2005 Ford Mustang: Road Test
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2005 Ford Mustang ▼
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- MSRP: $19,215 -$30,745
- Invoice: $17,773 -$28,110
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Our road test for the 2005 Ford Mustang includes a full evaluation of the 2005 Ford Mustang from the inside out. We evaluate not only engine and handling performance for the 2005 Ford Mustang, but also interior cabin and cargo space. Let our comprehensive road test ratings for the 2005 Ford Mustang help you decide if a 2005 Ford Mustang is right for you.
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ACCELERATION
| Premium Base cpe w/ABS, auto. | Premium Base conv w/ABS, man. | GT Premium cpe, man. | GT Premium conv, auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7 | 7 | 8 | 8 | 6.3 |
V6 furnishes brisk takeoffs--test automatic-transmission coupe did 6.9 sec 0-60 mph--but suffers sluggish throttle response that dulls midrange pickup. And Mustang's automatic lacks a manual shift gate. GTs are fast--Ford says around 5.2 sec 0-60 with either transmission, though V8 needs at least 3000 rpm for true muscle feel and responds most satisfyingly with manual transmission. Convertibles weigh some 175 lb more than comparable coupes, so are a bit slower.
FUEL ECONOMY
| Premium Base cpe w/ABS, auto. | Premium Base conv w/ABS, man. | GT Premium cpe, man. | GT Premium conv, auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5 | 5 | 4 | 4 | 5.8 |
Test automatic-transmission base coupes averaged 19.3-20.4 mpg, convertible 19.1. Test manual-transmission GT coupes averaged 14.6-16.3 mpg, convertible 16.2-17.4 mpg. Test automatic GT coupe averaged 14.9. V6 or V8, Ford recommends regular-grade fuel.
RIDE QUALITY
| Premium Base cpe w/ABS, auto. | Premium Base conv w/ABS, man. | GT Premium cpe, man. | GT Premium conv, auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 4 |
GTs only a bit firmer than base models. All absorb small bumps with little shock, but can transmit sharp pavement breaks. Base models prone to slight float over large moguls. Convertibles' impressively solid structure exhibits little quake or cowl shake.
STEERING/HANDLING/BRAKING
| Premium Base cpe w/ABS, auto. | Premium Base conv w/ABS, man. | GT Premium cpe, man. | GT Premium conv, auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 6 | 8 | 8 | 8.1 |
Base Mustangs have good cornering moves, but some testers fault slower steering, more body lean than a sporty car should have. Sure-footed GTs have nicely weighted steering, impressive dry-road grip, modest lean. Fine stopping power.
QUIETNESS
| Premium Base cpe w/ABS, auto. | Premium Base conv w/ABS, man. | GT Premium cpe, man. | GT Premium conv, auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | 3 | 3 | 3 | 3.2 |
Wind rush reasonably muffled, even in convertibles, but there's marked coarse-surface tire thrum and fairly loud engines. V6 growls, booms unpleasantly as revs rise. V8 has throaty muscle car tone.
CONTROLS
| Premium Base cpe w/ABS, auto. | Premium Base conv w/ABS, man. | GT Premium cpe, man. | GT Premium conv, auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 6.1 |
Main gauges in tunnellike housings, surrounded by shiny trim, can be hard to read by day. Manual shifting awkward with console cupholders in use. Cabin has eye appeal, but too much hard plastic even for this price level; console lid, door inserts among the few padded surfaces. Switchgear feels cut-rate. Intermittent dashboard squeaks plagued two test coupes. Convertible-top roof latches balky to operate, require a fair amount of muscle to lock in place.
ROOM/COMFORT/DRIVER SEATING (FRONT)
| Premium Base cpe w/ABS, auto. | Premium Base conv w/ABS, man. | GT Premium cpe, man. | GT Premium conv, auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 5.1 |
Good head and leg room, but low seats, tall dashtop, high windowsills create cozy feel. Driver comfort enhanced by standard tilt steering wheel, height-adjustable seat, nicely contoured backrest. But some testers' knees made unwanted contact with hard door panel, console. Shoulder belts don't adjust for height, run at neck level on some occupants. Overall visibility good in coupes; convertible top has wide over-the-shoulder blind spot. Long doors complicate tight-quarters entry/exit.
ROOM/COMFORT (REAR)
| Premium Base cpe w/ABS, auto. | Premium Base conv w/ABS, man. | GT Premium cpe, man. | GT Premium conv, auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 1.4 |
Inhospitable for adults. Little room. Back-straining entry/exit.
CARGO ROOM
| Premium Base cpe w/ABS, auto. | Premium Base conv w/ABS, man. | GT Premium cpe, man. | GT Premium conv, auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 3.2 |
Both body styles have good trunk space for the class, but not much by absolute standards. Trunklids open wide on nonintruding hinges, but aperture size, shape preclude bulky items. Available subwoofer consumes unacceptable amount of trunk space. Cabin storage sparse; door map pockets almost useless.
VALUE WITHIN CLASS
| Premium Base cpe w/ABS, auto. | Premium Base conv w/ABS, man. | GT Premium cpe, man. | GT Premium conv, auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 6 | 8 | 8 | 6.7 |
Our Recommended label applies chiefly to the GT versions, but any Mustang has all-American bang-for-the-buck appeal. The main letdowns are low-rent cabin appointments and occasional workmanship lapses. V6 versions are close to many sporty imports on price, but not in agility, refinement, or overall quality. GTs deliver usable high performance at relative bargain prices. And no other brand matches Mustang's convertibles for their blend of price, performance, and nominal 4-passenger capacity.
Total Score
| Premium Base cpe w/ABS, auto. | Premium Base conv w/ABS, man. | GT Premium cpe, man. | GT Premium conv, auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 47 | 46 | 50 | 50 | 49.9 |
Total Score: 48
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