I have owned this car for a couple of months now and have nothing but good things to say. Just to be clear, I purchased the Premium GT model with every option (Shaker 1000, optional wheels, automatic, interior upgrade package, side airbags, active anti-theft, computer, color change guages). Here are my thoughts on what works:- Shaker 1000. I love the MP3 capability, controls are easy to work, clairity is incredible, and radio reception is wonderful.
- Performance. I can't imagine buying anything other than the V8. It's fast, I'm happy.
- Handling is great. Previous generation Mustangs had a very "loose" feeling to the wheel. This car replaced an older Corvette that had heavy, tight steering, it made the car easier to control and I loved it. The Mustang has that same feeling, which I prefer. Maybe you can tell the difference between a solid axle on track, but I'm having a hard time telling a big difference on the highway.
- With all of the options my car was 29K, with nothing put the interior upgrade and auto it would have been approximately 26.5K, that's a good value. The V6 is a good deal, too, the Pony Package is $22K in my area. At that price it's in the same price level as a Civic SI. I know these two cars don't compete for the same market, but I thought it was interesting that the pricing is within a couple of thousand.
- Interior. I can only comment on the interior upgrade package, leather seats, charcoal and red interior. I've read all of the reviews about the "cheap" interior. It looks pretty good with the interior upgrade package, I get plenty of complements on the quality of the seats and interior. I think it's a clean design and that's my preference, I'm not much into the feeling of softness in the materials, what I care about are the look, ergonomics, arm rest feel, steering wheel feel, and seat feel. Check, check, check, check and check. Play close attention to the head rest when you test drive it, I like it, but I don't think it's for everyone. If you don't like the interior, then do yourself a favor and drive one with the interior upgrade package, maybe you'll prefer that?
- It burns regular gas. With smooth acceleration and braking, I'm getting 10% better on the highway and in the city than EPA says I should.
- Great exterior looks!
- A less than functional backseat is better than no backseat. I had a two seater for a year and even though it was a second car, I found myself driving the 4 cylinder because a third person would want to come along. I was surprised how regularly it happened to me and I'm single! With the Mustang I can always put a child or shorter person in the back or convince an adult to suck it up for 30 miles.
Cons:- No internal trunk release. It's a Pony Car, I don't expect them to offer a navigation system, heated seats, or other options I associate with a luxury car. However, if I have to run out to the car and don't have my keys, I can't open the trunk because there is no internal trunk release. What gives? I bet Ford will add one in the future.
- When you test drive this car take it on the highway, city, etc., but make sure you execute a Y turn (also called a three point turn), park, and manuver through some parking lots requiring sharp wheel turns. I'll warn you, the turning radius does not seem as tight as my brother's '03 or my Dad's '04 add a long hood and you may have some problems in a parking lot.
- The color change guages are a neat gimmic, but utterly useless. If I could have deleted this option and swapped it for a trunk release button, I would have in a hussle. I love the computer, though, and I understand that in order to get the computer display you have to take the the MyColor option...check with the guys at MyDealer to be sure.
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