The original 1965 Mustang was a sensation, debuting at the right time to attract a big new wave of drivers.
The
2005 Ford Mustang, the first all-new Mustang since 1979, should continue the broad appeal of one of America's most iconic cars.
The first entirely all-new Mustang since 1979 has the flair and captures the aura of the original 1965 Mustang, which outlasted major rivals such as the Chevrolet Camaro and Pontiac Firebird.
The Mustang long has had broad appeal, with some 140,000 produced during the past few years despite its old design. Ford naturally has high hopes for the 2005 version. The automaker has received more than 250,000 inquiries about the new model, Ford spokeswoman Becky Bach said.
My test 2005 Mustang drew lots of questions, partly because many people have owned new or used Mustangs -- or know someone who did. It's one of America's most iconic cars.
The first Ford Mustang was based on the solid, economy Ford Falcon model, which let its base price be very affordable. It was offered in several slick, European-style body styles with a long hood and short rear deck.
The Mustang had no direct rivals and was offered with different engines and transmissions -- along with numerous accessories, which let buyers "customize" their cars and allowed Ford to make lots of extra money on each car.
The original Mustang was a sensation, hitting the market at the right time to attract both a big new wave of young drivers and older ones looking for something new, practical and sporty. It was the only car to simultaneously be on the covers of Time and Newsweek magazines, and hundreds of thousands were sold.
The Mustang became larger, more powerful and slicker from 1967 to 1970. Ford, which has had mixed success with "retro-styled" cars, such as the current Ford Thunderbird two-seater, did a masterful job making the 2005 model look much like the 1967-1970 Mustang, with such items as a forward-leaning grille and fastback roofline. The new model has rear-wheel drive, like all Mustangs ever built.
The small rear quarter windows are reminiscent of those in the competition-oriented 1960s Shelby Mustang and minimize bad rear blind spots. (The regular Mustang had rear quarter louvers). There are the same standard Mustang "C-scoops" in the sides, three-element taillights and a galloping horse badge in the center of the grille.
The new car gains 5.8 inches in wheelbase and 4.4 inches in overall length, compared with the 1999-2004 generation Mustang, although it isn't much heavier at 3,300-3,500 pounds.
However, the rear seat area still is best suited to children and is difficult to enter or leave -- as has been the case with all Mustangs. The new car's width is virtually the same at 73.9 inches, although it's 1.4 inches higher
A new chassis replaces a 1979 chassis, which is ancient by today's standards. However, the new car retains a solid rear axle instead of a sophisticated independent rear suspension, which would have enhanced the car's ride and handling, but also its cost. However, the new three-link rear suspension provides precise control of the rear axle and thus helps deliver good ride and sharp handling.
The Mustang is built on a modified version of a Ford Motor platform used by the Jaguar S-Type and European-style Lincoln LS. The rigid platform is a big improvement over the current platform and helps allow ride and handling the old platform just couldn't provide. It also makes the car feel very solid and rattle-free.
You can get the new Mustang with a 4-liter, 210-horsepower overhead-camshaft V-6 in a Deluxe trim level for $18,785 and in a Premium level for $19,370. The Deluxe version is fairly well equipped with such items as air conditioning, AM/FM/CD, split-folding rear seat and power windows, mirrors and locks. The Premium version adds such items as a power driver's seat, improved audio system and leather seats.
A slick five-speed manual gearbox is standard, and a five-speed automatic transmission (vs. the old four-speed unit) costs $995 and is a Mustang "first."
That means you can get a fairly powerful new Mustang with an automatic for less than a $20,000 sticker price in Deluxe trim -- and the Premium version for not much more.
Ford expects that some 65 percent of buyers of the new Mustang will order the smoother V-6, which has more punch than the previous 3.8-liter, 193-horsepower V-6.
But the $24,370-$25,705 V-8 GT version is tempting. It has a 4.6-liter V-8 producing a rousing 300 horsepower (up from the old GT's 260 rating) and also comes in Deluxe and Premium versions.
The Deluxe GT adds anti-lock brakes and a traction control system, which are a $775 option for the V-6 versions. The GT also has larger 17-inch (vs. 16-inch) wheels with performance tires. Also added are front fog lamps in the grille, special halogen headlights and a rear spoiler.
The GT Premium adds items including an even better sound system, with a six-disc CD player, and Aberdeen leather-trimmed embossed sport bucket seats up front.
Estimated fuel economy with the V-6 is 19 mpg in the city and 28 on the highway with the manual gearbox and 19 and 25 with the automatic. The thirstier V-8 provides 17 and 25 with the stick shift and 18 and 23 with the automatic.
Safety options include $370 front side air bags that cover the torso and head.
I tested the GT with a manual transmission. Although powerful and responsive, the V-8 calls for high revs to deliver good power and torque because it isn't especially large at 4.6 liters. The gearshift works well and is hooked to a long-throw, springy-feeling clutch that provides easy engagement for smooth starts.
The steering is fast and has good on-center position and road feel. The flat three-spoke steering wheel with the 1967 Mustang horse and tri-color bars logo is reminiscent of air-bag-free wheels in late 1960s Mustangs. The all-disc brakes provide short stopping distances and work with an easily modulated pedal.
The retro look is also found in the quiet interior, with two big round gauges with large numbers reminiscent of those in 1960s Mustang gauges. However, the gauges are almost too deeply recessed in the retro twin-binnacle dashboard. And the industry's first color-configurable instrument cluster seems a little silly, allowing 125 different hues for the gauges. Making more sense is an optional interior upgrade package with satin aluminum trim.
The GT bucket seats offer good side support in turns, although it's hard to grab a hold of the seatbelts before fastening them. Audio controls are fairly large, as are the four circular dashboard vents, but climate controls work with too light an action.
The trunk is adequate, but has a high, narrow opening. At least the lid swings up well out of the way.
You might need the owner's manual to find the exterior hood release, but open the hood and you're greeted by an engine without the unsightly plastic covers that hide many modern motors.
The new Mustang has the pizzazz of the original Mustang and lots of performance with the V-8. It's also got the kind of heritage that most rivals can only dream about.
2005 FORD MUSTANG
Prices
$18,785-$25,705
Likes
Fast GT model. Decent V-6 version. Good handling. Nice ride. Solid manual shifter.
Dislikes
Tight rear seat. Hard to reach seatbelts. High trunk liftover.