Update JAN06 -After a year of test driving EVERYTHING, I went with the Mustang (base)

I say with regret I've been without "my" mustang for almost a year now, and not a day goes by that I don't miss it. Sounds like a love story!! ;-) My wife and I traded in the Mustang and Windstar for a used Explorer. Then we got divorced and I was stuck with the Explorer. :-( Don't get me wrong, the Explorer was nice, but 15 mpg and no fun to drive.

I'm updating this since I've now been driving a 2005 Neon SXT for four months, and every time I'm in it I compare it to the Mustang. The Neon has a far superior radio, and the trunk seems three times as big. And it...umm....uhh....that's about it. Ask me why I didn't buy a 2005 Mustang? The sticker wasn't much more. But I needed 30 mpg and low insurance. I do have a heavy right foot. :-D Truthfully, after four months and 12,000 miles on the Neon, I would in a heartbeat settle for 22 mpg in exchange for another Mustang. **SIGH** End of update...

I started looking for a car last year (2002). I was looking for a sporty car with good looks and decent performance. I limited my search to vehicles under $25K, which left many options. I drove the Mitsubishi Eclipse (great style, poor visibility and power), Suburu WRX (boring looks, great power but pricey), Honda Accord (not exactly a sports car, but too expensive), Nissan Sentra Spec V (poor styling, good power but has bad torque pull), and the Mustang. I also looked online at the Hyundai Tiburon, Toyota Celica, and some GM cars.

The Mustang won me over on the styling and ergonomics. Even though it is a sports car, the visibility is good, and interior space is great (well, the front seats). I am 5'11" and slender, so I don't have a problem in most cars I drive, but my brother is 6'4" and usually has issues with headroom and legroom. He fits great in this car.

I drove the V8 GT and loved it, but personally, I didn't see a reason to spend another $6K plus additional insurance. Also, I drive pretty aggressive and probably would lose my license within a week!!

I chose the "laser red" V6 with 5-speed manual transmission. I drove the automatic, but really why an automatic on a sports car? Plus with a smaller engine the manual gives more control and a sportier feel.

I've only had this a week, though it took me 8 months to decide. So far I love it. The 3.8L really gets the car moving. Compared to the GT, yes it is slow. But it outpaces the Eclipse and other numerous Japanese "pocket rockets". I live in a small town, and have yet been able to reach redline in second; I run out of room! That Camero SS next to you may reach the next light a little quicker, but oh, well; I can still beat all the Hondas.

I live in Wisconsin, and the winters can be nasty. This is a rear-wheel drive, and not everyone can deal with that in snow. The manual will make it much easier to control, but if you are afraid of winter driving, pick a front-wheel or even better an all-wheel drive car.

The handling is tight, but rather comfortable over bumps (helped by the 16" wheels). My buddy had a Mercury Cougar that would jar the fillings out of your teeth; this Mustang is rather smooth on the highway. Once you get used to rear-wheel, this car just begs to be tossed around, once again helped by the manual tranny.

The base model is all I could have asked for. At $19,000 it is a great value. Seats are very comfortable, instruments are clear and easy to read, and I really get a kick out of the "old-style" headlight switch...the ol' pull-knob. I am leasing it for about $250/month with no money down. I'm in finances and based on my needs the lease makes the most sense; I'll want to be in another new car in 3 years anyway.

Keep in mind I am 29, male with a wife and two young kids. My other car is a 2000 Ford Windstar, so I have a vehicle for the long drives with family. But we've been comfortable driving around with all four of us and a trunk full of groceries; though I must say when a kid is behind me I need to move my seat up a little, but not bad.

Thanks to all the other epinion users; your comments were helpful deciding on the Mustang versus other sports cars. Realize it is NOT a family vehicle, and you'll do no wrong. If you can afford the GT, go for it; more options and more power. Otherwise, you won't be disappointed with the "base" V6 3.8L. And don't complain about small backseats; it has them and works for kids and short trips with other adults.

UPDATE - November 2003 - After driving the Mustang for seven months, I love it as much as the day I bought it. I took it for a 1,200 mile journey, and it was great! No problems at all. It still turns heads, and the V6 has more than enough power. Still my favorite car that I have driven (at least that I could afford).

UPDATE - May 2004 - Still lovin' the car. The stereo is still not perfect, but being a procastinator I have not replaced it yet. Now, what I'm not appreciating now is that the value has dropped a bit. A new 2004 Mustang, same options and color, is sitting on the lot for $14,500! Good news for those of you looking for a new car. I still have not found anything for below $25,000 that I would want instead of the mustang. I have many people comment on how much they like the car, and people are still happy to drive it when I offer. Don't get much of that from our minivan! My kids love riding around, and we often use it to make runs to the grocery store. We can haul four of us plus $200 worth of groceries.