an analog clock. Options include a moonroof, adjustable pedals, a navigation system, a rear-seat DVD entertainment system and a reverse-sensing system.
I'm Not Sold on Our Long-Term Ford F-150 Lightning
Consumer reviews
Read what other owners think about the Used 2006 Ford Five Hundred.
5 star(73%)
4 star(17%)
3 star(6%)
2 star(3%)
1 star(1%)
186 reviews
Trending topics in reviews
Most helpful consumer reviews
3.88 out of 5 stars
Has been a very reliable car
mts35, 04/30/2015
2006 Ford Five Hundred SE 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl CVT)
I originally bought this car in 2012 with 62k miles. Now it's 2015 and 163k miles later. My car has the cvt transmission and no issues. Those complaining of slipping or hard shifts in between gears would be the 6 speed auto. Cvt transmission had only one continous gear. It does not shift. The only replacements done to this car other than normal maintenance is replacing the … alternator at 120k miles and replacing the starter at 150k miles. Otherwise a solid car for the money. My daily commute is 120 miles round trip.
5 out of 5 stars
Love it even at 242k
Ivy C, 09/07/2016
2006 Ford Five Hundred SE 4dr Sedan AWD (3.0L 6cyl CVT)
I'll be honest I'm in the automotive industry and 15 years ago I was the last person backing a Ford product. However I was talked into an F150 and fell in love. Now on my second Ford, this one the Fivehundred. I know there are some bad reviews on the transmission but I was fortunate and didn't have any issue's until just recently 242k. Of course it's an extremely expensive … repair ( we do not work on transmissions ) . I love my car, and to me it's worth the fix. I am not a gentle driver and drive 100 miles a day for work so I am shocked no issue's until now.,but very grateful as well. I would buy another one in a heart beat.
5 out of 5 stars
Why did they discontinue the 500's?
R Shorts, 05/14/2017
2006 Ford Five Hundred SEL 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl 6A)
We sooo enjoy our Ford 500! Bought it new. The most major repair was the motor mount that cracked. Was a bear to replace. Replaced front brakes at 220,000 miles, wow! No engine or transmission problems! We are now at 262,000 miles.… and still counting on our car continuing it's great performance.
2.13 out of 5 stars
TRANSMISSION IS WACK
condrabo, 03/11/2011
2006 Ford Five Hundred SEL 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl 6A)
Ford has had major problems with the transmissions in the 2005-2006 Ford 500's. The transmissions go out with as little as 30,000 miles on the vehicle. My car is no exception to the transmission issues. The car will "buck and jump" when passing or when slowing below 40 mph. I contacted Ford and their response was since the NHTSA hasn't forced a recall, there is nothing they can do to … assist with the problem. Instead of being proactive, I suppose Ford will just wait until enough people have had their fill of problems and file class action lawsuits.
2006 Five Hundred Highlights
SE
Base MSRP Excludes Destination Fee | $22,230 |
---|---|
Engine Type | Gas |
Combined MPG | 20 MPG |
Cost to Drive | $215/month |
Seating | 5 seats |
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place | 21.2 cu.ft. |
Drivetrain | front wheel drive |
Warranty | 3 years / 36,000 miles |
Safety
Key safety features on the Five Hundred include:
- Alarm
NHTSA Overall Rating
The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration offers independent analysis.
- Frontal Barrier Crash RatingOverallNot RatedDriver5 / 5Passenger5 / 5
- Side Crash RatingOverallNot Rated
- Side Barrier RatingOverallNot RatedDriver5 / 5Passenger5 / 5
- Combined Side Barrier & Pole RatingsFront SeatNot RatedBack SeatNot Rated
- RolloverRollover4 / 5Dynamic Test ResultNo TipRisk Of RolloverNot Rated
IIHS Rating
The Insurance Institute of Highway Safety uses extensive crash tests to determine car safety.
- Small Overlap Front Driver-Side TestNot Tested
- Small Overlap Front Passenger-Side TestNot Tested
- Moderate Overlap Front Test – OriginalGood
- Moderate Overlap Front Test – UpdatedNot Tested
- Side Impact Test – OriginalGood
- Side Impact Test – UpdatedNot Tested
- Roof Strength TestNot Tested
- Rear Crash Protection / Head RestraintGood
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