2005 Ford Mustang GT Coupe

Top speed is an estimated 145 mph, but you'll have a lot more fun at half that velocity, barreling the Mustang into tight curves.

The Mustang GT's long standard equipment list boasts a tilt wheel, power-assisted, rack-and-pinion steering, power windows and locks, remote locking, cruise, rear defroster, ABS, Electronic Brake Distribution and Pirelli P235/WR-17 tires on 17x6-inch alloys. Opt for 255/45 BF Goodrich g-Force T/A tires, 18x8-inch alloys, all-speed intelligent traction control, a ground-pounding 1000-watt Shaker sound system with sub-woofers in the doors ($1,295)—and you'll still get change from $30 grand. It's the most affordable 300 hp sports car on the market, (and the most horsepower in a Mustang GT in 35 years). The Mustang is priced well under Pontiac's GTO, an Australian import that looks more like a Celica on steroids than a modern musclecar.


Safety hasn't been ignored. Besides the strong safety cage and deformable front structure that absorbs energy in a controlled manner, the Mustang GT has dual-stage driver and front-passenger airbags, safety belt pretensioners and energy management retractors. A special sensor in the passenger seat tailors the deployment of the airbag to compensate for the passenger's size and weight, with a light that warns if the airbag is turned off. Side airbags are a $370 option. An optional anti-theft package ($255) has an incline-sensing module to help prevent tow-away thefts, an interior motion sensor to deter "smash and grab" break-ins, even a separate alarm (in case thieves disable the horn) and a high-capacity, 60-amp-hour battery, so the alarm can sound for a longer time.


We had very few complaints. The Mustang's stylishly wide B-pillar limits side visibility a tad; despite the snazzy lighting, the instruments are deeply recessed and they can be a challenge to read, especially with sunglasses. Those things aside, we'll take a five-speed in Silver, thanks very much, with every extra.


Enthusiasts can rejoice—the classic Mustang is back, with new sports suspension, retro styling and a torque-y, great-sounding V-8. At $24,995, for the base, well-equipped GT, the new Mustang is an all-American, affordable performance bargain that will entice those spiky-haired kids in tuner cars to trade in their door-slammers for the real thing. (www.fordvehicles.com)