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How long does a 2005 Ford 500 last?

The 2005 Ford 500 is a mid-size sedan that was produced by Ford Motor Company. On average, a well-maintained 2005 Ford 500 can last between 150,000 to 200,000 miles with proper care and regular maintenance.

Factors Affecting the Lifespan of a 2005 Ford 500

The longevity of a 2005 Ford 500 depends on several key factors, including the vehicle's maintenance history, driving conditions, and overall care. Here are some of the main considerations:

Maintenance: Regular oil changes, tire rotations, and other scheduled maintenance tasks are crucial for extending the life of a 2005 Ford 500. Neglecting these essential services can lead to accelerated wear and tear on the vehicle's components.

Driving Conditions: Vehicles used for long-distance highway driving or in harsh environments, such as extreme temperatures or heavy traffic, may experience more wear and tear compared to those driven in more moderate conditions.

Owner Care: Drivers who take good care of their 2005 Ford 500, such as by avoiding harsh driving, keeping the interior and exterior clean, and addressing any issues promptly, can help maximize the vehicle's lifespan.

By following the manufacturer's recommended maintenance schedule and driving the vehicle responsibly, many 2005 Ford 500 owners have been able to achieve impressive mileage and longevity from their vehicles.

Typical Lifespan and Maintenance Considerations

According to the search results, the typical lifespan of a well-maintained 2005 Ford 500 is between 150,000 to 200,000 miles. To achieve this level of longevity, it's essential to adhere to the following maintenance guidelines:

Change the engine oil and filter every 5,000 to 7,500 miles

Rotate the tires every 5,000 to 7,500 miles

Replace the air filter every 15,000 to 30,000 miles

Inspect and replace the spark plugs every 30,000 to 60,000 miles

Flush the coolant system every 30,000 to 60,000 miles

Replace the timing belt (if equipped) every 60,000 to 90,000 miles

By adhering to these maintenance intervals and addressing any issues promptly, 2005 Ford 500 owners can help ensure their vehicles reach the upper end of the typical lifespan range.

How many miles does a Ford 500 last?

The Ford Five Hundred has an average lifespan of 140,554 miles or about 9.4 years. The Five Hundred's predicted lifespan is derived from over 300 million data points iSeeCars analyzed to determine this model's average lifespan.

Is a Ford 500 a reliable car?

The Ford 500's reliability is considered average to good, with high owner satisfaction scores for comfort and overall dependability, though some common problems have been reported, particularly with the CVT transmission in some models and issues with the A/C compressor. Many owners report going over 100,000 miles with only routine maintenance. However, the six-speed automatic transmission was more prone to failure than the CVT, which was generally more dependable.

This video discusses reliable Ford vehicles including the F-150, which is known for its high reliability scores: 55sJohn Kennedy DealershipsYouTube · Aug 6, 2025
Positive aspects of reliability

High owner satisfaction: Many owners report high reliability and are happy with the vehicle.
Long life: Several owners report driving the car for over 100,000 miles with only routine maintenance.
CVT vs. automatic: The CVT transmission was generally more dependable than the six-speed automatic transmission, which had a higher failure rate.
Available parts: Parts for the Ford 500 are still readily available, making repairs manageable.

Common issues

Transmission problems: Some owners reported issues with the six-speed automatic transmission, while others found their CVT transmissions to be more dependable. However, one source notes a continuing issue with the CVT transmission in 2005-2007 models, leading to breakdowns.
Air conditioning: The A/C compressor is a reported recurring problem for some owners, with some experiencing failures after only five years.
Electrical issues: Some owners have reported electrical problems, such as the dashboard flickering or power loss.
Shifting issues: Some have reported problems with the automatic transmission's shifting, which can be harsh or delayed.
Brakes: Some owners have noted that the rear brakes wear out faster than expected.

What to consider

Transmission type: If you're considering a Ford 500, a model with the CVT transmission is likely the more reliable choice.
Maintenance history: A well-maintained vehicle will be more reliable. Check for a complete service history.
Potential problems: Be aware of the potential for issues with the A/C compressor and transmission, especially in higher-mileage vehicles.
Cost of repairs: Consider the potential cost of repairs, especially for major components like the transmission or A/C compressor, which can be expensive.

Is the 2005 Ford 500 reliable?

The 2005 Ford Five Hundred is generally considered reliable, with many owners reporting high mileage with few major issues, though some common problems include issues with the automatic transmission, air conditioning, and electrical systems. Consumers praise its comfort and smooth ride, and while some reviewers mention a lack of power, overall reliability ratings are positive.
Reliability pros and cons
This video explains the top 5 problems with the Ford Five Hundred: 57s1A Auto: Repair Tips & Secrets Only Mechanics KnowYouTube · Jun 2, 2023
What reviewers say is reliable

High mileage potential: Many owners have driven their 2005 Five Hundred for well over 100,000 miles with only minor repairs.
Good engine performance: The engine is generally seen as dependable, with some owners reporting no major issues over many years.
CVT transmission: Models with the Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) have been reported to be more reliable than those with the six-speed automatic, which was prone to failures.

Common issues and complaints

Transmission problems: Some owners have reported harsh or delayed shifting, especially in models with the automatic transmission.
Air conditioning issues: A recurring problem is the A/C compressor failing, leading to inconsistent cooling.
Electrical system failures: Some owners have experienced electrical problems, such as flickering dashboards or power loss.
Check engine light: The "wrench light" or "service engine soon" light can indicate a problem, with some owners reporting issues with the throttle response.
Brake wear: The rear brakes on some models have been reported to wear out more quickly than expected.

Additional considerations

Recalls: The 2005 Ford Five Hundred was subject to a few recalls, including a fix for a faulty gas tank strap and issues with door latches.
Parts availability: Parts for the Five Hundred are still readily available, making repairs manageable.
Comfort: Many reviewers consistently praise the Five Hundred's comfortable and spacious interior and smooth ride, which is often compared favorably to more luxurious vehicles.

How many miles can a 2005 Ford 500 go?

Everyone I've spoken to has been very satisfied with their 500 and many have well over 150,000 miles so, for these reasons, I am keeping this car for another 50-100,000 miles...which will be our first car over 100,000 miles.

Kevin Bennett

Company Owner

Kevin Bennet is the founder and owner of Kevin's Autos, a leading automotive service provider in Australia. With a deep commitment to customer satisfaction and years of industry expertise, Kevin uses his blog to answer the most common questions posed by his customers. From maintenance tips to troubleshooting advice, Kevin's articles are designed to empower drivers with the knowledge they need to keep their vehicles running smoothly and safely.