Is the Ford 500 RWD?
No — the Ford Five Hundred is not a rear-wheel-drive car. It was designed as a front-wheel-drive sedan, with an optional all-wheel-drive system offered on certain trims and model years. In 2008 the model was rebadged as the Taurus, continuing with front-wheel-drive fundamentals and AWD options where available.
Drivetrain configuration and availability
The Five Hundred, introduced for the 2005 model year, was built on Ford’s mid-size architecture and prioritized space and comfort. Its standard setup was front-wheel drive, which is common for family sedans of its era. An all-wheel-drive system was available on some trims during the 2006–2007 period, giving buyers improved traction in adverse weather without moving to a traditional rear-wheel-drive layout.
Before listing the key options, it helps to understand how these configurations compare to Ford’s classic RWD sedans.
- Standard drivetrain: Front-wheel drive (FWD).
- Optional drivetrain: All-wheel drive (AWD) on select trims/years (not all models offered AWD).
- Not designed as a pure rear-wheel-drive vehicle; Ford’s traditional RWD sedans of the period were the Crown Victoria and similar models.
Before listing the main configurations, here is a quick guide to the drivetrain options you might encounter on the Five Hundred:
In practical terms, if you specifically need a Ford sedan with true rear-wheel drive, you’d typically look to the Crown Victoria or its contemporaries. The Five Hundred’s appeal lay in its spacious interior and front-drive efficiency, with AWD as an available upgrade in some configurations.
Historical context and naming
Ford launched the Five Hundred in the mid-2000s to compete in the large, family-sedan segment. In 2008, Ford rolled the model into the Taurus lineup, aligning the name with a long-running Ford family sedan. Throughout its run, the car remained primarily front-wheel drive, with AWD available on select versions. The Crown Victoria continued to serve as Ford’s traditional rear-wheel-drive option for fleet and police use during the same era, underscoring the different roles these models played in Ford’s strategy.
Summary
The Ford Five Hundred is not a rear-wheel-drive vehicle by default. It was built as a front-wheel-drive sedan with an optional all-wheel-drive system on certain trims and years, and it was later rebranded as the Taurus in 2008. For true RWD in Ford’s lineup from that period, the Crown Victoria remained the more common choice. In short, if RWD is essential, the Five Hundred/Taurus path is not the primary option, but AWD was available where needed.
Is a 2006 Ford 500 front wheel drive?
Yes, the 2006 Ford Five Hundred was available as both a front-wheel drive (FWD) model and an all-wheel drive (AWD) model. The FWD version came standard with a 6-speed automatic transmission, while the AWD version used a Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT).
- Front-wheel drive: The 2006 Ford Five Hundred came standard as FWD with a 6-speed automatic transmission.
- All-wheel drive: The AWD option was available on the SE, SEL, and Limited trims and came with a Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT).
- To confirm: To check if a specific 2006 Ford Five Hundred is FWD or AWD, you can check for a sticker in the driver's door jamb, look for a driveshaft and rear differential, or have a dealer check the VIN.
What transmission does a 2007 Ford 500 have?
6-speed automatic
Drivetrain
| Transmission | 6-speed automatic |
|---|---|
| Drive type | Front wheel drive |
Is the Fiat 500 FWD or RWD?
The standard Fiat 500 is front-wheel drive (FWD), a layout it has used since its 2007 relaunch, following the front-wheel-drive design of the original 1957 model. However, there are some specific exceptions: the high-performance Abarth versions of the 500 have historically been mid-engined and rear-wheel-drive. The 500X crossover SUV offers available all-wheel drive (AWD) in addition to its standard front-wheel drive.
- Standard Fiat 500: FWD, front-engine layout.
- Fiat 500 Abarth: Some older, high-performance models were mid-engined and RWD.
- Fiat 500X: Offers standard FWD with optional AWD.
Is the Ford 500 FWD or RWD?
The Ford Five Hundred is a full-size four-door, five-passenger, front-engine front- or all-wheel drive, high-roof sedan manufactured in Chicago and marketed in North America and Mexico by Ford in a single generation for model years 2005–2007.
