Do you believe in coincidences? Sometimes life throws you curveballs in the most unexpected ways. Meeting the owner of this 2005 Ford Mustang V6 felt like one of those moments. We connected through shared acquaintances from a past life, bonding over memories and a mutual love for cars, especially manual ones. He was a fellow car fanatic, and his ride of choice? A 2005 Ford Mustang V6 with a 5-speed manual transmission. This encounter sparked an idea: to delve into the charm of the pre-facelift fifth-generation Mustang, a car that marked a significant revival for the iconic pony car.
The Ford Mustang, often credited as the originator of the “pony car,” was conceived to be sporty, affordable, and family-friendly. When it first galloped onto the scene on April 17, 1964, dubbed the “1964 ½ Mustang,” it ignited a phenomenon. Selling over 400,000 units in its debut year, it ushered in the muscle car era, prompting rivals like Chevrolet with the Camaro and Dodge/Plymouth with the Challenger/Barracuda to join the fray. While the Mustang II (1974-1978) strayed from the original’s sleek design and sporty spirit, the fifth generation, launched in 2005, brought the Mustang back to its roots. This generation was a bold step, drawing heavy inspiration from the original Mustang while incorporating modern design elements both inside and out. Having previously driven the refreshed 2011 V6 and 2014 5.0 GT, experiencing a pre-refresh model, especially with a manual gearbox, seemed like the perfect opportunity to appreciate the raw essence of this retro-inspired Mustang.
Front view of a red 2005 Ford Mustang V6
A Nod to the Past: Retro Design
For me, the 2005-2009 Mustangs represent the pinnacle of modern Mustang design. The 2010-2014 models, with their styling updates, appear slightly elongated, particularly at the rear, and the front fascia loses some of the clean aggression of the earlier models. The current generation Mustang, while modern, leans towards a more European aesthetic. This 2005 Mustang, however, masterfully walks the line between modern and classic. It’s instantly recognizable as a Mustang, yet it feels fresh and contemporary. Key Mustang design cues are present and accounted for, most notably the separated grille and headlights. These elements combine to give the car an assertive stance without being overly aggressive. The tri-bar taillights are a clear nod to the original Mustang, reimagined in a way that feels both familiar and new. The side profile is equally well-executed, featuring sharp body lines, muscular fenders, and subtle retro touches like the Mustang script decal. The beauty of this generation lies in its simple yet timeless design – a true homage to the Mustang legacy.
Side profile of a red 2005 Ford Mustang V6 showcasing its retro design
Close-up of the rear taillights of a 2005 Ford Mustang V6, highlighting the tri-bar design
Front grille and headlights of a 2005 Ford Mustang V6 emphasizing its aggressive yet clean look
Inside the Retro Cabin
Stepping inside the 2005 Mustang V6 is like stepping back in time, but with modern sensibilities. The interior is a delightful retro throwback to the original Mustang’s cabin. The three-spoke steering wheel is visually appealing and comfortable to hold, and the circular air vents add to the vintage charm. Chrome accents are tastefully used to brighten up the interior without being overwhelming. The red leather seats in this particular model are a standout feature, adding a sporty and luxurious touch to the cabin.
Interior view of a 2005 Ford Mustang V6 showing the retro-inspired dashboard and red leather seats
Front three-quarter view of a red 2005 Ford Mustang V6 showcasing its headlights and wheel design
Detailed view of the headlight design of a 2005 Ford Mustang V6, emphasizing its retro elements
Close-up of the wheel design of a 2005 Ford Mustang V6, highlighting its sporty appearance
Driving Dynamics and Performance
One of the defining characteristics of the Ford Mustang has always been its solid rear axle suspension, a setup more commonly found in pickup trucks and body-on-frame SUVs. While this type of suspension is cost-effective to manufacture and contributes to the Mustang’s robust, truck-like feel, it’s not the most sophisticated in terms of handling. However, don’t mistake this for a negative driving experience. The 2005 Mustang V6 is still rewarding and surprisingly agile to drive. Yet, there are moments, particularly when pushed, where it can feel slightly cumbersome and a bit fidgety. At its limits, the car tends towards understeer, requiring a moment to regain composure. The steering, while not the quickest and possessing a touch of play, provides excellent feedback from the road – arguably better than later iterations of the Mustang. The steering weight is also ideally judged. Body roll is present in corners, but it doesn’t detract from the overall driving enjoyment. In fact, inducing some tail-sliding is easily achievable and remains controllable, adding to the fun factor. The solid rear axle does result in a firmer ride, with road imperfections being noticeably transmitted into the cabin. It’s not jarring, but you’re always aware of the road surface beneath you.
Rear suspension detail of a 2005 Ford Mustang V6 showcasing the solid rear axle
Side view of a 2005 Ford Mustang V6 in motion, emphasizing its handling and road presence
Front view of a red 2005 Ford Mustang V6 parked on a paved road
Rear three-quarter view of a red 2005 Ford Mustang V6 parked outdoors
The V6 Engine Experience
Many Mustang purists insist that a true Mustang must be powered by a V8 engine. While horsepower and torque figures aren’t the be-all and end-all for everyone, it’s understandable why this perception exists. When this generation debuted, the engine choices included a 210 horsepower 4.0-liter V6 and a 300 horsepower 4.6-liter V8 (excluding Shelby and Bullitt editions). The V6 was a long-serving Ford engine, and its age did show. However, in reality, the V6 is perfectly adequate and gets the job done. It offers decent punch and torque, but the power delivery isn’t consistently linear. There are moments where it feels a bit weak in the rev range, followed by surges of stronger power at other points. Essentially, the engine’s performance isn’t uniform across the powerband. It also exhibits a slightly coarse engine note and doesn’t provide the immediate surge of power one might expect from a Mustang. Nevertheless, for the average driver, the V6 provides sufficient performance for daily driving and spirited cruising. For the 2011 model year, the Mustang received significantly upgraded and more powerful, fuel-efficient V6 and V8 engines, addressing some of these criticisms. The pre-2011 models came standard with a five-speed manual transmission and an optional five-speed automatic. The manual shifter in this 2005 Mustang has a distinctly “manly” feel – it’s heavy and requires deliberate effort to engage gears, especially when cold. However, it smooths out at speed and becomes more effortless. Thanks to the V6’s torque, frequent downshifting isn’t necessary in most driving situations. The clutch is light but provides enough feedback. Fuel economy for the V6 manual was officially rated at 20 mpg combined.
Gear shifter of a 2005 Ford Mustang V6 manual transmission
Engine bay of a 2005 Ford Mustang V6 showcasing the 4.0-liter engine
Front interior view of a 2005 Ford Mustang V6 showing the dashboard and steering wheel
Living with the 2005 Mustang V6
As a sports car, the 2005 Mustang V6 is reasonably refined for everyday use. Road noise is noticeable, and the V6 engine note isn’t particularly inspiring, especially at higher RPMs, but it remains within acceptable levels.
Side mirror view of a red 2005 Ford Mustang V6 reflecting the road
Front view of a red 2005 Ford Mustang V6 parked on asphalt
Close-up of the Mustang badge on a 2005 Ford Mustang V6
The red leather seats are genuinely comfortable. They strike a good balance between softness and support, allowing you to sink in and feel relaxed. The interior fit and finish is appropriate for the car’s price point, and the controls are logically laid out and easy to use. The gauges are clear and functional, and the customizable color feature for the instrument cluster is a fun touch. The ambient lighting option, allowing you to change the interior lighting color, is another desirable feature. Getting into the Mustang requires a bit of dexterity due to the low roofline and high door sill. Rear seat access is even more challenging, as the front seats don’t offer a lot of forward movement, making squeezing into the back a tight affair. Once in the rear, space is limited, best suited for children or occasional short trips. Rear visibility is also not ideal. Front legroom and headroom are adequate, although the wide center console can intrude on knee room for some drivers. Finding a comfortable driving position is generally easy, although the high dashboard and low roof might restrict the视野 for taller individuals. Cabin storage is average, but the trunk is surprisingly spacious, capable of accommodating two full-size spare tires, although the taillight housings do intrude slightly on the trunk opening.
Instrument gauges of a 2005 Ford Mustang V6 with customizable color lighting
Center console controls of a 2005 Ford Mustang V6, highlighting the intuitive layout
Imperfections and Charm
Let’s be honest, the 2005 Mustang V6 isn’t flawless. Closer inspection reveals panel gaps in the exterior, such as around the hood and fenders, and the rear bumper and trunk. The V6 engine can feel a bit breathless at times, and it’s not the quietest cruiser on the highway. However, despite these imperfections, I found myself drawn to this car more than the 2011 Mustang V6 I previously reviewed, even though the later model boasted a more refined engine and improved handling (except for the steering feel). Why? Because these flaws, in a way, contribute to its personality. It’s in its imperfections that the 2005 Mustang V6 feels more relatable, more human, and perhaps even easier to connect with. Often, when reviewing a new car, there’s an adjustment period to understand its character. But with this Mustang, from the moment I settled into the driver’s seat, it felt familiar, like coming home. I instantly grasped what this car was about, and it allowed me to appreciate its heritage and the unique pride of driving a Mustang. Whenever I get the chance to drive this particular Mustang, my appreciation for it grows. It’s hard to articulate, but it feels like this car was made for me. The fact that it embodies, in my opinion, the best modern interpretation of classic Mustang styling is an added bonus, and those red leather seats are simply divine. Interestingly, my friend is considering selling this Mustang for a mere $3,000. Who knows? Maybe a Mustang ownership experience is in my future after all.
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