2006 Mustang GT: Ownership Experience (with photos)

Vert1go · 17th September 2009, 12:16

I thought some of you might be interested in reading about the Mustang. I've had many Mustangs in my family (all GTs), and this one is by far the best out of all previous generations of Mustangs.

First, let me say that the Mustang has always been extremely reliable. My girlfriend had a 2005 Mustang GT with a 5-speed, and she put 90,000 miles on it without a single problem. Her previous Mustang, a 1997 model, was just as reliable when she sold it with 130,000 miles on the odo. All of our Mustangs have been just as trouble free - only oil changes were needed, that's it. Even the brake pads last an extremely long time.

I mainly drive my truck, so the Mustang I have only has about 5000 miles on it now, however as mentioned above my report is also based on my girlfriend's 2005 Mustang, which had much higher mileage (which I mostly drive as well).

Alright, back to the 2006 Mustang. Mine is a Premium model, with leather, upgraded aluminum panels on the dashboard, 1000-watt stereo, 18-inch wheels, and the 5-speed automatic transmission.

The new generation Mustang came out in 2005, and the first thing I noticed when I first drove this Mustang was how great the car handled. Unlike previous generations of Mustangs, the rear end tracking was fantastic over bumps and cornering. The Mustang how has the handling of the highly regarded GM F-Body cars (Camaro, Firebird). It's crisp, predictable, and rock solid as well as very well mannered and comfortable on the highway. Ford got the suspension right this time, and it really shows. The car feels much smaller and lighter than it really is, which makes it extremely fun to drive.

This car has the 4.6 liter aluminum OHC V8, 300 horsepower. Power is delivery is very strong, especially once it reaches 2500 RPM. The 5-speed automatic is incredible - under full throttle acceleration it shifts extremely quickly and with authority, and while cruising it's very smooth. This transmission has very close gear ratios, so it's as quick as the 5-speed manual transmission, in my opinion. With traction control switched off, it doesn't take any effort to spin the rear wheels through third gear, if desired. The exhaust note is awesome, not loud, but it makes itself known as a V8.

Seating comfort is also very good. Not quite as comfortable as a Camaro or Firebird, but still better than any previous Mustang. The steering is quick and precise, and I really like the retro look to the interior. Newer models now have a glass roof as well. The factory stereo sounds fantastic, with very powerful bass and the ability to play MP3s. The user can load five discs into the multi-disc changer right into the dash unit. The air conditioning is ice cold, which is important here in south Florida.

The downside to this car is the poor fuel economy. On the highway, the car will manage about 22 mpg, and around town it will be worse. I suppose it could be worse, but a modern Corvette can get almost 30 mpg with a much larger engine, so it's something to think about.

I really like the body styling and it's been changed slightly again for 2009, although the car is basically the same. The body fit and finish is superb, and the paint finish is mirror smooth. There are no rattles, squeaks, or any indication of things wearing out. The same could be said of my girlfriend's 2005 Mustang GT, which she sold with 90,000 miles on it as mentioned above.

So, to summarize:

The good:

Awesome styling
Tons of power, V8 exhaust note
Comfortable interior, great stereo
Fantastic suspension
Very high quality fit and finish

The bad:

Poor fuel economy
Rear seats are almost useless (lack of room)
Could use slightly wider rubber from the factory

jp2u · 17th September 2009, 13:16

Mustang

i can only dream of buying this car.

My fav car and its been my desktop's wallpaper for so long now.

Dude, you are one lucky guy with a lucky charm, do handle with care

bashani · 17th September 2009, 13:50

The car is an absolute beauty....
Droooooollllllllllll!!!!!!!!!!!
Congratulations

Loved the color as well.
Some more info and pictures would be appreciated.

GTO · 18th September 2009, 18:25

Firstly, let me congratulate you on owning the pony. What a great looking muscle car! Nice choice of colour too. Ford has done a fantastic job with the Mustangs styling, even the previous gen Mustang was a looker.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Vert1go

First, let me say that the Mustang has always been extremely reliable.

With 5,000 miles what do you expect?

Just kidding. Simple construction and Ford does have a better reliability record than the other 1.5 American car makers.

Quote:

My girlfriend had a 2005 Mustang GT with a 5-speed, and she put 90,000 miles on it without a single problem. Her previous Mustang, a 1997 model, was just as reliable when she sold it with 130,000 miles on the odo.

Got pictures of both the mustangs together?

Quote:

It's crisp, predictable, and rock solid as well as very well mannered and comfortable on the highway. Ford got the suspension right this time, and it really shows. The car feels much smaller and lighter than it really is, which makes it extremely fun to drive.

I've driven the previous gen extensive (01 - 03) and it really wasn't a great handler. Looks like this gen is a definite step ahead.

Quote:

This car has the 4.6 liter aluminum OHC V8, 300 horsepower.

HAHAHA! Only the V8s are real mustangs right?

Quote:

I suppose it could be worse, but a modern Corvette can get almost 30 mpg with a much larger engine, so it's something to think about.

Think its got a lot to do with the Vettes tall gearing too. Doesn't the Corvette have / had a gear upshift feature where it skipped a gear or two, straight to a higher ratio to meet EPA requirements?

Thanks for sharing this review with us. Can't beat the Mustang on the bang for the buck factor. How I wish we could buy such cars out here for $30,000 / 15 lakh rupees!

musicmanaman · 18th September 2009, 19:26

What a lovely car you have got youeself there, wish I could have one too. Keep us posted as you clock those miles. Happy driving my friend.

Vert1go · 10th December 2009, 14:09

I just thought I would share...

kcnetid · 10th December 2009, 14:16

you must be waking up with pleasure each day !! :-)

musicvj · 10th December 2009, 18:14

Drools...

We accept more pics as well

, feel free to upload all of them

Edit: Just saw your ownership thread. Awesome pics

Caramelo · 11th December 2009, 11:17

this car has 18th century suspension!

they say. anyways looks cool.

kraft.wagen · 11th December 2009, 12:37

Thats a stunner.Its a dream machine for me.
Loved the color.
More pictures of the interiors

Ramsagar · 11th December 2009, 14:34

Amazing pics. Looks stunning in that color. Can't resist myself to lay my hands on it.

Never seems to be 3y old boy. Maintained very well.

Pls post some pics of your friends ride as well. Love to watch them.

vnabhi · 11th December 2009, 14:46

Great looking car indeed! I've seen many Mustangs in SFO and LA and boy o boy, their owners used to rave about them!

I've just observed that the ORVM adjustment knob and the head-light switch looks similar to the ones on the Indian Fiesta, and so do the AC ducts/ louvres!

I've seen similar ones on the Focus RS in UK too!

stanjohn123 · 17th December 2009, 02:37

Quote:

Originally Posted by Vert1go

The good:

Awesome styling
Tons of power, V8 exhaust note
Comfortable interior, great stereo
Fantastic suspension
Very high quality fit and finish

Dude this is definitely what anyone would want in a sports car. Who cares about the bad parts when there are so many good things in it.Simply mouth watering dude.Awesome car This and my favourite too!!

abhayshanu · 17th December 2009, 02:42

You Lucky, hmm cant say more, but dude you dont know how lucky you are to have that beast.

sidindica · 19th December 2009, 13:26

The 2011 Mustang GT will get a 5.0 L VVT 32 V DOHC coyote V8 with 412 horsepower. Drool..

17th September 2009, 12:16	#1
Vert1go BHPian Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Cape Coral Posts: 74 Thanked: 3 Times	2006 Mustang GT: Ownership Experience (with photos) I thought some of you might be interested in reading about the Mustang. I've had many Mustangs in my family (all GTs), and this one is by far the best out of all previous generations of Mustangs. First, let me say that the Mustang has always been extremely reliable. My girlfriend had a 2005 Mustang GT with a 5-speed, and she put 90,000 miles on it without a single problem. Her previous Mustang, a 1997 model, was just as reliable when she sold it with 130,000 miles on the odo. All of our Mustangs have been just as trouble free - only oil changes were needed, that's it. Even the brake pads last an extremely long time. I mainly drive my truck, so the Mustang I have only has about 5000 miles on it now, however as mentioned above my report is also based on my girlfriend's 2005 Mustang, which had much higher mileage (which I mostly drive as well). Alright, back to the 2006 Mustang. Mine is a Premium model, with leather, upgraded aluminum panels on the dashboard, 1000-watt stereo, 18-inch wheels, and the 5-speed automatic transmission. The new generation Mustang came out in 2005, and the first thing I noticed when I first drove this Mustang was how great the car handled. Unlike previous generations of Mustangs, the rear end tracking was fantastic over bumps and cornering. The Mustang how has the handling of the highly regarded GM F-Body cars (Camaro, Firebird). It's crisp, predictable, and rock solid as well as very well mannered and comfortable on the highway. Ford got the suspension right this time, and it really shows. The car feels much smaller and lighter than it really is, which makes it extremely fun to drive. This car has the 4.6 liter aluminum OHC V8, 300 horsepower. Power is delivery is very strong, especially once it reaches 2500 RPM. The 5-speed automatic is incredible - under full throttle acceleration it shifts extremely quickly and with authority, and while cruising it's very smooth. This transmission has very close gear ratios, so it's as quick as the 5-speed manual transmission, in my opinion. With traction control switched off, it doesn't take any effort to spin the rear wheels through third gear, if desired. The exhaust note is awesome, not loud, but it makes itself known as a V8. Seating comfort is also very good. Not quite as comfortable as a Camaro or Firebird, but still better than any previous Mustang. The steering is quick and precise, and I really like the retro look to the interior. Newer models now have a glass roof as well. The factory stereo sounds fantastic, with very powerful bass and the ability to play MP3s. The user can load five discs into the multi-disc changer right into the dash unit. The air conditioning is ice cold, which is important here in south Florida. The downside to this car is the poor fuel economy. On the highway, the car will manage about 22 mpg, and around town it will be worse. I suppose it could be worse, but a modern Corvette can get almost 30 mpg with a much larger engine, so it's something to think about. I really like the body styling and it's been changed slightly again for 2009, although the car is basically the same. The body fit and finish is superb, and the paint finish is mirror smooth. There are no rattles, squeaks, or any indication of things wearing out. The same could be said of my girlfriend's 2005 Mustang GT, which she sold with 90,000 miles on it as mentioned above. So, to summarize: The good: Awesome styling Tons of power, V8 exhaust note Comfortable interior, great stereo Fantastic suspension Very high quality fit and finish The bad: Poor fuel economy Rear seats are almost useless (lack of room) Could use slightly wider rubber from the factory Attached Thumbnails Last edited by Vert1go : 17th September 2009 at 12:23.
	() Thanks

17th September 2009, 13:16	#2
jp2u BHPian Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: chennai Posts: 237 Thanked: 21 Times View My Garage	Mustang i can only dream of buying this car. My fav car and its been my desktop's wallpaper for so long now. Dude, you are one lucky guy with a lucky charm, do handle with care
	() Thanks

17th September 2009, 13:50	#3
bashani BHPian Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Nasik Posts: 73 Thanked: 0 Times	The car is an absolute beauty.... Droooooollllllllllll!!!!!!!!!!! Congratulations Loved the color as well. Some more info and pictures would be appreciated.
	() Thanks

18th September 2009, 19:26	#5
musicmanaman BHPian Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: kolkata Posts: 927 Thanked: 25 Times	What a lovely car you have got youeself there, wish I could have one too. Keep us posted as you clock those miles. Happy driving my friend.
	() Thanks

10th December 2009, 14:09	#6
Vert1go BHPian Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Cape Coral Posts: 74 Thanked: 3 Times	Just a photo of my 2006 Mustang GT Premium I just thought I would share... Attached Thumbnails
	() Thanks

10th December 2009, 14:16	#7
kcnetid BHPian Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Hyderabad Posts: 89 Thanked: 11 Times	you must be waking up with pleasure each day !! :-)
	() Thanks

10th December 2009, 18:14	#8
musicvj BHPian Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Chennai Posts: 115 Thanked: 3 Times	Drools... We accept more pics as well , feel free to upload all of them Edit: Just saw your ownership thread. Awesome pics Last edited by musicvj : 10th December 2009 at 18:15.
	() Thanks

11th December 2009, 11:17	#9
Caramelo BHPian Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: ahmedabad Posts: 769 Thanked: 16 Times	this car has 18th century suspension! they say. anyways looks cool.
	() Thanks

11th December 2009, 12:37	#10
kraft.wagen BHPian Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: Cbe <- >Ams Posts: 978 Thanked: 329 Times View My Garage	Thats a stunner.Its a dream machine for me. Loved the color. More pictures of the interiors
	() Thanks

11th December 2009, 14:34	#11
Ramsagar Senior - BHPian Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: BLR_Nellore(AP) Posts: 1,396 Thanked: 252 Times View My Garage	Amazing pics. Looks stunning in that color. Can't resist myself to lay my hands on it. Never seems to be 3y old boy. Maintained very well. Pls post some pics of your friends ride as well. Love to watch them. Last edited by Ramsagar : 11th December 2009 at 14:35.
	() Thanks

11th December 2009, 14:46	#12
vnabhi Senior - BHPian Join Date: May 2007 Location: DC -> DC Posts: 5,958 Thanked: 2,393 Times View My Garage	Great looking car indeed! I've seen many Mustangs in SFO and LA and boy o boy, their owners used to rave about them! I've just observed that the ORVM adjustment knob and the head-light switch looks similar to the ones on the Indian Fiesta, and so do the AC ducts/ louvres! I've seen similar ones on the Focus RS in UK too!
	() Thanks

17th December 2009, 02:42	#14
abhayshanu BHPian Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Mumbai Posts: 708 Thanked: 324 Times View My Garage	You Lucky, hmm cant say more, but dude you dont know how lucky you are to have that beast.
	() Thanks

19th December 2009, 13:26	#15
sidindica Senior - BHPian Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Delhi Posts: 4,892 Thanked: 8,106 Times	The 2011 Mustang GT will get a 5.0 L VVT 32 V DOHC coyote V8 with 412 horsepower. Drool..
	() Thanks