2005 Mustang V6

Author's Rating:

Pros: Excellent power and braking. Driver comfort right on.

Cons: No heated side mirrors, rear seating is still crampy.

Handling And Control:

The Bottom Line: 
Exceptional power, handling and braking. Smart looks, good stance on road. Interior features add to make car ride very enjoyable.

Author's Review
The west end Ford Dealer in Edmonton called me to take a test drive as soon as the new cars landed in November. The test car was a premium white color with a red and black leather interior. The first thing I noticed was that the new model/style had a more roomier feel than my 98 Mustang and when the driver's door was closed my left arm did not contact the door which is the situation in the current 98 Mustang. All the controls were within easy reach. When the car was started the rumble of the V6 was considerable as it should be in a car in this category. A light touch of the accelerator was all that was needed to get the car moving out of the car lot. Once on the road we were at the stop light with an Acura with a dealer plate in the next lane, presumably a Acura salesman. The driver of the Acura kept staring at the mustang to the point that I thought he was going to hit us for not paying attention to his road skills but a quick press of the accelerator left him behind.

I found that the car as lots of power which makes it difficult to keep at the posted speed limit and in order to do so a very light touch of the accelerator is needed in the city. In one are were the speed was 80 I was actually doing 135. This car handles well in the corner there is a tendency to feel that the rear end is going to kick out but this is minimized because of the new suspension system. This car is so comfortable that it is hard to believe that you are in a moving vehicle. Defects in the road are hardly noticeable because to the suspension system which creates a smooth overall ride for the driver and passengers.
Braking from high speed was very very good. Previous reviewers have complained about the plastic feel of the interior but if you order the interior upgrade package then you do get the leather steering wheel and all the other items that go with it. One of the neat things about the new mustang is that the transmission is German (S55S)and it is all enclosed therefore eliminating the need to check transmission oil. Some people have complained about the large side mirrors, but this was not a problem for me as it means I can adjust the mirrors to cover more of the blind spots on both sides of the car.

The instrument panel for those interested in the MyColour feature as a few added features besides the ability to change the dash color such as being able to check the oil level by pressing a button on the dash as well as checking how many miles you can actually go when the low fuel light comes on.

I see from all the literature that I have that Ford and the various car magazines are pumping up the Mustang GT. Don't get me wrong I like the GT, but I asked myself were would I use the 300 horses other than on a race track? The Mustang V6 or coupe as plenty of power stamina for the average person and I doubt that anyone that buys the V6 will ever use all the power available under the hood. My view is buy the V6 and put the additional $9000.00 in your pocket unless money and traffic tickets are not an issue for you. I am sure that even the V6 will keep traffic cops busy.

My only low points about this car is that the seating in the rear seat area is still a bit cramped for a 6 footer especially in the leg room area although the hump in the rear seat creates a wide enough seating area. Also for all the electronic wonders, Ford could have installed heated mirrors for Canadian Winters.