Finally did it.

Ever since I was a 'lil guy, I've always wanted my own muscle car and ever since I saw a certain movie called Bullitt that stared the king of cool, Steve McQueen; I've wanted a Mustang. The only problem was when I was getting my licence (2001) the then current Mustang just didn't do it for me. Granted, back then I would have been lucky to even afford the most meager V6 Mustang, and that just wouldn't do. So I waited. I've driven a '97 Ranger (decent if underpowered), a '01 V6 Nissan Frontier (great truck!) and an '02 Nissan Maxima (fast, but something was missing) Now was my time. Ford launched the new SN197 Mustang and this one does the American legend justice. It does really look like a modern interpetation of a '68 Mustang and that is no bad thing. I found a used '06 GT with the auto in 'Tungsten grey' with the optional 'Torquethrust' (aka Bullitt wheels. It also only had 7000 miles on it and clearly was owned by somebody who took it golfing on Sundays- if even that. All those years slaving away, saving up for this 'magical' ride; was it worth it?

Hell yes it was. I've driven a few previous generation Mustangs, while fast thanks to the 4.6L V8, they were sloppy, not exactly well built, cheap interior and unrefined as a barn door.... and don't even get me started on the clutch.... this new bodystyle however, it's a very good looking, sexy car and it puts that all to rest (the older car's malodies). While you'll never mistake it for a Mercedes, my GT is still fairly comfortable around town and on the daily grind, you'll feel all the bumps, but they won't jar your bones. Also the GT seats, quite honestly, this is the best seat I've ever sat in. It's comfortable, suportive, adjustible and Ford put a classy running horse motiff on the cloth that really does look good. Feels good too. Also the interior does evoke the classic '68, but egornomicly, it's still very much modern. Everything is at hand, user friendly and well assembled. No rattles, no funny noises. It fits me like a glove, but then again I'm only 5'8 and somewhat skinny. The base single CD radio sounds good, it won't blow an audiophile away, but it serves it's purpose well. Still, I gotta find a way to integrate my iPod shuffle....

My former vehicle was an '02 Nissan Maxima SE with the 6 speed manual. It was fast and it had a great engine, but it didn't really engage me, it didn't stir my senses when I floored it and the suspension was not up to par with the engine, especially the rear, why on Nissan's flagship did they install a rear BEAM axle? Now I know the Mustang has a solid rear axle, but on a Mustang it's almost expected, but it doesn't spoil the ride. It's well integrated. It would have been great if Ford finally installed IRS on the GT, but not a big deal, this setup works just fine. Also the Maxima was cumbersome, it had a pretty bad turning radius for what it was and especially with the stick shift, parking was a chore that you never quite got used to. The Mustang is the polar opposite. Parking this 'beast' is so easy it's fun. Just point and shoot. Finished.

Also the manual trans is what got me into this Mustang- this GT is an automatic. San Diego traffic is no fun with a stick- ever try to leave a Chargers game? Especially a playoff victory (basically all of San Diego is at the stadium) it's not fun. The Mustang's 5 speed auto is good. It's well matched to the car and so far no funny business. My only 'gripe' and it's very minor- Ford should of at least made available an 'autoshift' feature, that would have been very cool.

Now here comes the meat of this review- what lurks under the hood. THIS is why I bought the Mustang, the 4.6 liter 3 valve per cylinder (24 total valves) SOHC V8. 300 horsepower and 320 pounds of all American torque. It DOES NOT disapoint. This car is fast, fast, fast! Faster then my stick Maxima. Smooth also, but that great exhaust tone, it never fails to put a huge smile on my face. Did I say it was all American? It roars, it bellows. I would'nt have it any other way. At cruise, it's quiet. Lay into it and then it become audible to you and the Prius you're blowing by. Passing cars is this car's forte, you're not going to really have any trouble doing this, unless if it's a Corvette or something like that. For everyday traffic though, put the blinker on, find your hole and hold on! Then watch the minivan disapear in your mirror. Just watch your speed though (not suprisingly, this car does that quite well, be careful)

Despite the V8, if you drive it in a rational manner, the car will return 18-20 MPG, not too shabby. Lay into it and you won't be passing very many gas stations. Also the car's brakes are very, very good. The 4 wheel dics and ABS will get this car stopped in a jiffy, drama free. It's also very well made, everything is tight and there are no huge panel gaps unlike the older Mustangs.

In short, this car that was my previously only in my dreams is now in my driveway and I couldn't be anymore happy with it. I highly recomend this Mustang GT.