The Ford Mustang is an automobile produced by the Ford Motor Company, originally based on the Ford Falcon compact. The first production Mustang rolled off the assembly line in Dearborn, Michigan on March 9, 1964. The Mustang sold over one million units in its first 18 months on the market. After many decades and numerous revisions, the Mustang is still being produced today.
Since its 1964 introduction, the Ford Mustang has been the icon of American performance with its bold style, powerfully built engine and rear-wheel-drive excitement. The legend continues in the 2005 model, with an all-new platform and clean-sheet design that makes it faster, safer, more agile and better looking than ever.
Developed under the direction of Chief Engineer Hau Thai-Tang and exterior styling designer Sid Ramnarace, the fifth generation Mustang draws inspiration from Mustangs of the 1960s. The 2005 Mustang's unique retro coupe styling compliments its muscle car status with an approximate weight to power ratio of 11.5:1.
The base model Mustang, equipped with a 5-speed Tremec T-5 manual transmission, is powered by a cast iron block 210 hp 4.0 L SOHC Ford Cologne V6 engine, replacing the 3.8 L pushrod V6. The Mustang GT features a more rugged Tremec TR-3650 transmission with an aluminum 300 hp 4.6 L 3-valve Modular V8 with variable camshaft timing. The 2007 Shelby GT, based on the standard GT model, is modified by Carroll Shelby International to produce 319 hp by means of a Ford Racing air intake, performance tune, and upgraded exhaust system. The 2007 Ford Shelby GT500 is equipped with the Tremec TR-6060 transmission, sporting a durable cast iron block generating 500 hp from a supercharged 5.4 L DOHC 32-valve V8 engine.
Saleen Inc. is similar to Shelby in that they make a modified Mustang. Saleen creates high performance vehicles for street and track, including the S281 Mustang. The Saleen S281 Mustang was designed to stand out from today's average conventional vehicles. Custom styling and high-performance handling are only a few ways Saleen technicians create show-stopping, high-performance sport cars that enthusiasts eagerly search for in a Saleen creation.
The 2005 Mustang GT is capable of performing a quarter-mile test in 13.5 seconds, with acceleration from 0-60 mph in 4.9 seconds. Added to the rear suspension is a three-linked system which controls the vertical and lateral movements of the axle. All model years of the current Mustang retain a live-axle rear suspension. This suspension provides the benefits of reduced cost and weight over a heavier, more expensive and complicated independent rear suspension, at the expense of handling. The current Mustang GT also comes equipped with a limited slip differential complete with the same carbon-fiber clutch discs used in the 2003 to 2004 SVT Cobra and the 2007 Shelby GT500.
The Pony Package for the V6 Mustang became available in 2006. This option includes upgraded suspension, Bullitt-style wheels (originally only available on the GT), wider tires, and a unique grille design with fog lamps, a rear deck spoiler, and unique door striping and emblems. Unlike previous V6-powered Mustangs, the current V6 Mustang has drawn a large aftermarket following.
The Mustang sports additional optional features including: MyColor (a color-configurable instrument cluster available as part of the Interior Upgrade Package), Shaker 500 (500 watts peak output) CD/MP3 6-disc audio system, Shaker 1000 (1,000 watts peak output) CD/MP3 6-disc audio system, and brushed aluminum panels (also part of the Interior Upgrade Package). In 2007, even more options were offered including a DVD-based GPS navigation system made by Pioneer (late availability), power passenger seat, heated seats, revised interior colors, and Sirius satellite radio. The GT Appearance Package made its debut in 2007 as well. This package adds a non-functional hood scoop, bright rolled exhaust tips and an engine cover featuring the pony emblem.
The 5th generation mustang comes in one of two body types: 2-door convertible or 2-door coupe. There are three engines available: 4.0L V6, 4.6L V8, and a 5.4L supercharged V8. If you’re looking for a manual transmission there are two choices available: a 5-speed and a 6-speed. A 5-speed automatic transmission is also available on all models.
The 6-inch wheelbase gain maximizes the comfort level for Mustang occupants. Taller drivers will feel more at home with more head room and shoulder room. Rear passengers also enjoy more leg room and shoulder room in their sculpted bucket seats. Chrome-ringed air vents are aligned vertically across the dash, precisely in line with the gauges, and the steering wheel has three spokes with a center hub marked by the horse and tricolor bars logo, echoing the design of the 1967 Mustang.
Major Equipment and Options
V-6 Deluxe: Four-wheel power disc brakes, 4.0-liter SOHC V-6 engine, five-speed manual transmission, remote keyless entry, rear window defroster, stainless steel single exhaust, dual power side mirrors, 16-inch painted cast aluminum wheels, air conditioning, AM/FM stereo with single CD player, center console, front floor mats, door map pockets, cloth front bucket seats with 50/50 split rear bench (coupe), tilt steering wheel with speed control, power windows and door locks, front air bags and LATCH system child seat mounts in rear outboard seats.
V-6 Premium adds: 16-inch bright machined aluminum wheels with chrome spinner, Shaker 500 audio system with six-disc CD changer and MP3 capability, six-way power adjustable driver seat and leather seating surfaces.
GT Deluxe adds: 4.6-liter 3-valve V-8 engine, ABS with traction control, stainless steel dual exhaust, front fog lamps in grille, complex reflector halogen headlamps with integral turn signals, rear spoiler, performance tires with 17-inch painted cast aluminum wheels, AM/FM stereo with single CD, cloth sport bucket seats and leather-wrapped tilt steering wheel.
GT Premium adds: Shaker 500 Audio system with six-disc CD player and Aberdeen leather-trimmed embossed sport bucket seats.
Options include side-seat mounted air bags, interior upgrade package with satin aluminum trim and MyColor custom instrument panel, interior color accent package with black interior and red seats and door inserts, five-speed automatic transmission, wheel locks, 17-inch bright machined cast aluminum wheels (GT only), Active-Theft System, front seat-mounted side air bags.
Options, Features, & Specifications
Year Range: 2005-Current
Passengers: 4 passengers
Fuel Mileage: 15-25 MPG
Horsepower: 210-500+
Torque: 240-480+
Transmission: 5-speed manual, 6-speed manual or 5-speed automatic
List of some of the standard features:
A/C, Power windows/mirrors/locks, AM/FM Audio, Dual Front Airbags and Single CD
List of some of the optional features:
Multi-CD, Premium Sound, ABS, Leather, Power Seats, Moon Roof, Spoiler, and More.