2005 Ford Mustang GT

Ford’s 2005 total overhaul of the much-beloved Mustang accomplishes a rare feat: Significantly better, not significantly more expensive. Tinkering with cars like the Mustang – cars with revered heritage – is tricky biz to begin with. Even trickier in this instance is the Pony Car’s history of both muscle and affordability. How to enhance the former without ruining the latter is a huge challenge these days. Ford managed to pull it off in this new Mustang GT. They did it by starting ground up, instead of simply tinkering with the status quo – the first time in 26 years for the Mustang. Then they borrowed the best of the past and incorporated it into a car for the future, one that should satisfy Mustang aficionados and capture more than a few new fans.

The good news
The first indication the new Mustang GT had struck just the right chord was the pickup truck (Ford) full of construction workers hanging out the windows leering approvingly in my direction. Given the test Mustang’s “Screaming Yellow” hue, strong retro lines and 17-inch bright aluminum wheels, I did not for a moment think the reaction was intended for this driver.

The car has the presence of the fastback 1960s models and not-so-subtle resemblances. It evokes plenty of nostalgia, but with crisper, cleaner lines. Inside, deep set dual dials housing speedometer and tach evoke yesterday’s style, as does the three-spoke steering wheel. The stubby shifter and industrial size air-conditioning vents make exceptions.

Built on a modified platform shared by Lincoln LS and Jaguar S-Type, the new ‘Stang is almost 5 inches longer than the previous model but only slightly taller and wider. The average eye won’t notice any increase in proportion, but there are advantages. The wheelbase grows 5.8 inches, which noticeably improves the ride. There’s also more room inside and for cargo. While passenger room isn’t significantly improved (especially for poor backseat passengers), the cabin feels more open and visibility is better. Cargo area holds a lot of stuff, especially with the generous pass-through to the backseat.

The best part of the new GT is the 4.6-liter 24-valve single overhead cam V8 with 300 horses pawing at the pavement. Mine was mated to a five-speed manual transmission, the choice setup. A five-speed automatic is available.

Rev this V8 up, dump that hefty clutch, lean hard on the gas and you’ll get 0-60 in a little over 5 seconds – not to mention squealing Pirellis and arrested. Such naughty thrills are not available elsewhere at this price. You’ll also get that big V8 noise rumbling throughout the cabin. It makes American muscle so viscerally satisfying.

What you won’t get from this new Mustang – that you got from all its ancestors – is a punishing ride or jitters over rough roads. Yet handling doesn’t suffer with this kinder, gentler ride. One of the cost-saving measures was the use of the traditional live rear axle, although modified to emulate today’s expectations. The Mustang GT behaves remarkably well on this setup, responding through hard maneuvers with composure.

In sum, this new Mustang exhibits all the style and performance that so endeared it to fans years ago, but with none of the clunkiness.

The bad news
The back seat still discriminates against tall passengers and the clutch, although far more manageable than any I’ve pressed in recent performance Mustangs, is a load. And that’s not just because I’m a girl. The good news is you’ll only have to do squats at the gym with your right leg.
You have to pay $370 extra for side airbags.

Is it worth it?
If I haven’t already made it perfectly clear what a bargain this new Mustang GT is, I haven’t done my job. Put simply, nowhere else can you buy 300 horses and so much unadulterated American muscle for so little money. What’s more, this new GT has become more of a daily driver than ever before, proving that even bad boys can be good under the right circumstances.

The Mustang GT is once again the car it was in its 60s heyday, proving muscle still rules in the new Millenium.

Particulars
Front-engine, 4 passenger, two-door coupe
Price
Base: $;25,705
As tested: $27,395.
Engine
Type: 4.6L 24V OHC V8
Power: 300 hp @ 5750 rpm
320 lb. ft. torque @ 4500 rpm
Drivertrain
Transmission: 5-speed manual
Rear-wheel drive
Dimensions
Wheelbase: 107.1 inches
Overall length: 188 inches
Curb weight: 3523 lb.
Gas mileage
17 mpg city/25 highway

Website: www.fordvehicles.com

During her 16 years reviewing new vehicles, Beth Stein has written for Nashville's dailies (circ. 185,000), national magazines and BestStuff.com. She appeared coast-to-coast on-air for Road Test Magazine, Car And Driver Television and Motor Trend Television.