Pulse Reviews and Analysis
Best Ford Five Hundred Model Years (Ranked)
Curated by Kory White · Fractional CRO, CRO Syndicate
Best Ford Five Hundred Model Years (Ranked)
The Ford Five Hundred was a full-size sedan sold for just three model years, from 2005 to 2007, before Ford renamed it the Taurus for 2008. Built on the Volvo-derived D3 platform, it offered a cavernous interior, a high command seating position, and available all-wheel drive rare in its class.
Every Five Hundred used the 3.0L Duratec V6, paired with either a ZF six-speed automatic (front-wheel drive) or an Aisin-built CVT (all CVT and most AWD cars). The chief criticisms were modest power and CVT durability. This ranking sorts the best Five Hundred model years, trims, and drivetrain combinations, explaining where the value and the risk truly lie for used buyers today.
Direct Answer
The best overall Ford Five Hundred is the 2007 Limited with front-wheel drive and the ZF six-speed automatic, the final and most refined year, with the most standard equipment, the most durable transmission, and the longest-running production fixes. For shoppers focused on value, the best value is the 2005-2006 SEL with the ZF six-speed automatic, which delivers the same roomy cabin and smooth six-speed gearbox at the lowest used prices.
Across all three years, favor the ZF six-speed automatic over the CVT, which is the model's weakest mechanical point. All Five Hundreds share the same 203-hp 3.0L V6, so condition, mileage, and transmission type matter far more than the model year alone.
1. 2007 Limited (FWD, Six-Speed Automatic) 🏆 BEST OVERALL
The 2007 Limited is the Five Hundred at its peak. As the final model year, it benefits from three years of running production refinements and the most complete equipment list, including heated leather seats, dual-zone climate control, and a premium audio system. Pairing the Limited trim with front-wheel drive and the ZF six-speed automatic gives the best combination of durability and smoothness, sidestepping the CVT entirely.
The 3.0L Duratec V6 produces a modest 203 horsepower, so this is a relaxed cruiser rather than a quick sedan, but the six-speed transmission makes the most of the available power. The tall seating, enormous trunk, and quiet ride remain the car's standout traits. A clean, low-mileage 2007 Limited FWD is the smartest Five Hundred you can buy.
2. 2007 SEL (FWD, Six-Speed Automatic) 💎 BEST VALUE
The 2007 SEL delivers nearly everything that makes the Limited appealing at a noticeably lower price. The SEL adds alloy wheels, upgraded cloth or optional leather, and more convenience features over the base SE, while keeping the desirable ZF six-speed automatic and front-wheel drive.
As the final-year SEL, it carries the same production maturity as the top Limited.
The best value is a 2007 SEL FWD with documented maintenance, which pairs the most refined model year with a mid-tier price. You give up only the Limited's heated leather and premium trim, neither essential to the driving experience. With the proven six-speed gearbox and the spacious, comfortable cabin intact, this is the sweet spot of the lineup for budget-minded buyers who still want the latest and most sorted version.
3. 2006 Limited (FWD, Six-Speed Automatic)
The 2006 Limited is mechanically nearly identical to the 2007 and offers the same top-tier equipment for less money, since it is one model year older. It retains the heated leather seats, dual-zone climate, and full feature set that define the Limited trim. Choosing the front-wheel-drive, six-speed-automatic configuration again gives the most dependable drivetrain.
By 2006, early-production quirks had largely been addressed, making this a solid choice. The 3.0L V6 and tall ride height carry over unchanged. The only reasons to prefer a 2007 are the final-year polish and slightly longer remaining service life.
For a buyer who wants the loaded Limited experience at a small discount, a well-kept 2006 Limited FWD is an excellent, low-risk used pick.
4. 2006 SEL (FWD, Six-Speed Automatic)
The 2006 SEL mirrors the value proposition of the 2007 SEL at an even lower price point. It includes alloy wheels, available leather, and a generous standard feature list, while keeping the robust ZF six-speed automatic and front-wheel drive. This is one of the most sensible used Five Hundreds for shoppers prioritizing low cost over the newest model year.
The familiar 203-hp 3.0L Duratec V6 provides adequate, unhurried performance, and the six-speed transmission remains the configuration to seek. The cabin is roomy and the trunk is among the largest in the class. A clean 2006 SEL FWD with service records offers the same practical strengths as the newer cars at a bargain price, making it a smart pick for high-mileage commuters or large families.
5. 2005 Limited (FWD, Six-Speed Automatic)
The 2005 Limited was the debut flagship of the nameplate and introduced the command seating, AWD availability, and roomy cabin that defined the model. In front-wheel-drive form with the ZF six-speed automatic, it is the most reliable way to enjoy the loaded launch-year Limited, with leather seating and a full equipment roster.
As a first-year car, the 2005 may carry a few early-production niggles, so a thorough inspection and complete maintenance history matter more here than on later years. The 3.0L V6 and six-speed pairing remain dependable. Prices are the lowest of any Limited.
For a buyer who wants the top trim's features and the durable six-speed gearbox at the cheapest entry point, a carefully vetted 2005 Limited FWD makes sense.
6. 2005-2006 SE (FWD, Six-Speed Automatic)
The base SE trim is the most affordable Five Hundred and, when fitted with the ZF six-speed automatic and front-wheel drive, still delivers the model's core virtues: a huge interior, big trunk, and comfortable ride. It forgoes the alloy wheels, leather, and convenience upgrades of the SEL and Limited, but the fundamentals are intact.
These cars suit buyers who want maximum space for minimum money and do not care about luxury features. The 3.0L Duratec V6 performance is unchanged across trims, so the SE drives like its pricier siblings. Confirm the car has the six-speed automatic rather than the CVT before purchase.
A clean SE FWD is honest, dependable, inexpensive transportation for shoppers focused purely on practicality and price.
7. 2007 Limited (AWD)
The 2007 Limited AWD adds the Haldex-based all-wheel-drive system, a genuine rarity in a full-size sedan of this era, making it appealing for snow-belt buyers. It pairs the loaded Limited trim with all-weather traction and the final model year's refinements. The catch is that AWD cars use the Aisin CVT, not the six-speed automatic.
The CVT delivers smooth, stepless acceleration but is the model's most failure-prone component, with replacement costs that can exceed the car's value. Only buy an AWD Five Hundred with documented CVT service or a verified healthy transmission. For drivers who genuinely need all-wheel drive and accept the CVT risk, the 2007 Limited AWD is the best-equipped, most-sorted version of that configuration.
8. 2006-2007 SEL AWD (CVT)
The SEL AWD offers all-wheel-drive traction with mid-level equipment at a lower price than the Limited AWD. It uses the same Haldex AWD system and Aisin CVT, providing confident foul-weather grip and a smooth, quiet driving feel. The roomy cabin and large trunk carry over from the front-drive cars.
The persistent concern is the CVT's long-term durability, which is the single biggest risk in the Five Hundred lineup. Fluid changes were often neglected, and failures are expensive. Buy one of these only with proof of CVT maintenance and a clean transmission inspection.
For snow-state buyers who want AWD without the Limited's price, a healthy 2006-2007 SEL AWD can work, but the transmission gamble keeps it lower in the ranking.
9. 2005 SEL/SE AWD (CVT)
The 2005 AWD models combine the first model year's early-production uncertainty with the Aisin CVT, making them the riskiest all-wheel-drive Five Hundreds. They still offer the appealing command seating, AWD traction, and spacious cabin, but they carry the model's two biggest concerns at once: a launch-year build and the failure-prone CVT.
If the CVT has been serviced and replaced or verified healthy, a 2005 AWD car can be a very cheap way into a roomy all-weather sedan. Without that documentation, the financial risk is significant, since a CVT replacement often costs more than the vehicle. These cars make sense only as inexpensive winter transportation for buyers who fully understand and accept the transmission risk.
10. 2005 SE AWD (CVT, Base)
The 2005 SE AWD sits at the bottom of the ranking because it combines every cautionary factor: the base trim, the debut model year, all-wheel drive, and the Aisin CVT. It offers the least equipment alongside the highest mechanical risk in the lineup, though it still provides the model's hallmark interior space and AWD traction at rock-bottom prices.
This configuration is only worth considering as cheap, short-term transportation when the CVT health is fully documented. The 3.0L V6 is unchanged, but the CVT and first-year build make it the most likely Five Hundred to require costly repairs. Most buyers should choose a front-wheel-drive, six-speed car instead.
Treat a 2005 SE AWD as a budget gamble, not a long-term keeper.
What to Watch For When Buying
The single most important step when shopping a Five Hundred is to identify the transmission. The ZF six-speed automatic in front-wheel-drive cars is durable and the strongly preferred choice, while the Aisin CVT in AWD and some FWD cars is the model's biggest reliability liability and can cost more to replace than the car is worth.
- Confirm the transmission type before anything else; favor the ZF six-speed automatic.
- On any CVT car, demand records of fluid changes and a transmission inspection; neglected fluid causes failures.
- Inspect the AWD coupling and rear differential on all-wheel-drive cars for noise or leaks.
- Check for suspension wear, worn bushings, and front-end clunks, common on aging high-mileage examples.
- Verify the 3.0L Duratec V6 runs smoothly with no rough idle, oil leaks, or coolant loss.
- Run the VIN through the NHTSA database to confirm any recalls were completed.
- Prioritize documented maintenance history over a low asking price every time.
How to Choose
Match the Five Hundred to your needs. For the most refined, best-equipped example, choose a 2007 Limited FWD with the six-speed automatic, the model at its peak. For the best value, a 2006-2007 SEL FWD delivers the same roomy cabin and durable gearbox for less.
Budget shoppers who want maximum space for minimum cost can consider a 2005-2006 SE FWD, provided it has the six-speed automatic.
Only choose an AWD car if you genuinely need foul-weather traction and accept the CVT risk, and even then insist on documented transmission service. In every case, the front-wheel-drive, six-speed configuration is the safer mechanical bet, and a clean maintenance history outweighs model year.
Verify the transmission, inspect thoroughly, and the Five Hundred rewards you with rare interior space and comfort at a very low price.
FAQ
Which Ford Five Hundred years should I avoid? There is no single year to avoid outright, but be cautious with any Five Hundred equipped with the Aisin CVT, which appears on all AWD cars and some front-drive models. The 2005 AWD cars combine first-year build with the CVT, making them the riskiest.
Prioritize front-wheel-drive cars with the ZF six-speed automatic in any model year.
What engine does the Ford Five Hundred have? Every Ford Five Hundred from 2005 to 2007 uses the 3.0L Duratec V6, producing 203 horsepower. There was no other engine option. Power is modest, so the Five Hundred is a relaxed cruiser rather than a fast sedan, but the engine itself is generally durable when maintained.
Is the Ford Five Hundred CVT reliable? The Aisin CVT is the Five Hundred's weakest mechanical point. It can be reliable when fluid is changed on schedule, but neglected examples are prone to failure, and replacement often costs more than the car is worth. Always buy a CVT-equipped Five Hundred with documented transmission service.
What happened to the Ford Five Hundred? Ford renamed the Five Hundred the Taurus for the 2008 model year, reviving the well-known Taurus nameplate. The 2008 car also received a more powerful 3.5L V6, addressing the chief complaint about the Five Hundred's modest performance, while keeping the same roomy platform.
Bottom Line
The Ford Five Hundred is an underrated used full-size sedan offering rare interior space and comfort at very low prices, but transmission choice is critical. The 2007 Limited FWD with the ZF six-speed automatic is the best overall pick, while a 2006-2007 SEL FWD offers the best value.
Across all three model years, favor the six-speed automatic over the failure-prone CVT, and only buy an AWD car with documented transmission service. Inspect carefully, confirm the drivetrain, and the Five Hundred delivers practical, comfortable, budget-friendly transportation.
Sources
- Ford Five Hundred model history, generations, and specifications, en.wikipedia.org
- NHTSA recall and complaint database for the Ford Five Hundred, nhtsa.gov
- EPA Fuel Economy ratings for the Ford Five Hundred by model year, fueleconomy.gov
- Edmunds Ford Five Hundred reviews and used-car appraisals, edmunds.com
- Kelley Blue Book Ford Five Hundred used values by model year and trim, kbb.com
- Car and Driver Ford Five Hundred road tests and specifications, caranddriver.com