After 40 years of incredible cars most folks thought the culminating moment in Mustang's history was the 2004 model. And, it was. Well, that is at least until the 2005 Mustang hit the streets and really shook things up a bit. This is because the Mustang was new, improved, and had more muscle than ever. Increased horsepower, standard safety features, and plenty of options allowed individuals to buy a true and sporty muscle car that was not only a lot of fun to drive, but also safe and allowed drivers the option to tailor their car to their desires with the many options available like the Shaker audio systems.
Lineup
The 2005 Mustang is available in both coupe and convertible. There are a variety of trim levels available for the coupe including Deluxe, Premium, GT, and GT Premium Trim levels. Mustang has made some improvements this year and each trim level has new and improved features Mustang fans will love.
Power and Performance
This new Mustang's engine is 70% different than the old one, or at least according to Ford. Apparently, only 30% of the same components were used to build this engine so the result is considerably different. More horsepower and more muscle are important when selling a muscle car and that is exactly what Mustang has provided for 2005.
One might argue the increased power is the best part of the powertrain, but others seem to be equally or more impressed by the sound. With the powerful V8 those horses really rumble. In fact, the engine stands up and makes others take notice which is something unusual in a sports car today. Although, it is the growl and thunder that many muscle car shoppers are looking for and Mustang really comes through.
Now, back to the engine that is responsible for the endeared grumbling. The GT has a brand new V8 engine considerably different from those of the past and puts up 300 horsepower with 315 pounds of torque. This level of horsepower is unheard of in the GT, but it is appreciated by Mustang fans who could never afford the Cobra or Mach 1.
There are reasons why the new horsepower is increased, and this is thanks to modern day technology as well as variable cam timing with a three valve per cylinder head design that is all new to this Mustang. The all aluminum construction plays an important part, too. Thanks to technology, this extra power and muscle is able to provide fuel economy with lower emissions simply because of faster and smarter electronic processors. If only the '60s Mustangs could have known what was to come!
Exterior Design
You have probably heard the saying that things get better as they age, and this is certainly true for the 2005 Mustang. Everyone thought the 40th Anniversary Edition was as good as it could get, but just a year later Mustang showed up with the 2005 model making it a little more modern and a whole lot sportier. Typical of the past 40 years of Mustang design, the 2005 has a short rear deck and long hood as well as c-scoop sides and the running pony symbolizing power and muscle on the grille. There are many parts of this Mustang that are reminiscent of other models, but perhaps the pointy nose of this model is easiest to compare to the 1967 model than any of the other features.
Round headlamps situated in a trapezoid design really set of the shark like nose and give the muscle car some extra personality. Also, the wheels on this model are situated in the corners giving the car a full 6 inches extra of wheelbase. The front wheels are also moved forward, giving the vehicle a rear wheel driven appearance.
The V6 and GT models have different design features that set them apart. For example, the GT's nose is more hard line than the V6 and the GT also sports an upright lower fascia. The V6 has its own design features, too, like a lower fascia that is receded with horizontal vents. Both vehicles look powerful with a modern twist on an old design, however they have their differences. One thing they do have in common is the galloping Mustang decal on the front grille.
The Mustang GT's profile shows off its aggression and power while the V6 looks cool with not quite as much muscle by its side. The GT has a spoiler where the V6 does not, but both the GT and V6 do share some similarities. These include tri bar tail lamps among others.
Mustang fans can choose their muscle car in a variety of colors including Mustang Legend lime gold, yellow, black, silver, bright blue, white, dark blue, mineral gray, silver, red, and burgundy. The options are endless when it comes to tailoring your 2005 Mustang just the way you like.
Interior
It may sound hard to believe, but of all the changes and improvements over last year's model the biggest difference in the 2005 Mustang is likely its interior! The past decade the Mustang had an ok interior, it was neither sub-standard nor out of this world. However, this year's interior corresponds with the incredible outward design and is outstanding. In fact, if you were judging by the 2005 Mustang's interior you would probably guess the car cost much more than it actually does.
First of all, drivers of all sizes can enjoy driving the 2005 Mustang when this wasn't necessarily the case in past years. The seat was always too high, making taller individuals uncomfortable at best. However, the 2005 Mustang sees a lower seat that is sportier and significantly more comfortable for all. Not only the added room, but the newly designed plush seats add to the driver's comfort Also, in past models many drivers complained about odd spacing of the pedals, but this has all been corrected in the 2005 model and now drivers have no complaints whatsoever.
As far as the actual interior's design, it is completely different from years past and is now a combination of then and now. The style from the '60s with modern day technology is a combination that really works in this Mustang. The three spoke steering wheel is thick and durable with radio buttons strategically placed in the spokes. The dashboard is double hooded and accented with chrome trim. And, one of the trendiest options is the option to change the illumination of the car at night to match your style, your car, or even your date's outfit. There are 125 different colors to choose from, so you aren't limited in the least. Incredible isn't saying enough about this technology.
The standard interior is comfortable, although some drivers might choose to upgrade the interior for the red leather seats, or real aluminum trim. The back seats have been improved in this model as well. Once they were a place to store groceries, if that, but now there is enough space for an actual passenger. This is not to say there is a lot of room back there, just that it has been improved slightly to make rear passengers a bit more comfortable.
The trunk, although from the appearance of the car looks nonexistent, is not actually the case. The trunk is similar to the 2004 model and although it is not large, there is enough room for the basics like groceries, gym bags, and the like. If you have something long and thin then the standard folding seats are a great option for more room, although most Mustang owners don't find much use for them. But, despite its larger size, all large purchases will need to be made on a different vehicle, unless they will fit up front, simply because there is not an excess of room.
Safety
The 2005 Mustang isn't just about protecting passengers in the event of an accident, but rather is designed to help drivers avoid accidents altogether. The 2005 Mustang's body is designed with a completely new frame, braking system, and suspension that make the vehicle more responsive in potentially dangerous situations. The driver has more control over this Mustang than ever thanks to strong brakes and exact handling. So, close calls will be just that rather than a full on collision, in more instances than before this technology anyway. This shouldn't encourage reckless driving, however, because after all the driver is still in control.
Four wheel antilock brakes and all speed traction control are standard equipment on the GT, but only options for the V6. However, it is highly recommended that those V6 customers choose this option for increased safety and improved handling.
Of course, all crashes are not unavoidable even with the improved control and braking of this Mustang. Luckily, Mustang thought of that when designing the vehicle and included a strong body and frame to protect passengers in the event of an accident.
Also, the 2005 Mustang includes the Ford Personal Safety System. This is a smart system, intelligent really, because it responds to a variety of head on collisions factors in millionths of a second so as to deploy the air bag correctly. That is, if the collision is not serious the air bag will deploy at half or less speed, or not at all, in order to best protect occupants. In a more severe accident, the vehicle will respond accordingly and deploy the airbags at full strength.
Another great feature of the air bags is that if there is little to no weight in the passenger seat the airbag is automatically turned off. So, the passenger airbag will not deploy when your purse, briefcase, or even small child, is seated in the front seat.
Seat belts are also smart in the event of an accident and tighten on collision. Like in previous models, energy management retractors loosen the belt slightly and gradually if the collision circumstances call for it in order to better protect the occupants.
Mustang is obviously concerned about safety, and because of this even more safety features are included on standard models. These consist of SecuriLock passive anti-theft system, Beltminder, FailSafe Cooling, Anti Tow Sensor, Battery Saver, and Separate Alarm Sounder just to name a few.
Overall, the 2005 is an outstanding Mustang that offers passengers power, control, and safety at a great price. Mustang keeps getting better every year, and that is what keeps the fans coming back for more.
