Ford Mustang (2005 and Newer)

pumpkinfish · May 2005

I wish I had a Cammer :shades:

akirby · May 2005

You can if you have about $15K lying around.

cigarmanblue · May 2005

Just got back from the dealer. My order is in. Screaming Yellow Gt

nvbanker · May 2005

the past 2 weeks, two GT convertibles have been offered for sale for $38,000, brand new ones, with build dates of April, 05, yellow and Lime Green. No bids over $35,000 so far though.

dispencer1 · May 2005

Has anyone compared the ride of the Solara SLE convertible and the V6 Mustang convertible? I made the mistake of buying a 2006 SLE without trying out the Mustang and obviously this small town Toyota dealer didn't have a Solara I could drive. All the automobile writers stressed the "smooth" ride. They must have last driven a Yugo. Actually the Yugo probably rides better. The Solara ride is too stiff - you feel every pebble. It doesn't feel like the car has any shocks. It makes a nice static display though. Hopefully I'll be able to dump it this fall . At least I'll drive a Mustang convertible before I buy one.

rorr · May 2005

From all accounts that I've seen, the Solora should ride like a creampuff.

Check your tire pressures. Cars are typically shipped with tire pressures pumped up to astronomical pressures to help prevent damage during shipping. If the dealer failed to adjust the pressures during the dealer prep, the car will indeed ride like a rock.

oldbob · May 2005

check latest Consumer Reports.

graphicguy · May 2005

Took my first road trip with my Mustang GT. In a word, the car was WONDERFUL!

Went to the KY DERBY (what beautiful scenery along the way)....about a 300 mile round trip.

First, travelling on the interstate was very comfortable. The suspension did a great job. While you won't mistake it for a Lincoln, even the winter ravishes of the interstate couldn't faze the suspension. It handled all rough patches with firm, yet very controlled motions. Everything stayed firmly planted, even over the roughest roads. In 5th gear, cruising at 80 MPH, the engine sound was there, but muffled to a low grumble along the way. Shaker provided great entertainment while crusing on I71. A rush of speed for passing was always readily available with a little push of the accelerator.

Where it got even more fun was on the back roads (courtesy of directions from my "host" to stay out of traffic). Passing horse farms all along the way, along with the twisties going through lush greenery of the horse farms, showed the Mustang in the best light. This car can handle anything almost effortlessly. It stays on track no matter how the road twists and turns. Steering was quick and accurate. You point it, it goes where you want it with no lag or protests....and it does so quickly.

Seats were very comfy for a long drive. Windows were down along the back roads and listening to the roar of the engine bounche off the barns is a sound I won't soon forget.

Coming out of corkscrew roads onto straight aways were a blast. Taking right or left hand turns in 2nd and then leveling into the evenutual straightaways were a blast as I planted my foot firmly into the gas, and let it rip. With the sound of the engine grwoling away and instantaneous build up of hellacious speed, always brought a big smile on my face.

I parked away from the track in one of the way overpriced front yards of a family who was selling them as parking spaces. A most pleasant experience transpired at that point. They told me to park in front of the line and then the most unexpected thing happened. When I was ready to plunk down the $20 for the parking space, the matriarch of the family told me "no charge". Asking why, she said she loved the car and was glad to let me park it so they could get a closer look for a couple of hours. I was a little "nervous" about this arrangement. I gave her $20 anyway and told her the money was for "protection". She laughed as a gaggle of people started surrounding the car for a "look see". What I will assume were her teen brood came by to "shoo away" the on-lookers.

While you can read about Derby Day in your local newspaper (on a whim, I placed a $20 bet on Giacomo to win....for no other reason than I had an Uncle named Giacomo), the day was perfect for the Derby. Unfortunately, that was the only ticket I cashed the entire day.

I came back to my car to find about 15 people around it (with the "parking attendants" keeping them at bay). The question I got asked the most was...."is this the new Mustang?". Playfully, I said "no....it's the new Oldsmobile".

The trip home was just a fun as the trip down....probably a little moreso since I had some winnings in my pocket.

I got 24 MPG....even with a goodly amount of back road driving. The only downside is the Mustang needs a wash. There are fingerprints all over the surface and the windows.

Amazing day.....amazing car.....amazing experience.....amazing trip!

nvbanker · May 2005

Thanks for sharing.......

liveoakie · May 2005

Yesterday a.m started out with my two daughters fightin about who gets to sit on which side.(backseat of my 05 sonic blue GT) So im stressin out already.(great start for a sat morn) anyway we go and run errands and such. come home and im still pissed at my girls (17yrs and 10yrs) I tell em to go upstairs and clean their rooms, bathroom etc. I dont want to see or hear either one of you for awhile. So i go out and do some yardwork have a couple of beers mow the yards and im looking at my car in the garage. Time to go for a ride! The road from my house runs west toward the sac river and when ya get a few miles from town it has some nice corners, 10 and 15mph (ya right!) corners and some esses. it goes on for about 6 or 7 miles. well i went and pushed the mustang thru some of those corners and WOW that was a total blast!!!! I havent really pushed the car since ive had it. Im tellin ya that was awesome!! im ready to do some more. except its raining. that might make it more interestin! That was great therapy!!! much needed stress relief!!!!!! Im looking in a mag at the new GT500's about got the wife talked into one. I need more power! My GT has 3.31 gears has anyone done a gear change if so how did it work out? Im thinkin of goin to 3.5 like the manual trans GT's have.Or even to 3.73. gimme some feedback.

nvbanker · May 2005

brought over her new black coupe yesterday. Even though it's not a GT, it sure looks great dressing up my driveway for a few hours......and she's just loving it!!

pumpkinfish · May 2005

Guys on the various Mustang boards are running 4.10 gears in both the autos and manuals. They claim the rpm's are still manageable and the mpg went down very minimally. I think you will need to get a hand held tuner to program the computer for the gear change but you'll have to look into that more if you decide to change gears.

bobad · May 2005

We looked at the V6 and GT, and did a good walk-around. The styling, fit, finish and quality are truly impeccible! The body panel fit was just yummy, and reminiscent of a Lexus. Then we sat inside. What a shock! From the penthouse to the outhouse in 5 seconds! The dash and instrumentation design and materials are TRASH. The shift lever is weird. I am only 5'10, and when I sit in the back seat, my head hits the rear window frame. Obviously the body designer and interior designer were not the same. Whomever signed off on the interior desigh is a dolt, and should be burned at the stake for ruining this otherwise beautiful car. I drove it, and was very satisfied with the handling and power, although I knew I could would never own it. Guess I'll have to wait another 10 years for a truly good Mustang.

graphicguy · May 2005

The back seat is not one of the highlights of the Mustang. Personally, the back seat was not something I cared about. I do like the trunk space.

That said, I found the IUP option and all the aluminum of the interior to be lucious.....big legible guages....ergonomics are outstanding. Shifter just about perfectly placed as well as the peddles.

Build is incredible given that it feels like it was tight and solid....even over rough roads.

akirby · May 2005

I think the center stack could use some improvements, but I don't think it's a bad interior for a car with a $20K base price.

cigarmanblue · May 2005

Great story graphicguy, but come on. Everyone on on this site and those who visit it love the new mustang, even those w/ severe problems, but i have to ask: Do you work for FORD?

graphicguy · May 2005

Do I work for Ford? Nope!

Closest I came to a Ford was my previous Mazda RX8 (which really had no Ford input at all).

I have owned Fords in the past that were used cars. Nothing to write home about. I've driven my share of rental Tauri and Foci, though. Not bad cars, but nothing that would make me want to buy one.

I originally test drove an '05 Mustang GT in November that a golfing buddy had just bought. My sister was looking at the '05 Mustang, too at the time, so I was helping her shop. I was immediately impressed with the new Mustang. But, I wasn't in the market.

When my RX8 was on the "bad end" of an accident, I was immediately put in the market in Feb. Looked around for a replacement (including another RX8). Budget was $30K-$35K. Was familiar with all the sports cars in that price range.....G35, 350Z, Audi TT, 3 Series BMW....etc. Even the Corvette was on that list, even though I'd have to add some $$$ to my car budget.

I narrowed the list down to the GTO and the Mustang. I've posted my impressions of the GTO in the GTO vs Mustang forum. Bottom line, I chose the Mustang for the reasons stated over there.

In short, I found the Mustang so enticing, I plunked down my money for it. As an added bonus (but certainly not my main buying criteria), the Mustang was the least expensive of the bunch.

Couldn't be happier with my decision. Matter of fact, I like the Mustang to the point that I now consider it the most "fun" car I've ever owned. That took some doing since I was a past owner of the afore mentioned RX8 and a couple of BMWs. My ownership experience, while only 2 months old, has been sterling. No problems whatsoever. I'm amazed that Ford can put such a good, stylish, high performance and well built car on the market.

liveoakie · May 2005

Thanks pump im gonna do a search for other boards and see what i can find out.

eng21 · May 2005

You should get one that has the power adjustable drivers seat. I'm six foot and clear at least 3 or 4 inches of head room. I have the seat lowered for head clearance. Go back out and find one that has the power adjustable seat.

eng21 · May 2005

Well, I've had my '05 Mustang GT (Mineral Grey w/ Red Leather upgraded interior) for a week now. Not a day has gone by that I do not get honks, waves or a friendly thumbs up from passersby.

A couple days after I had it I was filling it up (I had been driving a lot). Gas prices had dropped so there was a bit of a line. A cop pulls in and stops right next to me and sits there for about a minute or two, repeatedly glancing in my direction. He then pulled away and got back on the road only to pull off and park it a short distance way (as if to start clocking). I almost forgot about him but saw him as I got back on the road from the gas station. As soon as I passed he pulled out and started driving again. I think he was expecting me to speed away from the gas station or something and thought I was an easy ticket. Who knows, kind of strange.

nvbanker · May 2005

He just wanted to watch the car in motion..... I've followed them just to watch them drive..... They are quite an emotional event, strangely enough.... Art in motion.

john_324 · May 2005

I've done the same thing as well. Fortunately, as I'm driving a Mustang myself, the '05 owner usually can figure out that I'm staring at him as an enthusiast not as some psycho-killer...

graphicguy · May 2005

Had two encounters yesterday while running errands.

One was with an "older gentleman" in the Costco parking lot. He came over while I was loading my trunk with my stuff. First he complemented the car saying "this is the first American car in years that would make me stop and look. This is a beautiful example." We then chatted about the performance (I told him it was very fast). Then, as I started it up, he just stood there and gave me a "thumbs up" regarding the sound it makes. He went to his car a couple of spaces away.....it was a Lexus SC!

The 2nd was while I was getting gas at the same Costco. A guy that looked to be in his 20s commented that the color (redfire metallic) was the one he was going to pick when he buys one (he was driving a Jeep). He looked inside and asked if he could sit in it. I gave my permission. He sat down, felt all over the interior and said "this is beautiful". I told him that mine had the Interior Upgrade Pack. He loved the aluminum and the big guages. He said he loved the seats and the look of the red interior. I thanked him. As I drive away, he too gave me a thumbs up.

This car crosses so many generations in its appeal, that I never cease to be amazed.

john_324 · May 2005

Showing how much people like the new Mustang, at a stoplight this weekend, a middle-aged guy in a minivan wanted to talk about how much he loves the new Mustang, and how aggressively good-looking the front end is. I eventually had to point out to him that his left-turn signal had turned green.

What makes this conversation interesting is that my Mustang is a previous-generation one (2002). Later in the conversation, he did allow that my Mustang looks pretty good as well.

I love how people like the new one so much that any Mustang they run across is fair invitation to talk about the '05!

cmnott · May 2005

To be a rock star!

This weekend turned out pretty lousy for weather, but Sunday was beautiful so I had the car out, spotless and shiny and literally everywher i went, people were crowding around it! Form my neighbours to their kids, to parking lots, or just having it parked on the road, people stop and look.

What is funny is the kids. There are Porsches and SLKs and Bimmers in the neighborhood that they don't even bat an eye, but my car...they are mesmerized by it! I get a little nervous because they get a little too close with their bikes and those "nice" metal handlebars :surprise: , but they all bug me for a ride, which I will give. With parents permission.

It was smiply a great day to drive this car...and it is only May! The tranny is starting to loosen up and the whole car just feels more relaxed but very ridgid as we thump over bumps and potholes, even with my lowering springs, the car feels great. I highly recommend the Eibach Pro kit. The lowering is not overly bad at all.
This picture shows that you can still have an inch gap which gives a great ride, and great looks.

The Sportling Kit is even lower which I don't think would be a great ides, but this seems to be a perfectly reasonable tradeoff in ride/handling.

tayl0rd · May 2005

Can you post side and rear shots with the springs? I've got a set of Pro Kit springs that have been sitting on the floor for a month now. I'm still debating if I want to install them myself or have someone else install them and get raked over the coals.

vppreacher · May 2005

cmnott,
Would you mind posting what wheels and tires you currently have on your Mustang? I really like the way they look and am curious as to maker, size, and type. Thanks..
Preacher

P.S. This link and accompanying pictures may help those considering the Eibach Pro Kit...
http://www.riscx.com/05_mustang/eibach_springs/

markregel · May 2005

I was suprized to find a posting on this board complain about the interrior. When I first did a walk around at the local dealer (a base V6), it was the interrior and dash that impressed me the most. Everything fit tight and felt firm, what more can you ask? I own a Pontiac Vibe (Toyota Matrix) and ride in Camrys and Accords almost everyday. Tired of overly sculpted and styled dash panels. I love the straight line cowl design and is also so fitting for a Mustang. Heaven forbid, do we really want Mustangs with soft touch and wood grain? If that's what you want get a Lexus. I give Ford two thumbs up for a great interrior job!

graphicguy · May 2005

Couldn't agree more. The performance grabbed me. The exterior styling seduced me. The interior and build of the Mustang sealed the deal.

I, also, have a Vibe (Matrix) in the family. Travelling a lot, I drive my share of Camrys. Toyota's build has has nothing over the Mustang's.

tayl0rd · May 2005

Hmm...

I don't particularly care for the look of the stock wheels with the lowering springs.

That's a bummer because that means now I have to buy some aftermarket wheels and tires.

cmnott · May 2005

The wheel is American Racing Casino, 18", I went with Falken FK451, 255/45ZR18. They are a little noisy at around 40mph, but they have excellent grip and hookup very nice out of the hole. What is nice is the tires become very quiet afterwards.

Good shot of how wheels, and springs give the car an aggressive look. When I went looking for wheels. I liked the polished rims but they were simply too small. I looked for a double spoke 5 star rim.

Another nice shot.

a good shot from the back which shows the nice tread patern of the Falkens, the nice stance by the car and also the tires fit nicely in the wheel wells so you do not need spacers.

tayl0rd · May 2005

Hey, coladin, have you Zaino'd your Stang yet or is that still the dealer wax job?

cmnott · May 2005

I had a pro detailer friend of mine do it.

By the way, this car scuffs like no other, I can't get over how easy it scratches!

And I am a black car guy.

tayl0rd · May 2005

I'm not surprised it scratches easily. I have another black car and if you look at the paint too long, it'll scratch right before your eyes!

Luckily for my GT, I haven't even had the occasion to wash it yet. I only take it out on sunny days when there's not even a chance of rain and basically just the weekends. Come to think of it, I've only had to vacuum it once. I've treated the leather twice already. I break out the California Duster after I drive it and have only pressure washed it 3 or 4 times since I've had it.

Coming up on 6 months with it and don't even have 3000 miles on it yet and it hasn't seen a wash bucket. I'm trying to preserve that "showroom finish" until I can get some pictures of it and put on a few coats of Zaino. :P

cmnott · May 2005

Is awesome! I just started using it on Saturday and it works great.

tmtgt · May 2005

I ordered my sonic blue mustang gt convertible in the middle of Feb. They told me it might take 3 months. I was told a few weeks ago that it will be built 5/23 and I should be getting it first or second week in June or the latest, July. I know they are backed up, and I heard some orders were cancelled, but I have talked to people who ordered theirs after mine and got it. By the way, I live outside of Philly, if that means anything.. Is anyone else out there waiting like me??

gtluvr · May 2005

I got my new Sonic Blue GT Coupe on 14 May. I live in Arizona and the windows needed more tinting. The tint that came with it gave no protection. Went to the ford dealership tinter of their choice today and he put on a beautiful dark gray tint. He was also tinting a Saleen on his lot. Now this baby even looks better. I have never had speeding tickets but this car is hard to keep still....and I love it!! :shades:

pnice2003 · May 2005

For anyone interested in the 05 mustang that might be tempted to get a V6
instead of waiting for the V8. Be warned! I decided to rent one for a week. I gave it back 3 days later. I had the dark red color which everyone drooled over, but all said the same thing why didn't you get the gt? There are some serious fit and finish issues where they cut corners to offer this car for $20k Way too much hard plastic inside. The automatic tranny and the engine just dont work well together. The t-handle gear shifter looks cool, but is anything but. The engine needs another 20-25 hp at least, its a heavy car. With that said, the ride is a great improvement over the last model, but the seats are not that comfortable for an everyday driver. Perhaps the 5 spd manual is a better fit with the V6. I think ill wait for the 2006,so they make some changes

cigarmanblue · May 2005

ordered a GT in screaming yellow 2 weeks ago, dealer said once its made it will probably be an 06' model and wont be in until Sept. or Oct. I live in New Jersey.

cigarmanblue · May 2005

have any pics of the grey tint ?

graphicguy · May 2005

I love black cars.....when they are new and clean. But, no matter what the model is, or how careful I am in its care, eventually, they all have that "hazed look" over time. After the last one (BMW), I swore that I'd never buy another black car.

442man · May 2005

Actually Ford is upgrading the interior in the Mustang GT for 2007 similar to the same quality interior the GT500 is getting in 2006. Ford is getting rid of some of those hard/cheap plastics with the better pieces the GT500 gets.

graphicguy · May 2005

Until I see the GT500 interior in person, I don't know if that would be an upgrade or not. The aluminum and leather with the current IUP is certainly stunning as is. Throw in the "My Color" dash (which I change weekly, depending on my mood), and it's hard to argue the current Mustang GT's interior look. The interior of the Mustang was one of the reasons I bought one (performance being the biggest attraction).

cmnott · May 2005

..the vapor trap?

Removing the vapor trap, which is on the intake hose between the air filter and throttle body, is worth 5 rear wheel bhp. Muscle Mustang did it. I checked I have one, some don't.

I think after she breaks in i will take it out. You do not need to reset the computer by disconnecting te battery either. It seems like those built after April 2005 don't have them. I am curious to see who else has it or removed it?

graphicguy · May 2005

I had the vapor trap and removed it. Can't tell any difference, but I doubt 5 RWHP is going to make much difference except on the dyno.

tayl0rd · May 2005

I just realized that no one answered my question last month on what is the minimum mileage before adding a supercharger. Is there no '05 Mustang GT owner on this forum with a supercharger yet? Also, does anyone have any info on when Whipple will be releasing their kit? Their website has no info at all; not even a projected time frame. :sick:

nvbanker · May 2005

I have to agree. My niece bought a V-6, black, and although she loves her car, she said yesterday, "I sorta wish I had gone ahead and bought the GT anyway....". Seems everybody does....

captnfred · May 2005

I don't know about the advice to not buy a V-6. I wanted a GT, but got tired of waiting. I got this beauty for $420 over invoice, $21,500 out the door. While it's no rocket off the line, it goes from 65 to 90 pretty darn quick and handles like it's on rails. This V-6 has 70 more HP than my mom's 1982 5.0 and her car was a blast. I haven't had any of the front end, fueling or Shaker problems associated with the GT. The 5-speed manual is smooth and gets me smiling when driven hard. The leather seats are comfortable and I found the fit, finish and paint to be first rate. For what it's worth, the dash material and look is identical to the glare shield on the Candadair Regional Jet.

There's a Colgan Bra on the car now, But no shots are available yet, because my camera and tripod fell over just after this picture was taken. Doh!!!

I have had a few people ask me why I didn't get a GT, but I guess I'm old enough that my ego doesn't care what they think. I've had my 1988 Ranger since new and hope to keep this Stang as long.

I know this isn't a Mustang, but nice looking Ranger, don't ya think?

graphicguy · May 2005

I know quite a few people who bought V6s when what they really wanted was a GT. While I've never driven the standard Mustang, by all reports, they are good performers in their own right. Besides, GTs are going to be hard to come by well into '06 (if they are any easier to get even then). Plus, deals can be had on the V6s, whereas there are "no deals" (MSRP or above) on the GTs.

Enjoy your Mustang, it's one of the best looking cars on the road today. It drives as good as it looks.

cmnott · May 2005

5 rwhp and 11 rwtq is something that you would definitely feel...only after I think you have had a few thousand miles of hard driving in your car. That way you will be better able to feel the diff because right now ia hev the green light to kick the [non-permissible content removed] of this pony so I want to wait until I can actually feel it, if you know what I mean.

The other things that I am thinking of is pulleys, 4.10 gear and flywheel. That will most likely me the only mods. All very stealthy and not noisy at all, yet three quarters of a second in the quarter are a very real possibility.

Ford Mustang (2005 and Newer)

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