But then again, what was there competition in 2005?
What competition?
C+D Mustang 2005 Top Ten: (It took 2006 also, 2007 they dropped the "Category" thing again)
Ford’s pony-car renewal program has been nothing if not deliberate, and there are a good many among the Mustang faithful who wouldn’t have objected to some all-new action 5 or 10 years ago. But never mind. The first truly new Mustang in 26 years is on the street, and it goes good, looks bitchin’, and the GT version is an unbeatable performance buy: 300 horsepower for 25,000 bucks.
How’d they do that? Careful cost containment. Like a budget-minded travel itinerary, every element of the Mustang’s development program was shaped by that $25,000 GT destination. This accounts for the strut front suspension and the inexpensive live-axle rear suspension, a piece of technology that’s newer than the wheel, but not much. Still, the chassis engineers made it work by optimizing the axle’s locating links as well as the spring and shock locations. The GT’s rear suspension keeps the tires in contact with the pavement most of the time, an achievement for a live-axle setup.
The key to the Mustang’s good road manners is a thoroughly modern structure, adapted from the Lincoln LS. The key to its eye appeal is obvious—an inspired revival of the late ’60s Mustangs, arguably some of the best of the breed.
Stir in bargain pricing, plus the absence of direct competition, and you have a formula that adds up to “can’t lose.”