Flip the calendar to 2005, and Ford has tried to recapture
the same spirit of that first Mustang in an all-new model. Without
a doubt the effort has been a rousing success, creating a vehicle
that embodies that first Mustang: style, performance and exceptional
value.
After spending a week behind the wheel, it's not too
much of an overstatement to say that when all three factors are
considered, the new Mustang is the bargain of the 2005 model year.
Although the car driven for this test was a fully
loaded GT coupe -- with leather seats and the 1,000-watt Shaker
sound system -- it still carried a list price of less than $30,000.
For the serious bargain hunters, a 210-horsepower V6 version starts
at $18,710, and for those who can lay off the options, a base model
GT can be had for $24,995.
Approaching the Mustang, it's obvious that Ford
relied heavily on the car's history when it was sculpted. The
sharklike nose is reminiscent of the 1969 Mustang. The GT's fog
lights set close together in the grill is a cue from the 1967
Shelby Mustang, as is the fastback design. The glass inserts in
the rear-side portion of the upper body look like they came straight
from the 1966 Shelby Mustang.
What works so well here is that all these cues come
together to create a design that's both retro and modern.
Inside, this is the most comfortable Mustang ever
-- for two people. The back seat is strictly for groceries and
any passengers who don't have legs -- nothing new for the Mustang.
But for the driver and front-seat passenger, the
seats are very comfortable and almost everything is well placed.
The round air vents and two big, round gauges for the speedometer
and tachometer are retro yet functional.
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Interior, 2005 Mustang
Click image for larger view
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The only negative to the dashboard concerns the
auxiliary gauges for fuel, coolant temperature, oil pressure and
electrical system. They are small and so deeply inset into the
dashboard between the tach and speedometer that they are difficult
to read in daylight, though that's not an issue at night when
they are sufficiently illuminated.
With the optional $450 interior upgrade package,
the dashboard gets some needed accents with a brushed aluminum
panel and chrome accent rings for the vents and gauges. Front-seat
side-impact airbags are optional.
On the mechanical side, the new Mustang chassis
-- the first all-new Mustang chassis since 1979 -- is derived
from a modified version of what's under the Jaguar S-Type sedan.
What was left out for cost-cutting reasons was the Jag's independent
rear suspension.
Instead, the Mustang has a solid rear axle that
doesn't follow all the bumps in the road as well as an independent
rear suspension would. However, Ford has done a good job with
the Mustang's ride. It's firm, yet surprisingly comfortable for
a car that is designed to be driven hard. In terms of noise, vibration
and harshness, this Mustang is a revolution from past models.
Under the hood, the 4.6-liter V8 emits a satisfying
growl when cranked to life. Yet this is no high-string beast.
It's smooth at all speeds and the exhaust noise is never intrusive.
The five-speed automatic is the best-ever transmission in a Mustang.
Shifts are crisp and quick.
Drive the GT with an eye toward economy, and it
will return as much as 26 miles per gallon. Drive it like you're
a teenager -- something it begs of the driver -- and mileage will
drop to about 18 mpg.
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Convertible available this spring
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Other interesting touches: The Shaker 1000 sound
system should satisfy anyone who enjoys feeling their music vibrate
through their chest cavity. And Ford has added something called
MyColor instrument lighting. By adjusting the red, green and blue
hues, it's possible for a driver to have the gauges lit in any
color imaginable -- some quite garish.
The only drawback to the new Mustang is that, like
the first Mustang, it's in high demand. Dealers are not likely
to knock much, if anything, off the factory sticker. And with
the GT model, some dealers are likely to demand a premium over
sticker. Smart buyers will wait a little while for some of the
got-to-have-it fever to subside.
Those who want a convertible Mustang will get their
chance this spring, with base sticker prices starting at $24,495
for the V6 model and $29,995 for the GT. As with the coupe, don't
look for deals on the new convertible for at least several months
after introduction.
Specifications:
| Base list price, including delivery charge: |
$26,330 |
| Engine: |
4.6-liter V8 |
| Horsepower: |
300 @ 6000 rpm |
| Transmission: |
5-speed automatic
5-speed manual (opt) |
| Chassis: |
Rear-wheel-drive |
| Basic warranty: |
3 years/36,000 miles |
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Fuel economy:
|
19/28 mph EPA est., 20.1 mpg observed |
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Special factory lease/finance:
|
$500 rebate to military, college grads |
-- Posted: Feb. 15, 2005
