Pros :
- Attractive not-too-daring styling.
- The best handling of them all.
- Super-smooth inline six now with more power.
- Complicated iDrive system is optional.
- Extensive choice of transmissions.
Cons :
- Priced high as usual.
- Power increase offset by weight increase.
- Uninspired rear end styling.
- Boring interior details.
- Rear legroom shortage.
Interior :
Press Coverage :
The new Mustange debuted in 2005, with a retro look reminiscent of the 60s icon. For 2007, Mustang's bold American style is enhanced with appearance packages and a host of interior and equipment upgrades. Additional features include available heated front seats, a standard auxiliary audio input jack and optional SIRIUS satellite radio. Yet another Mustang first, a DVD-based navigation system, will be available shortly after the 2007 model year launches.
The Mustang V6 coupe and convertible body styles are offered in two models, namely the V6 Deluxe and the V6 Premium. All Mustangs are built in Flat Rock, Michigan.
A comfort group package is new for 2007. Available on V6 models, it includes an electrochromic mirror with compass, driver and front-passenger heated seats, and a six-way power passenger seat. Also new is a standard auxiliary audio input jack and available SIRIUS satellite radio.
For V6 buyers, the Pony Package includes a customized grille with GT-style round fog lamps and a chrome bezel, or “corral,” around the traditional Mustang prancing horse. Backing up this visual upgrade is a GT-inspired suspension featuring a larger front stabilizer bar, the addition of a rear stabilizer bar and P235/55ZR17 tires on painted cast-aluminum wheels. With bright machined rims and unique tri-bar Pony center caps, these are the largest factory wheels and tires ever fitted to a V-6 Mustang. Further touches include Pony front fender badges, lower door tape stripe, carpeted front floor mats with special brushed chrome “Mustang” logos and a rear spoiler.
Inside, the industry-first, color-configurable instrument panel offers the ultimate in personalization. Mustang owners can mix and match lighting at the touch of a button to create more than 125 color backgrounds. Modern touches mix with Mustang history and heritage. Chrome-ringed air vents are aligned vertically across the dash, precisely in line with the gauges, and the steering wheel has three spokes with a center hub marked by the horse and tricolor bars logo, echoing the design of the 1967 Mustang.
Numerous standard features include one-touch up-down power windows, power mirrors, keyless entry and power locks, a heated rear window, interval wipers, air conditioning, speed control and a CD player.
The standard engine, a 60-degree, 4.0L, single-overhead-cam V6, produces 210 horsepower and 240 foot-pounds of torque. The engine is paired with a standard five-speed manual or an available five-speed automatic.
At the front suspension, MacPherson struts with reverse “L” lower control arms deliver comfort. The three-link rear suspension has a lightweight, tubular Panhard rod that provides precise control of the rear axle. This technology stabilizes the rear axle as the wheels move, particularly during hard cornering.
A four-channel anti-lock brake system (ABS) with traction control is available on V6 models, combined with the four-wheel disc brakes. At the front are 11.5 in. vented disc, with twin-piston 43-mm floating aluminum calipers, and rear are 11.8 in. vented disc, with single piston 43 mm floating iron calipers.
Ford’s Personal Safety System®, a comprehensive safety technology package, is standard. It uses dual-stage driver and front-passenger air bags, safety belt pretensioners and energy management retractors.
An optional active anti-theft package offers customers an added level of security. It includes a sensing module to guard against tow-away thefts, an interior motion sensor to detect smash-and-grab break-ins, a separate alarm sounder — in addition to the vehicle horn — to thwart thieves trying to disable the horn, and a high-capacity, 60-ampere-hour battery that sounds the alarm longer.
The V6 Premium adds 16-inch, painted, bright machined-aluminum wheels with chrome spinner; Shaker 500 audio system with six-disc CD changer and MP3 capability; and six-way power-adjustable driver seat.
Ford Motor Company
After shifting and a little brake-torque tango, the additional power and extra ratio add up to more straight-line performance than we expected. That performance would humiliate owners of the last V6 Mustang we tested. Also, this puts the new V6 auto just 0.6 second off the old automatic V8's 0-to-60 time and only 0.2 second slower in the quarter. Besides the impressive numbers, we almost enjoyed not shifting for ourselves, instead marveling at the perfectly executed wide-open-throttle upshifts. But be sure to turn up the radio, because this engine sounds about as refined as a slightly muffled tractor.
Unfortunately, the good stuff stops there. To ensure the V6 model wasn't too much of a performer, Ford fit it with low-end P215/65R-16 BFGoodrich Traction T/A tires, which provide explanations for an unimpressive stop from 70 mph and a simple skidpad effort. Although the 11.5-inch front brakes on the V6 model are 0.9 inch smaller than the V8's, and the suspension is slightly softer, these tires account for most of the V6's poorer perfomance versus the GT model.
Car and Driver
That said, despite being the "small" engine, the 4.0 liter V6 sends a lot of power to the rear wheels: 210 horsepower and 240 lb-ft of torque. A heavy foot on the accelerator can cause the tires to spin and the car to fishtail in the dry. Forget about it if the roads are wet. An optional traction control system solves this problem; it comes bundled with antilock brakes for $775, and I wouldn't recommend buying a Mustang without it.
My test Mustang channeled its power through a 5-speed automatic. Having 5 speeds rather than the traditional 4 gives the Mustang better acceleration and more accessible passing power, however the transmission is slow to downshift, even if you floor the pedal (a problem that plagues most Ford automatics). Once the downshift happens, acceleration is fast and furious. Handling and roadholding are great, though the Mustang tends to wander side-to-side at freeway speeds.
About.com Automotive
History:
1999-2004 Ford Mustang GT
3,800 cc / 190 hp / 220 lb-ft / 3290-3350 lbs / 0-60 mph 9.0 sec.
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