2006 Ford Mustang: Road Test
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2006 Ford Mustang ▼
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- MSRP: $19,115 -$31,145
- Invoice: $17,703 -$28,530
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Our road test for the 2006 Ford Mustang includes a full evaluation of the 2006 Ford Mustang from the inside out. We evaluate not only engine and handling performance for the 2006 Ford Mustang, but also interior cabin and cargo space. Let our comprehensive road test ratings for the 2006 Ford Mustang help you decide if a 2006 Ford Mustang is right for you.
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ACCELERATION
| Base Premium coupe w/ABS, auto. | Base Premium conv w/ABS, man. | GT Premium coupe, man. | GT Premium conv, auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7 | 7 | 8 | 8 | 6.4 |
Test V6 coupe ran 0-60 mph in a brisk 6.9 sec with automatic, but that transmission dulls passing response with reluctant downshifts. And V6 or V8, Mustang's automatic lacks a manual shift gate. GTs are fast--Ford says around 5.2 sec 0-60 with either transmission--but V8 feels a bit weak below 3000 rpm, needs manual transmission for best overall performance. Convertibles weigh some 175 lb more than like-equipped coupes, so are a bit slower.
FUEL ECONOMY
| Base Premium coupe w/ABS, auto. | Base Premium conv w/ABS, man. | GT Premium coupe, man. | GT Premium conv, auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5 | 5 | 4 | 4 | 5.5 |
Automatic-transmission V6 coupe averaged 19.3 mpg, even with gas-eating performance tests. Manual-transmission GT coupes logged 14.6-16.3 mpg in less-strenuous mixed driving. Test automatic GT coupe returned 14.9. Test GT convertible with manual transmission averaged 19.2 mpg in mostly highway driving. V6 or GT, Ford recommends regular-grade fuel.
RIDE QUALITY
| Base Premium coupe w/ABS, auto. | Base Premium conv w/ABS, man. | GT Premium coupe, man. | GT Premium conv, auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 3.9 |
GTs only a bit firmer than base models. All absorb small bumps with little shock, but can transmit sharp pavement breaks, and some testers noticed wander along rain grooves. Base models prone to slight float over large moguls. Convertibles impressively tight, solid on most surfaces.
STEERING/HANDLING/BRAKING
| Base Premium coupe w/ABS, auto. | Base Premium conv w/ABS, man. | GT Premium coupe, man. | GT Premium conv, auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 6 | 8 | 8 | 8 |
V6s 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 that builds progressively with cornering speed. Fine stopping power.
QUIETNESS
| Base Premium coupe w/ABS, auto. | Base Premium conv w/ABS, man. | GT Premium coupe, man. | GT Premium conv, auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5 | 4 | 4 | 3 | 3.2 |
Wind rush reasonably muffled, even in convertibles, but there's marked engine noise and coarse-surface tire thrum. V6 growls, booms unpleasantly as revs rise. V8 has throaty muscle car tone.
CONTROLS
| Base Premium coupe w/ABS, auto. | Base Premium conv w/ABS, man. | GT Premium coupe, man. | GT Premium conv, auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 5.5 |
Main gauges in chrome-ringed tunnels can be hard to read by day, have overly styled graphics. Manual shifting awkward with console cupholders in use. Cabin has eye appeal, but too much hard plastic even at 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, require fair muscle to lock or unlock.
ROOM/COMFORT/DRIVER SEATING (FRONT)
| Base Premium coupe w/ABS, auto. | Base Premium conv w/ABS, man. | GT Premium coupe, man. | GT Premium conv, auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 5.2 |
Good head and leg room, but cozy feel from low seats, high dashtop and windowsills. Driver comfort enhanced by standard tilt steering wheel, height-adjustable seat, nicely contoured backrest, but knees collide easily with hard door panels and console. Shoulder belts don't adjust for height, a needless cost cut. Outward vision good in coupes; convertible top leaves wide over-the-shoulder blind spots. Long doors complicate tight-quarters entry/exit.
ROOM/COMFORT (REAR)
| Base Premium coupe w/ABS, auto. | Base Premium conv w/ABS, man. | GT Premium coupe, man. | GT Premium conv, auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 1.4 |
Inhospitable for adults. Little room, skimpy seat, back-straining entry/exit.
CARGO ROOM
| Base Premium coupe w/ABS, auto. | Base Premium conv w/ABS, man. | GT Premium coupe, man. | GT Premium conv, auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3 | 2 | 3 | 2 | 3.2 |
Cargo space good for the class, but not by sedan standards. Trunklids open wide on nonintruding hinges, but aperture size, shape preclude bulky items. Cabin storage sparse; door map pockets almost useless.
VALUE WITHIN CLASS
| Base Premium coupe w/ABS, auto. | Base Premium conv w/ABS, man. | GT Premium coupe, man. | GT Premium conv, auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 6 | 10 | 9 | 6.6 |
Our Best Buy nod is mainly for the GT versions, but V6 Mustangs don't lack bang-for-the-buck appeal. They rival some sporty imports on price, though not agility, refinement, or overall quality. GTs deliver great "go" for relatively little dough, and all convertibles blend value, verve, and nominal 4-seat practicality. Mustang's main letdowns are low-rent cabin appointments and occasional workmanship lapses.
Total Score
| Base Premium coupe w/ABS, auto. | Base Premium conv w/ABS, man. | GT Premium coupe, man. | GT Premium conv, auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 48 | 46 | 53 | 50 | 48.9 |
Total Score: 49
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