2006 Ford Mustang Review

CONSCramped rear seat, Rough ride, Noisy

Retro pony as good as original
Ford's Mustang was given new life in a 2005 retro-inspired redesign. The new model sold at record levels not seen since Mustang's debut in 1965 and restored luster to the pony car's tarnished image.

For 2006, two models are offered, Base and GT. Both are available in either two-door coupe or 2-door convertible body styles. The base Mustang has a 210-horsepower V6 and the GT gets a 300-horsepower V8. Regardless of engine, a 5-speed manual transmission is standard and a 5-speed automatic is optional.

Standard on coupes are split-folding rear seats. Standard on convertibles is a power-operated top with a glass rear window that includes a defroster. For '06, Ford's added a Pony package on Base models with Premium trim that adds a GT-look grille, fog lamps and a rear spoiler. GT models with Premium trim come standard with leather upholstery and an upgraded sound system that includes a MP3-compatible CD player.

Coming in the fall of 2006 as early '07 model is the Shelby Cobra GT500. It will come with a 5.4-liter V8 that's supercharged and makes 500 horsepower.

Get up and Go
The GT's V8 doesn't feel as fast as it's 300 horsepower or manufacturer-suggested 0-60 mph time of 5.2 seconds might suggest. Still, when mated to the 5-speed manual transmission the V8 will satisfy most drivers. The problem isn't the V8's ultimate power or the wonderful and throaty sounds it makes, it's how it delivers that power. The engine lacks grunt below 3000 rpm and is slow to build power, making it feel less than energetic in hard driving. Yes, in isolated passing bursts or in a stoplight grand prix it's hard to top. In other words, the engine doesn't feel like a tightly wound race car engine as much as it feels like a powerful, stump-pulling truck engine.

The 5-speed transmission and clutch have a beefy feel and react well to hard driving. Getting comfortable with the heavy clutch and deliberate shifter will take some time for those accustomed to the light action found in some imported sports cars, but the feel is entirely appropriate for a car like the Mustang.

Surprisingly, the Mustang GT isn't the fuel hog you might expect. EPA ratings with the 4.6-liter V8 and 5-speed manual are 17 mpg city and 25 mpg highway. That's comparable with other sports cars. In daily driving expect to average about 18 mpg.

It's also nice that Ford designed both engines to run fine on less-costly, regular-grade fuel.

On the Road
If your looking for a silky and quiet ride or refinement from the suspension, don't buy the GT, get the more softly sprung Base model. On smooth roads, the GT's ride is firm. On rough or washboard roads, the ride borders on harsh. It's not so hard that it's unbearable, but it's certainly not for everyone.

A result of the firm ride are excellent road manners. The GT is easy to drive fast, and, true to its heritage, holds the road like a sports car. The tried-and-true solid rear axle can get upset by bumps in fast corners, but is a cost-effective and compact solution that's more than adequate in most situations. Enthusiasts might wish for a more-costly independent rear suspension, but the truth is, the Mustang's solid rear axle gets the job done and is a lot more reliable--especially when it's funneling the engine's 300 horsepower to the road.

The steering has a nice heft that's perfect for a sports car and provides appropriate feedback in aggressive driving. Brakes provide plenty of stopping power, and unlike some sports cars are easy to modulate in stop-and-go traffic.

Behind the WheelThe retro theme of the exterior continues into the interior with chrome-bezel gauges and a dual-cowl dashboard that's reminiscent of the original Mustang. The overall design makes for mostly functional controls and switchgear. However, using the console-mounted cupholders makes shifting the manual transmission difficult.

The front bucket seats are both comfortable and supportive, but the low seating position and high beltline make for a somewhat claustrophobic feeling and hurt outward visibility. Head and leg room are quite good--especially given the Mustang's sports-car intentions. An upright driving position makes getting in and out a lot easier than in some other, low-slung sports cars.

Seating in the rear isn't nearly as hospitable as the front. There's little head and leg room and the rear seats are deeply contoured, making the back seat best suited for children. That's probably best, as getting in and out is a bit challenging for those without a gymnastic background.

The trunk is large compared to other sports coupes and features a wide opening and non-intrusive hinges. Still, its 13.1 cubic feet of storage space isn't large when compared to more functional hatchbacks. As least the coupe offers split-folding rear seats that help expand cargo-carrying capacity. Interior storage is sparse and there are no door-mounted map pockets.

Bottom LineBeing a Mustang, Ford's pony car has a reputation to defend and a legend to live up to. The latest generation fulfills the mission of the original without sacrificing quality, comfort, or price. If you're a performance fan or a value-conscious shopper, Mustang just may be the car for you.

At an as-tested price of $30,505, the Ford Mustang GT is an incredible performance value. Sure the car has some faults and isn't for everyone. However, you can't find more horsepower for less money and the Mustang hits a home run with its retro-themed styling.