How many miles can a Ford Five Hundred last?

A Ford Five Hundred can last well beyond 200,000 miles with proper maintenance, and many owners report reaching 250,000 miles or more. Longevity depends on how well the car is cared for, driving conditions, and the climate in which it operates.

Understanding the long-term lifespan

The Ford Five Hundred was produced from 2005 to 2007 and shares its underpinnings with Ford’s Crown Victoria-based lineup. Built as a full-size sedan intended for durability, its long-term reliability hinges on routine upkeep and how it’s driven. While every car ages differently, the general rule holds: consistent maintenance and careful operation can push mileage well past the 200k mark.

Key factors that influence mileage

Several factors determine how far a Five Hundred can go. The following elements typically have the biggest impact on ultimate longevity:

• Maintenance history and service records, including timely oil changes, fluid checks, and component replacements


• Driving patterns, such as highway cruising versus frequent stop-and-go city driving


• Climate and exposure to elements, especially road salt and moisture that can accelerate corrosion


• Quality of parts and labor used in repairs and whether issues are addressed promptly


• Overall condition of key systems (engine, transmission, suspension, cooling) at any given mileage


• Past accidents or structural damage that may affect long-term durability

In practice, vehicles with comprehensive maintenance records and moderate driving tend to reach higher mileages than those with irregular service or harsh usage.

Maintenance practices to maximize longevity

To push mileage upward, owners should follow a disciplined maintenance routine and address issues early. The following practices are widely recommended for any older Ford sedan, including the Five Hundred:

• Follow the manufacturer’s service intervals and use the recommended fluids and filters


• Perform regular oil changes—typically around every 5,000 miles with conventional oil, or longer intervals if using a synthetic oil and depending on driving conditions


• Conduct transmission service per manual guidance, including fluid checks and any scheduled flushes or replacements


• Maintain the cooling system with coolant flushes as recommended and inspect the radiator, hoses, thermostat, and water pump for wear


• Inspect belts, hoses, spark plugs, ignition components, and replace worn parts on schedule


• Keep the battery and charging system in good condition; replace aging batteries to avoid unexpected failures


• Monitor brakes, tires, and suspension components; perform rotations, alignments, and replacements as needed


• Take rust prevention seriously in areas with winter salt or high humidity; wash undercarriage and address corrosion early


• Address any warning signs promptly (rough shifting, overheating, leaks, unusual noises) to prevent cascading damage

Adhering to these maintenance practices can help a Five Hundred reach or surpass the 200,000-mile milestone, especially when combined with careful driving and prompt repairs.

Real-world outlook and caveats

Owners who maintain their Five Hundreds and keep thorough service records often report high mileage successes, with some vehicles crossing the 250,000-mile threshold. However, as with any aging car, there are potential trouble spots to watch for, including transmission behavior at higher mileage and rust in exposed areas. Prospective buyers or current owners should obtain a detailed service history and consider a pre-purchase or routine inspection to verify the health of critical systems before reaching high mileage.

Summary

In summary, a Ford Five Hundred can realistically reach 200,000 miles or more when treated with diligent maintenance, sensible driving, and timely repairs. While individual results vary, the combination of a durable chassis design, routine service, and careful operation provides a credible path to extended life for this mid-2000s American-class sedan.

Can a Ford last 300,000 miles?

With proper care, a Ford truck can last 200,000 to 300,000 miles or more. That's equal to 15 to 20 years of regular use. Some high-mileage Ford trucks have even passed the 400,000-mile mark, especially those with consistent maintenance and responsible driving.

Are Ford Five Hundreds reliable?

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. 

How many miles does a Ford Five Hundred 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.

What is considered high mileage for a Ford F-150?

For a Ford F-150, over 100,000 miles is generally considered high mileage, though F-150s are known for their durability and can be reliable well beyond this point with proper maintenance. Vehicles with more than 20,000 miles per year on average are also often labeled as high mileage. 
What constitutes high mileage

• Over 100,000 miles: This is the general threshold for high mileage, at which point components like the engine and transmission may start to show wear. 
• Over 15,000 miles per year: A good rule of thumb is to consider a truck with more than 15,000 miles on it per year of its age as high mileage. 
• 20,000+ miles per year: A truck driven more than 20,000 miles annually is considered high mileage. 

Important considerations for high-mileage F-150s

• Maintenance history: A well-maintained F-150 with over 100,000 miles can still be a great value. A solid maintenance record is crucial. 
• Potential for more expensive repairs: As mileage increases, the likelihood of needing more significant and costly repairs for components like the engine, transmission, or other parts goes up. 
• Engine and transmission specifics: Certain F-150 engines, like the 3.5L EcoBoost, have known potential issues like cam phasers, and some transmissions can have issues with the CDF drum and valve body, notes this YouTube video. 
• Body and overall condition: A solid body, even with high mileage, can be a good indicator of a well-cared-for vehicle.