2005 Mustang Impressions

[svx_commuter]

Last week we rented a 2005 Mustang for work and drove over to NYC a couple of times.
I really love the way this vehicle looks but oh my gosh, the ride is just so poor and the 4.0L V6 engine is so slow. I was thinking it would be great to use a Subaru drive train in this vehicle. The inside was really just plain old plastic. We got a few great looking car comments from pedestrians. The guy I work with so happy to get back into his 2005 Legacy GT.

Nice looking Mustang and that’s as far as it goes.

[Shadow248]

The 4.6l model would change your mind 100%. I agree, the V6 model feels like crap made cheaply. The V8 model feels alot more solid, and doesn't sound like crap. I'm not saying they're well built or anything, just that you shouldn't gauge the car by the V6 model.

[Chiketkd]

Originally Posted by Shadow248

I'm not saying they're well built or anything, just that you shouldn't gauge the car by the V6 model.

I agree. It would be like passing judgement on the entire Impreza line after only driving the base L model with 165hp - before trying the WRX or even the STI versions!!!

Still, your opinion is your opinion...I for one think the interior on the new Mustang, even in the 4.6L V8 model, is a little too 'cheap' for my tastes. Best interior I've seen on an 'American' car in a long time is in the new Pontiac GTO (and that's made by GM's Holden branch in Aussie land).

-Chike

[n00b on demand]

ahh no wonder why that vauxhall looked exactly like the GTO

[Shadow248]

Originally Posted by Chiketkd

Still, your opinion is your opinion...I for one think the interior on the new Mustang, even in the 4.6L V8 model, is a little too 'cheap' for my tastes.

It is a Ford, after all. But you do have to give them SOME credit...at least it looks nice.

Originally Posted by Chiketkd

Best interior I've seen on an 'American' car in a long time is in the new Pontiac GTO (and that's made by GM's Holden branch in Aussie land).

Have you checked out the new Malibu, G6 or Cobalt? That quality level is becoming the norm for GM cars.

[Chiketkd]

Originally Posted by Shadow248

Have you checked out the new Malibu, G6 or Cobalt? That quality level is becoming the norm for GM cars.

You know, I'm going on a business trip at the end of this month, and they've reserved an '05 Malibu for me at Enterprise. I'll post my thoughts on the interior and general fit-n-finish after the 500+ miles I'll log over 3 days...

-Chike

[Landshark]

can you say, "bleh" ?

[immortal_suby]

Originally Posted by Chiketkd

I agree. It would be like passing judgement on the entire Impreza line after only driving the base L model with 165hp - before trying the WRX or even the STI versions!!!

Damn good point, Chike.




If you put your hand right past the front tire an dblock the front end on both of these pictures then they look about the same.
Add the front end in and the malibu looks like when I put my hands around my cat's head and pull back her ears and make her eyes all slanty-like.



edit: no kittys were harmed in the posting of this picture

[Shadow248]

Originally Posted by immortal_suby

Add the front end in and the malibu looks like when I put my hands around my cat's head and pull back her ears and make her eyes all slanty-like.

That's frikin hilarious!

I have to note that I don't think that the Malibu is all that great looking. It is bland, in a class full of bland cars. But remember, companies build what people will buy.

[Landshark]

Originally Posted by Shadow248

That's frikin hilarious!

i agree - may be the funniest thing i saw all week! i miss my stupid cat.

I have to note that I don't think that the Malibu is all that great looking. It is bland, in a class full of bland cars. But remember, companies build what people will buy.

you are partially right - it is bland, but most of its competitors aren't. therein lies GM's problem. GM used to lack quality, but recently has upped its QC and interior design to keep up. now it has some decently put-together cars, but they are boring as hell looking. all the Malibu's mid-size competitors - the Accord, Maxima, Mazda6, Camry, Stratus, Ford 500 (ok, forget that one ), etc. etc. are all at least interesting to look at.

remember when power steering, AC and CD players used to be options? now they are pretty much expected to be on a new car. today, i think people want interesting looking cars, with projector headlights, some styling theme, blah blah blah. older people, who used to drive plain-ass Oldsmobiles and Buicks, are being replaced by a new generation of oldsters who want more "hip" stuff. that's why GM is junk-bond status now. they just can't put the whole package together. the Corvette can't save the rest of its bore-me-to-death lineup. just my observations and opinions.

[mbtoloczko]

Originally Posted by immortal_suby

Damn good point, Chike.

....

If you put your hand right past the front tire an dblock the front end on both of these pictures then they look about the same.
Add the front end in and the malibu looks like when I put my hands around my cat's head and pull back her ears and make her eyes all slanty-like.



edit: no kittys were harmed in the posting of this picture

I think the Malibu might look better if it has some whiskers.

[Landshark]

Originally Posted by mbtoloczko

I think the Malibu might look better if it has some whiskers.

its already been neutered.