Terrible transmission problems. 6-speed transmission slips and can't find a gear after slowing down into a turn and then accelerating at the apex of the turn. Also, sometimes when accelerating to merge onto freeway the transmission slips and can't find the gear. Been to dealer three times, they reset computer, transmission works fine for about two weeks and then back to slipping.
Very comfortable seats.
Excellent handling when factory tires replaced with Michelin Hydras.
Serious transmission problems that Ford can't fix.
Don't recommend purchasing 500 until Ford fixes transmission problem.
Ford can't seem to make a decent transmission. Now this new generation of 6-speed automatics is having problems after being on the market about 1yr. The future looks bleak if Ford starts using this transmission in mass quantity, which they will undoubtedly do. Like the last generation of 4-speed automatics that were total junk and used in just about every Ford model vehicle of the past 15-20yrs. Man, I was hoping now that Ford was scrapping the junky 4-speed they'd come out with a replacement transmission that is far better. Apparently not. Pretty pathetic.
Ford has had world class transmissions for years. (C4, C6 trannys) However they've just started making/using these new 6 speeds and its going to take time to fine tune them.
Need I mention the 4-speed in the Taurus, Crown Vic, Explorer? They all have terrible transmissions with short life spans of MAYBE 120k miles at best. They often don't even last half that long. Ironically, the best automatic Ford has used in any of their cars in the past 20yrs. seems to be their cheapest car, the Escort. Go figure. The new 6-speed sounds just as awful. This is the major reason I'm scared off to buying any Ford. It's too bad because they actually make decent engines.
I have 1993 Crown Vic P74 with 180k and still the original tranny. I use it hard everyday, the car runs like a champ, and I have zero problems.
I own a 2005 Ford 500 Ltd. Great car, terrible trans, 38000 miles. Ford dealer informs me warranty good only to 36000 miles.
For what it's worth, the 6-speed automatic transmission in the 2005 Ford Five Hundred is made in Japan by Aisin.
I had a 88 Taurus with over 153,000 miles and I own a 79 F100 with a C6 with over 205,000 miles, a 98 Taurus with 104,000 and a Five Hundred with just over 34,000 and have not had any problems with any of these transmissions.
I have a 2005 Ford 500. It has 91K miles. The transmission has been slipping for at least 40K miles. The dealer acts as if they never heard of my problem! I figured they were lying. Thanks for the confirmation.
"I have a 2005 Ford 500. It has 91K miles"
Your problem could simply be a dirty filter. I'm a mechanic and I've encountered this issue before at around this mileage. A filter is very inexpensive and easy to replace.
Transmissions are always the weakest point on any vehicle, and Fords are notorious for bad transmissions, particularly front wheel drive Fords, which should basically be entirely avoided.
I have a 2005 Ford 500. It has 91K miles. The transmission has been slipping for at least 40K miles. The dealer acts as if they never heard of my problem! I figured they were lying. Thanks for the confirmation.
Thanks for the suggestion about changing the filter. It's worth a try.
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