V6 Driving Impressions
10/23/04, 02:38 PM
#1
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My bride and I had the opportunity to test-drive a Torch Red V6 today. I was thinking it might be interesting to write about the basic end of the Mustang spectrum; a V6 with few options. This was the most fundamental ponycar, the likes of which Ford will sell quite a few of. Here's what we thought.
First of all, I am planning to get a GT vert. We had not planned on driving a V6; just went by Cavalier Ford, since they had called and let me know they had received two ponies (both V6; the other one is white). The Torch red was not even prepped yet. It still had a plastic-wrapped interior, and you could see the outlines where the shipping tape "teeth" had been. Despite all that, the salesguy offered us a test-drive (unescorted, no less) and we accepted.
This Mustang, like all V6 models right now, has the automatic tranny. It was equipped with the beige cloth interior and base single CD/radio. No IUP (of course), no extra goodies or options. Just the basics.
We put about eight to ten miles on the Mustang; residential, secondary and highway; potholes, tarstrips, and smooth road surfaces were part of the trip.
Seating was just as comfortable as the GT I sat in. (For that car and lots of different-from-usual pics, look for my "Satin Silver GT in VA" post from mid-October.) I had no difficulty setting up a satisfactory driving position. Visibility all around was pretty good; the rear quarter windows really help a lot. The back of the car is tall, of course, so straight back is perhaps the weakest view, but also just fine for daily driving. Mirrors provided good visibility. Between mirrors and rear quarter windows, blind spots are not a problem.
Acceleration was smooth, and better than I expected. In fact those two descriptions apply through most of the car; smooth and better than I expected. The V6 has a growl all its own when you put your right foot down. It is not the 4.6 V8, but it is quite pleasing in its own way. The 2005 Mustang DOES seem to be moving slower than it is actually going, no doubt because of its good ride and handling manners. On my first on-ramp, I pushed it laterally on curves and kept the throttle on. She rode smoothly and confidently through with no perceptible understeer as the load passed from one side of the suspension to the other in S curves. At the top of the ramp I looked down and saw I was doing over 70 mph, and was absolutely amazed. It felt like 45 or 50 mph at the most.
The solid rear axle gives a good name to the breed; solid has never been a better adjective for it. It does not hop over railroad tracks or potholes; the Mustang always tracked exactly where I expected it to. Body roll was well controlled. The V6 Mustang just always felt poised. It was as though it was waiting for me to give it some REAL challenge.
Steering is firm, direct and rather quick. I do not know what the wheel turns are lock-to-lock, but the number will be low, I think. Virtually no play, and well-centered. Turning radius on a u-turn was quite tight, with no binding at steering lock.
Brakes will stop you with no drama at all. My chosen exit ramp is long, fairly straight until the very bottom, and downhill. Traffic was almost nill, so I could aggressively apply the brakes. The Mustang responded without excessive nose dive, quickly and easily stopping in a nice, straight controlled fashion.
Noise levels in the cabin were about what I expected. The V6 sounds prettier with the windows down. All controls worked easily and cleanly. The menus on the basic radio were easy to walk through. You can set the clock without the owners manual. The auto-volume adjusting feature worked well. Once I reset the bass and treble to neutral, the basic system sounded surprisingly good. Base Mustang buyers will not be disappointed.
My bride also liked the handling of the Mustang. She liked the fact she could have the windows all the way down without the car blowing her hair into her face. Unlike the previous generation Mustang, it was easy for her to find a comfortable position in relationship to the steering wheel and pedals. She was as pleased as I at how well it held the road, and she felt very confident driving it "enthusiastically".
Fit and finish throughout the car was excellent with a single exception. The upper weather-strip on the passenger door was loose. Except for that, everything was fastened exactly where and how it should have been. As I mentioned, this car had not yet been prepped from transport. My wife would have liked the seat belt shackle position to be adjustable, to keep the belt away from her neck. Other than that, she liked the interior ergonomics. She was concerned about being able to see over the hood and sight lines around the car (she is vertically-challenged). But once she adjusted the drivers seat, she quickly gave it her stamp of approval.
At this stage of the game, you must be CAREFUL driving a new Mustang on public roads. People will do all manner of things to get and maintain a good look at the car. One guy in a van stopped completely in the middle of an intersection to watch us. I could read his lips ("Oh, sh**!! That's one of the new Mustangs!!") Folks rode right beside us on the interstate. People going the other direction broke their necks once they spotted us. You cannot travel incognito in this car.
So can those folks who purchase even the most basic Mustang get value for their dollar?
Oh yes. You sure can.
First of all, I am planning to get a GT vert. We had not planned on driving a V6; just went by Cavalier Ford, since they had called and let me know they had received two ponies (both V6; the other one is white). The Torch red was not even prepped yet. It still had a plastic-wrapped interior, and you could see the outlines where the shipping tape "teeth" had been. Despite all that, the salesguy offered us a test-drive (unescorted, no less) and we accepted.
This Mustang, like all V6 models right now, has the automatic tranny. It was equipped with the beige cloth interior and base single CD/radio. No IUP (of course), no extra goodies or options. Just the basics.
We put about eight to ten miles on the Mustang; residential, secondary and highway; potholes, tarstrips, and smooth road surfaces were part of the trip.
Seating was just as comfortable as the GT I sat in. (For that car and lots of different-from-usual pics, look for my "Satin Silver GT in VA" post from mid-October.) I had no difficulty setting up a satisfactory driving position. Visibility all around was pretty good; the rear quarter windows really help a lot. The back of the car is tall, of course, so straight back is perhaps the weakest view, but also just fine for daily driving. Mirrors provided good visibility. Between mirrors and rear quarter windows, blind spots are not a problem.
Acceleration was smooth, and better than I expected. In fact those two descriptions apply through most of the car; smooth and better than I expected. The V6 has a growl all its own when you put your right foot down. It is not the 4.6 V8, but it is quite pleasing in its own way. The 2005 Mustang DOES seem to be moving slower than it is actually going, no doubt because of its good ride and handling manners. On my first on-ramp, I pushed it laterally on curves and kept the throttle on. She rode smoothly and confidently through with no perceptible understeer as the load passed from one side of the suspension to the other in S curves. At the top of the ramp I looked down and saw I was doing over 70 mph, and was absolutely amazed. It felt like 45 or 50 mph at the most.
The solid rear axle gives a good name to the breed; solid has never been a better adjective for it. It does not hop over railroad tracks or potholes; the Mustang always tracked exactly where I expected it to. Body roll was well controlled. The V6 Mustang just always felt poised. It was as though it was waiting for me to give it some REAL challenge.
Steering is firm, direct and rather quick. I do not know what the wheel turns are lock-to-lock, but the number will be low, I think. Virtually no play, and well-centered. Turning radius on a u-turn was quite tight, with no binding at steering lock.
Brakes will stop you with no drama at all. My chosen exit ramp is long, fairly straight until the very bottom, and downhill. Traffic was almost nill, so I could aggressively apply the brakes. The Mustang responded without excessive nose dive, quickly and easily stopping in a nice, straight controlled fashion.
Noise levels in the cabin were about what I expected. The V6 sounds prettier with the windows down. All controls worked easily and cleanly. The menus on the basic radio were easy to walk through. You can set the clock without the owners manual. The auto-volume adjusting feature worked well. Once I reset the bass and treble to neutral, the basic system sounded surprisingly good. Base Mustang buyers will not be disappointed.
My bride also liked the handling of the Mustang. She liked the fact she could have the windows all the way down without the car blowing her hair into her face. Unlike the previous generation Mustang, it was easy for her to find a comfortable position in relationship to the steering wheel and pedals. She was as pleased as I at how well it held the road, and she felt very confident driving it "enthusiastically".
Fit and finish throughout the car was excellent with a single exception. The upper weather-strip on the passenger door was loose. Except for that, everything was fastened exactly where and how it should have been. As I mentioned, this car had not yet been prepped from transport. My wife would have liked the seat belt shackle position to be adjustable, to keep the belt away from her neck. Other than that, she liked the interior ergonomics. She was concerned about being able to see over the hood and sight lines around the car (she is vertically-challenged). But once she adjusted the drivers seat, she quickly gave it her stamp of approval.
At this stage of the game, you must be CAREFUL driving a new Mustang on public roads. People will do all manner of things to get and maintain a good look at the car. One guy in a van stopped completely in the middle of an intersection to watch us. I could read his lips ("Oh, sh**!! That's one of the new Mustangs!!") Folks rode right beside us on the interstate. People going the other direction broke their necks once they spotted us. You cannot travel incognito in this car.
So can those folks who purchase even the most basic Mustang get value for their dollar?
Oh yes. You sure can.
10/23/04, 02:47 PM
#3
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[FONT=Times][SIZE=1][B] Good to hear that the 6 is doing well. I hate it when cars have a little brother that can't even compete with its more powerful brother. By the way, I'm a new member to this site, but have been reading up on the boards for the 05 for a few months! B)
By the way, I'm a new member to this site, but have been reading up on the boards for the 05 for a few months! B)
10/23/04, 02:58 PM
#5
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Yeah, I just got back from Bob Bennet Ford over in Columbia, SC and they have a satin silver gt in the showroom and 2 v6's in the parking lot. I took the screaming yellow one out for a ride. I was EXTREMELY impressed to say the least. Acceleration was equivilent to a 94-98 gt. Handling was in its own league however. It handled unbelieveable well. Little to no body roll around turns and smooth over bumps. This was also the first time I have actually seen the 05 in person, and I have to say it is a LOT nicer in person. I am still blown away by how amazing it was. The inside as well as outside is perfectly crafted. They're getting a torch red gt in on monday or tuesday and they are going to give me a call when it comes in so I can take it for a ride. If it is anything better than the v6 then it will be hard to believe!
10/23/04, 03:19 PM
#6
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thank you so much for the post Jon. I love reading good things about the V6, especially since i'll most likely purchase one in a few years.
i am very happy the V6 is surprising people. i hope it surprises me too
i am very happy the V6 is surprising people. i hope it surprises me too
10/23/04, 05:42 PM
#7
Originally posted by Paris MkVI@October 23, 2004, 2:41 PM
My bride also liked the handling of the Mustang. She liked the fact she could have the windows all the way down without the car blowing her hair into her face.
My bride also liked the handling of the Mustang. She liked the fact she could have the windows all the way down without the car blowing her hair into her face.
I now have the secret weapon to get my wife to stop whining "what do you need a new Mustang for, you only have 20,000 miles on the one you have" and change her tune to "What are we waiting for, let's get rid of that old piece of garbage and get a new Mustang."
10/25/04, 07:33 AM
#8
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Thread Starter
Yeah, it's funny, the little things that make people like a car. 
We like Mustangs because, well, they're Mustangs! But if it blew her hair all around with the windows down, she would not have liked it very much.
I told her to get used to hair scrunchies and scarves with the vert!
We like Mustangs because, well, they're Mustangs! But if it blew her hair all around with the windows down, she would not have liked it very much.
I told her to get used to hair scrunchies and scarves with the vert!
10/25/04, 08:47 AM
#9
Shelby GT500 Member
For those that are "vertically challenged", its nice that even the base V6 has the seat that can ratchet up and down, as well as all the tilts and back/forward seat adjustments.
That was a surprise when I drove a V6.
That was a surprise when I drove a V6.
10/25/04, 10:32 AM
#10
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I'd also like to say thank you for showing the V6 some love! 
Especially since that is what I'll be getting and can't really test drive until about June or so (since I won't be getting it until then!)
Especially since that is what I'll be getting and can't really test drive until about June or so (since I won't be getting it until then!)
10/25/04, 10:44 AM
#11
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Wow - I just can't wait to get behind the wheel of a V6 sometime very soon. After first looking at all the pics, subsequently ordering my own version and now hearing these great reviews I am just CRANKED!
Everyone that drives the autos seems to agree that they are fantastic - it will be interesting to eventually see the consensus on V6 sticks.
Everyone that drives the autos seems to agree that they are fantastic - it will be interesting to eventually see the consensus on V6 sticks.
10/25/04, 04:21 PM
#12
Originally posted by V10+October 23, 2004, 5:45 PM--></div><table border='0' align='center' width='95%' cellpadding='3' cellspacing='1'><tr><td>QUOTE (V10 @ October 23, 2004, 5:45 PM)</td></tr><tr><td id='QUOTE'> <!--QuoteBegin-Paris MkVI@October 23, 2004, 2:41 PM
My bride also liked the handling of the Mustang. She liked the fact she could have the windows all the way down without the car blowing her hair into her face.
My bride also liked the handling of the Mustang. She liked the fact she could have the windows all the way down without the car blowing her hair into her face.
I now have the secret weapon to get my wife to stop whining "what do you need a new Mustang for, you only have 20,000 miles on the one you have" and change her tune to "What are we waiting for, let's get rid of that old piece of garbage and get a new Mustang."
[/b][/quote]My woman is getting impossible to deal with. Although she liked that her hair wouldn't get blown around in a '05, she's now insisting that I wait until I can get a Mustang with heated seats and dual zone temperature controls. :bang:
Come one Ford, help me out!
10/26/04, 11:21 AM
#14
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Thread Starter
Vroom, think of it as a lite version of the 4.6. The V6 pulls well even at lower revs. I haven't seen the graphs; I would guess the torque band is not quite as flat and wide as the V8.
The response I noticed, though, was when I put my right foot in deeper, the V6 responded with real enthusiasm. Rather than hitting a wall and running out of breath at higher rev's, you feel the V6 "come on" at about 3000 RPM. Then, with the Mustang's neutral, controllable handling, you find yourself doing things you wouldn't try in your other cars (well, at least I would not have tried it).
In terms of bang for the buck, any of the Mustangs - including the V6 - are going to be very hard to beat.
The response I noticed, though, was when I put my right foot in deeper, the V6 responded with real enthusiasm. Rather than hitting a wall and running out of breath at higher rev's, you feel the V6 "come on" at about 3000 RPM. Then, with the Mustang's neutral, controllable handling, you find yourself doing things you wouldn't try in your other cars (well, at least I would not have tried it).
In terms of bang for the buck, any of the Mustangs - including the V6 - are going to be very hard to beat.
10/27/04, 06:05 AM
#17
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Originally posted by vroomvroom@October 26, 2004, 2:12 PM
Do you think theyll make a horsepower chip or something to make the v6 faster?
Do you think theyll make a horsepower chip or something to make the v6 faster?
I have no doubt folks are already working on the V8 chip. If they see a market for it the V6 may get the same attention. Anyone out there heard of motor chip mods for the V6?
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