2006 Ford Mustang

This is a review of the 2006 Mustang coupe, six cylinder.
The Ford Mustang was redesigned completely for 2006. This review is broken down by category.

EXTERIOR: The new "retro" styling hearkens back to the muscle Mustangs of the late 1960s, but is an entirely new vehicle. It is a low slung coupe and very muscular, with a long flat hood and stubby trunk. The look is very aggressive, as a Mustang should be, and completely distances itself from the bulbous and bloated Mustang of old. Ford also offers a unique palette of colors for the Mustang if your tastes run a bit more wild. The six cylinder looks a bit less aggressive than the GT, with a different exhaust and wheels being the major differences. Overall, the exterior appeal is the Mustang's strongest point. They still turn heads even though they are becoming more commonplace.

INTERIOR: The retro theme continues here. Round gauges and retro shifter mix with more contemporary elements such as the metal-look dash and chrome ring gauges (which produce ridiculous amounts of glare in the cabin). This Mustang is bigger than years past, with plenty of room up front. Rear passengers are a bit cramped, however. The trunk is decent sized for this class, but has cheap touches, like the lack of lining on the lid (some retro pieces are better left in the past!).

Gauges are well placed everything is in reach, although the stereo is a bit far off for short drivers.

LUXURY: Mustangs are pretty low-frills. There is the option of leather seats and sat. radio with an upgraded stereo (which has tons of base but not so much depth). However, some modern touches such as Bluetooth technology, Xenon headlights, and heated seats are conspicuously absent. Such items can be had on competitors in this price range. All basic items are here, however.

The overall material quality is mediocre. The interior plastics are still a bit hard and there is still not enough noise isolation for a new vehicle. THe engine drone heard in the cabin can be annoying over long drives. The quality is a step above the prior Mustang, however.

PERFORMANCE: Here the Mustang V-6 falls woefully short. Acceleration is all sound and fury, signifying nothing. Punch the gas pedal and you hear a throaty roar, but you don't get much actual acceleration. This would be acceptable on the low-end Mustang of 10 years ago, but when you can be outrun at stoplights by Accords, you have a problem. This V-6 is an improvement over the outgoing model's for sure (in both mileage and performance), but the problem is the market is moving so fast when it comes to acceleration that the even the new V-6 is behind the market.

Obviously, this is the entry level Mustang and those wanting a kick in the pants can opt for the GT. However, Mustangs are all about bang for the buck, and if there is one area they should excel its with the pedal to the floor. The Mustang simply doesn't deliver.



Braking is respectable with decent pedal feel and fine stopping distances.

Handling isn't too bad, but again no where near where a sports coupe should be in today's age. There is too much understeer and turn-in isn't quick enough. It makes the Mustang feel larger than it is.

Ride relatively compliant. The Mustang soaks up bumps pretty well. This chassis is much more rigid than the outgoing model's, which shaked and rattled all over the place over uneven pavement. However, there is no excuse for any sports coupe these days to use a solid rear axle. That technology was outdated 20 years ago.

INTANGIBLES: The Mustang does have the "it" factor going for it. This Mustang has the look and sound befitting the name. It is hard to find a car with this kind of visceral appeal in this price range, and finding a car that turns heads in this price range is rare.

OVERALL: If you are on a limited budget and just like the idea of a Mustang, this car isn't a bad choice. For performance matching the looks, step up to the GT.