Ford Mustang

   The Ford Mustang of the fifth generation is produced since 2005. It is available as a coupe or convertible. Production of the Mustang still continues.

   This muscle car is powered by a 4.0-liter V6, developing 205 hp, while the Mustang GT model comes with a 4.6-liter V8. There is also a Shelby GT500, powered by a supercharged 5.4-liter V8, developing 500 hp. Engines are mated with manual or automatic gearboxes.

   The Ford Mustang uses a modified chassis found on the Lincoln LS and the Jaguar S-type. It has a live-axle rear suspension in attempt to keep the price down. Such suspension and bulky shape are the reasons of the excessive body roll going through tight corners. Furthermore ride is unsettled over coarse surface. Plenty of grip makes it a good straightline dragster, but it looses on corners to European and Japanese rivals.

   The latest Mustang sounds more muscular than it's predecessor. However at the motorway speed engine becomes hushed. A fair amount of wind and road noises protrude inside the cabin though.

   The Ford Mustang is offers high horsepower for comparatively low price. However high oil prices make this fuel-guzzling muscle car getting into your pocket too often. Other running costs are reasonable, at least across North America. Mustang, as most Fords tends to loose it's value faster than many rivals. Mechanics of this car is relatively unsophisticated, while some of the components are well tested, so reliability shouldn't be the main concern.

   Interior of the car has some of racy design clues from the 1960s dragster. It is significantly improved comparing with the previous model, unfortunately shiny plastics spoil the whole thing.

   Driving position is good, but the front bucket seat don't bear-hug you the way some rivals do. Steering wheel doesn't has a huge amount of adjustments. All-round visibility is good.

   Because of the longer wheelbase, there is more room inside the car. There is plenty of shoulder room for the front passengers, while the rear seats are best kept for children though. Boot is sufficient.

   The Ford Mustang comes with two dual-stage airbags as standard, while side airbags are optional. Strong brakes with anti-lock system are fitted as well. The higher-spec models are equipped with traction control. The sheer size of the car gives the Mustang an advantage in a head-on collision. A base model comes equipped with an immobilizer, while there is an optional anti-theft package available.

   The Ford Mustang comes in Deluxe, Premium, GT and GT Premium trim levels. Don't expect much from the base model, however there are plenty of option packages available. There are also some aftermarket performance upgrade packages available for this car.

   Advantages: The Ford Mustang is affordable sports car with plenty of horsepower. This American classis is also fun to drive.

   Disadvantages: Lifeless steering and poor handling. Some interior plastics feel cheap. Nothing near a raw desirability that it's predecessors from the 1960s had.

   Verdict: Sports car that just ends up feeling cheap.

   Also consider: Nissan 350Z, Pontiac GTO.