First hand impressions of the '05 Mustang.
 

Went to the Ford ride and drive today after work.

Got a chance to drive Freestyles, Five Hundreds and F-series Super Duty's. If you have any questions on those, feel free to ask.

They also had a Ford GT and '05 Mustang GT there....but not for driving.

I had a chance to spend a bunch of time checking out the '05 Mustang.

This one was a prototype...so the interior wasn't up to production specs....but it was close enough to get some good impressions. Whatever you think about the '05's interior, it is certainly a couple of notches better (maybe more), than the current Mustang and last F-car. It absolutely reeks of Mustang cues and tradition. Especially the instrument panel, with it's '60's font and chrome trim rings.

The driving position is alittle lower than the current Mustang....sort of like an updated 3rd gen. The leather was also much higher quality than the 4th gen Camaro.

The one I saw was a pretty Windveil Blue and had the "premium" 17" wheels....which I didn't much care for.

The "product specialist" there, confirmed that a GT will go for below $25K.

Re: First hand impressions of the '05 Mustang.
 

It's good to see that interior quality was up to par. Ford has been touting that this interior is Lincoln LS quality. This next statement may seem a little rude but as I read a lot of posts from certain members of this board I wonder why every single car in the world is in some way trying to copy a 3rd generation fbody and that the 3rd gen is the pinnacle of modern automobiles. I know I am just a junior member and have no right to bash members on this board with tons more posts than I have but I have always found this funny.

Re: First hand impressions of the '05 Mustang.
 

I'd say comparing the Mustang's interior to the Lincoln LS, is a fair comparison.

Also, the new Mustang is lower and swoopier than the current one. Unfortunately, it's also longer....which, to me, makes it appear less sporty. The '04 Mach 1 they had on hand was more upright...but seemed almost sportier....thanks to it's tidier dimensions.

Re: First hand impressions of the '05 Mustang.
 

Because 3rd Gens are cool and were done right for their time which makes them admired today. He also has a nice low mile IROC-Z himself and can easily use that to make comparisons between other cars.

Re: First hand impressions of the '05 Mustang.
 

I talked to the local Ford dealer today. He said he's being allocated ONE fully loaded red leather interior Mustang GT and it should be in the show room in 8 weeks. He expects to sell it easily within two days. He also said he expects Mach 1's shortly after, but I think that was just fluff talk (though a SE should be coming soon).

Re: First hand impressions of the '05 Mustang.
 

Since the Stang was a prototype that you couldn't drive, what did you think of the Five Hundred?

Re: First hand impressions of the '05 Mustang.
 

The Five Hundred seemed like a pretty decent piece. Anyone who was happy with Taurus or Impala, will love the Five Hundred. Nicer interior, decent handling.

What I really wanted to experience were the new transaxles in the Five Hundred and Freestyle. The six speed feels really nice. Very smooth, but firm shifts....very responsive.
This was the first time I've driven a CVT. I wanted to make sure I drove one back to back with a similarly equipped 6 speed car. It's kind of different than a conventional tranny....obviously...no shifts. It's not unpleasant at all....just different. The engine goes up and down the rev range like you're changing gears.....but there are no shifts.

Some have already started bashing the Five Hundred, (even before they've seen it)....but in a field populated by appliances...this car shows some polish.

Re: First hand impressions of the '05 Mustang.
 

This is the same 6spd that Ford and GM are teaming up on correct?

The 500 and its Merc rebadge are boring, just as boring as the Taurus/Sable before it. I have seen it, walked around it, and what is there to see? Nice interior, but thats it.

Re: First hand impressions of the '05 Mustang.
 

I'm pretty sure...someone correct me if I'm wrong.

Re: First hand impressions of the '05 Mustang.
 

GM and F*rd working together. *looks around* :think:

Re: First hand impressions of the '05 Mustang.
 

Jesss, datza de one. :D

LINK

Re: First hand impressions of the '05 Mustang.
 

It's almost unbelieveable. I mean I heard of GM and F*rd sharing little things over the years before, (as the article said) but to practically be business partners on a big deal like that, wow.

Re: First hand impressions of the '05 Mustang.
 

Yeah, who'd have thought the British and Americans would have become allies after the American Revolution (or Rebellion depending on where you are). :rolleyes: :p

Re: First hand impressions of the '05 Mustang.
 

I've been advocating for YEARS now that the American-based companies needed to become more integrated to compete with foreign companies. You don't have to give away your most intimate trade secrets to have successful joint ventures.

Here's an example...
Suppose Ford and GM both developed an entire drivetrain together - powerplant, tranny, rear-end... the whole nine yards. One company puts it into a beautiful coupe with stylish lines and an interior to die for. The other opts to put the system into an SUV that's a low-dollar "beater" of sorts. THEY BOTH WIN, because the cost of the components is shared across so many more units. Now, (as is the case anyways IMO) the buyer is buying solely on looks and styling, not the specific drivetrain components.

Ford or GM will NEVER go to sharing their body designs and interiors because that is what sets them apart... but WHY NOT share underpinnings and driveline components that are as generic as aspirin? If the US companies can get a leg-up on the foreign stuff that way - I'm all for it! :thumb:

Gees, imagine going to a junkyard in 15 years and asking for a "uni-trans" or "THE rearend" for your car and the guy doesn't ask what MY or build date you have!

Re: First hand impressions of the '05 Mustang.
 

Proud.......ummm, no bud. :no: