Which is the Best Generation of Stangs...
Cobra R Member
Joined: February 25, 2004
Posts: 1,796
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well i think the first gen stangs should also be split into three groups. I personally like the 69-70 mustang the best. 2005+ close behind. And this in no way has anything to do with my 69 boss302 and 07 on order..... oh wait maybe it does
Legacy TMS Member
Joined: May 16, 2004
Posts: 5,205
Likes: 18
From: Bristol, TN
Styling - 69 to 70 was the high watermark in terms of styling
Best bang for the buck - fox cars. what can't be done or hasn't been done to a fox car?
Best overall - 05 + all the style of the early cars with an aftermarket that will probably rival the fox cars.
Best bang for the buck - fox cars. what can't be done or hasn't been done to a fox car?
Best overall - 05 + all the style of the early cars with an aftermarket that will probably rival the fox cars.
Shelby GT500 Member
Joined: July 21, 2004
Posts: 2,924
Likes: 1
From: New Jersey
I personally dislike the 71-73 models least for styling. While there were still some pretty stout engine/powertrain choices those years, in terms of looks I like them least.
My first car was a '78 Cobra II v-6 4spd so I have a special spot in my heart for IIs.
I have no love for the 79-81 cars. No impressive engines to speak of, nothing special as far as looks go. '82 started the whole performance resurgence so '82-86' I really liked. Don't mind the '87-93' but I feel they ruined the interior. Didn't like that interior design at all.
As far as best Mustang ever made, I'm calling S197 on that. These cars are more tightly screwed togther, offer excellent performance and style and turn heads even when exotic cars are present.
My first car was a '78 Cobra II v-6 4spd so I have a special spot in my heart for IIs.
I have no love for the 79-81 cars. No impressive engines to speak of, nothing special as far as looks go. '82 started the whole performance resurgence so '82-86' I really liked. Don't mind the '87-93' but I feel they ruined the interior. Didn't like that interior design at all.
As far as best Mustang ever made, I'm calling S197 on that. These cars are more tightly screwed togther, offer excellent performance and style and turn heads even when exotic cars are present.
Legacy TMS Member
Joined: July 23, 2006
Posts: 297
Likes: 9
From: Chico, California
I love all the generations of Mustangs!
My favorite generations of Mustangs are the first generation (1964 1/2 thru 1966), the "New Edge" generation (1999 - 2004), and now the S197 generation (2005 thru 2007) has really grown on me.
I was a young man when the Mustang was born. Loved it. When the SN95 generation came along in 1994, I recognized some styling cues from the classic era. When I saw the retro styling of the 2005 Mustang, I knew had to own one. Thrilled with our 2007 Mustang.
But like I said, I love all the generations of Mustangs really. If you drive a Mustang, you have good taste. You're in the club.
My favorite generations of Mustangs are the first generation (1964 1/2 thru 1966), the "New Edge" generation (1999 - 2004), and now the S197 generation (2005 thru 2007) has really grown on me.
I was a young man when the Mustang was born. Loved it. When the SN95 generation came along in 1994, I recognized some styling cues from the classic era. When I saw the retro styling of the 2005 Mustang, I knew had to own one. Thrilled with our 2007 Mustang.
But like I said, I love all the generations of Mustangs really. If you drive a Mustang, you have good taste. You're in the club.
SUPERCHARGED RED ROCKET ------------------Master-Moderator
Joined: May 11, 2006
Posts: 10,644
Likes: 2,509
From: Carnegie, PA
As for styling and performance ? my favorite Mustang of all time is the 67-68 fastback during the first generation as this was the car I admired growing up as a youngster lol. my next favorite is my current S-197 05 GT which not only bears strong resemblance of the 67-68 ? but is also the best quality built Mustang that Ford has ever produced in the car's 43 year history.. I also liked the 69-70 Mach 1 from both a styling and performance standpoint as well..However my least favorites are the 74-78 Mustang II and hope that doesn't offend anyone because I had one but personally from a styling standpoint ? it just reminded me too much of a stretched out Pinto which also had nothing in performance with no thanks to the arab oil embargo crisis that took place back then of course..I especially didn't care for the 71-73 fastback either although from a performance standpoint ? it crushed the competition however Ford went way overboard on both the sportsroof and increase in overall size and as to how anybody was able to see out that flat rear window ? not only was that nerve racking but also very dangerous in causing one hell of a blind spot as well...Other than that I really don't have any major dislikes that I recall from as I've enjoyed just about every Mustang I've ever had the privilege of owning...
Thread Starter
Mach 1 Member
Joined: December 24, 2005
Posts: 701
Likes: 1
As for styling and performance ? my favorite Mustang of all time is the 67-68 fastback during the first generation as this was the car I admired growing up as a youngster lol. my next favorite is my current S-197 05 GT which not only bears strong resemblance of the 67-68 ? but is also the best quality built Mustang that Ford has ever produced in the car's 43 year history.. I also liked the 69-70 Mach 1 from both a styling and performance standpoint as well..However my least favorites are the 74-78 Mustang II and hope that doesn't offend anyone because I had one but personally from a styling standpoint ? it just reminded me too much of a stretched out Pinto which also had nothing in performance with no thanks to the arab oil embargo crisis that took place back then of course..I especially didn't care for the 71-73 fastback either although from a performance standpoint ? it crushed the competition however Ford went way overboard on both the sportsroof and increase in overall size and as to how anybody was able to see out that flat rear window ? not only was that nerve racking but also very dangerous in causing one hell of a blind spot as well...Other than that I really don't have any major dislikes that I recall from as I've enjoyed just about every Mustang I've ever had the privilege of owning...
Anyway, I like the '71-'73, but they are just gigantic. My gram's 3/4 Chevy pup is about as long and as wide.
I want one in red.
Team Mustang Source
Joined: January 29, 2004
Posts: 6,730
Likes: 3
I really don't have much love for the original cars as a whole. I can appreciate the car by all means, and they are classics but I am a GM man when it comes to the 60's. Of 60's Fords I would much rather score a Torino GT.
I would say the S197 is by far the best, not only by its technology, but that is stands defiantly alone in a class by itself when all its Johnny-come-lately competitors have long since died quiet deaths. And still, it captures people's emotions without needing gimmicks. And yet again, the competitors are scrambling to figure out a way to capture some its thunder.
For the worst I would say the gigantor 71-73, when the Mustang lost its way for reasons that weren't dictated by the current events at the time. It was like an omen, when Ford thought big and bulky was the way to go, it quickly blew up in their face.
I would say the S197 is by far the best, not only by its technology, but that is stands defiantly alone in a class by itself when all its Johnny-come-lately competitors have long since died quiet deaths. And still, it captures people's emotions without needing gimmicks. And yet again, the competitors are scrambling to figure out a way to capture some its thunder.
For the worst I would say the gigantor 71-73, when the Mustang lost its way for reasons that weren't dictated by the current events at the time. It was like an omen, when Ford thought big and bulky was the way to go, it quickly blew up in their face.
GT Member
Joined: March 13, 2007
Posts: 140
Likes: 0
Having owned a first gen and now a S197, I'd have to say the S197 is the best. My '66s were great, but they had their flaws. With the manual steering it handled like a shopping cart and manual drums made slowing down just as exhilerating as accelerating.
I think the S197 has taken all the best elements from the first gen and brought it to the 21st century.
All the other years have had their pros and cons, but the Mustang has changed with the times and managed to survive while the other muscle cars have failed.
I think the S197 has taken all the best elements from the first gen and brought it to the 21st century.
All the other years have had their pros and cons, but the Mustang has changed with the times and managed to survive while the other muscle cars have failed.
Mach 1 Member
Joined: December 7, 2006
Posts: 895
Likes: 0
i don't like the SN95's (94-98).
they are too long and banana looking.
not tough or muscular one bit.
I like the II's and the Fox's cuz they have character
and a cool personality to them.
And the S197's are my second favorite.
Favorite being the 65-70.
they are too long and banana looking.
not tough or muscular one bit.
I like the II's and the Fox's cuz they have character
and a cool personality to them.
And the S197's are my second favorite.
Favorite being the 65-70.
Shelby GT500 Member
Joined: July 1, 2006
Posts: 2,911
Likes: 1
