DETROIT, Mich - The Pony car lives. In fact, it's doing quite well. Since 1964, in fact, Ford has built the Mustang and people have responded. Today, online shoppers continue to discover the Mustang's unique blend of racing feel and cruising style. With the recent introduction of the all-new 2005 Ford Mustang, Ford has restyled and vastly improved the America's classic pony car. Available in 8 trims as coupe, GT or convertible, the Mustang makes performance affordable, whether you choose the 210 horsepower coupe or the 300 horsepower GT. And while it may no longer sell for $2,000, the Mustang is a still a good value, priced just under $20,000 for the coupe and under $25,000 for the GT.
1964 -- It beginsThe Ford Mustang debuts in 1964, with a price tag of $2,320. The Mustang was built on the Ford Falcon unibody platform.
1966 -- Red pony
Production of the Mustang reached 607,568 in 1966, and Carroll Shelby is in charge of Ford's racing program - much to the delight of Mustang fans. Changes to the '66 model include a multi-bar grille.
1967 -- Fastback
The 1967 Mustang is larger and on a wider track, and the most powerful engine is a 320-horsepower V8.
1968 -- Shape of things to come?
The 302 V8 replaces the 289 V8 engine, and becomes a mainstay in the Mustang lineup until 1995.
1969 -- Sportsroof
Fastback is now called "Sportsroof," and the Mach 1 debuts, along with the Boss 302 and Boss 429 versions.
1973 -- Lost year
The forgotten model year, lost amid anticipation for the 1974 redesign. What's new on the '73 model is a new grille and tail light treatment.
1975 -- Disco nights
The 1975 'Stang offered a coupe, hatchback, Ghia and a Mach I, but little in the way of power, thanks to regulations on fuel economy, emissions and safety.
1977 -- Cobra
Strong sales in 1976 keep changes to the Mustang II to a minimum.
1978 -- Hot mamma!
Performance is becoming a factor in sales, so Ford introduces Variable ratio power assisted rack-and-pinion steering to the Mustang for a better on-road feel.
1980 - Rear window visibility
Few vehicles have consistently maintained their relevance over four decades - in fact, the Mustang may be one of the few that can boast such longevity. In that time, the Mustang has evolved into what it is, to be sure - but it has also served as a barometer of sorts for the changing tastes and trends in American - from 1960 and into the 21st Century.
1983 - Chicago convertible
The 1983 Mustang convertible is introduced at the Chicago Auto Show.
Few vehicles have consistently maintained their relevance over four decades - in fact, the Mustang may be one of the few that can boast such longevity. In that time, the Mustang has evolved into what it is, to be sure - but it has also served as a barometer of sorts for the changing tastes and trends in American - from 1960 and into the 21st Century.
1986 - Mustang blues
Few vehicles have consistently maintained their relevance over four decades, but the Mustang suffered from bland styling and everyman performance in the mid-eighties. That said, the Mustang may be one of the few that can boast such longevity. In that time, the Mustang has evolved into what it is, to be sure - but it has also served as a barometer of sorts for the changing tastes and trends in American - from 1960 and into the 21st Century.
1991 - Return to power?
The Mustang is updated with twin-plug head and electronic ignition. Horsepower jumps from 88 to 105. Few vehicles have consistently maintained their relevance over four decades - in fact, the Mustang may be one of the few that can boast such longevity. In that time, the Mustang has evolved into what it is, to be sure - but it has also served as a barometer of sorts for the changing tastes and trends in American - from 1960 and into the 21st Century.
1996 -- More sporty?
Few vehicles have consistently maintained their relevance over four decades - in fact, the Mustang may be one of the few that can boast such longevity. In that time, the Mustang has evolved into what it is, to be sure - but it has also served as a barometer of sorts for the changing tastes and trends in American - from 1960 and into the 21st Century.
1997 -- Convertible
Few vehicles have consistently maintained their relevance over four decades - in fact, the Mustang may be one of the few that can boast such longevity. In that time, the Mustang has evolved into what it is, to be sure - but it has also served as a barometer of sorts for the changing tastes and trends in American - from 1960 and into the 21st Century.
2004 - Last hurrah
The 2004 Ford Mustang Mach I. The first Mach 1 appeared in 1969 - a high performance model with a sleek, fastback body style. They were famous for their "Shaker" hood scoops - a Ram Air turret, clamped to the carburetor and rising through a hole in the hood - which visibly vibrated, when you punched the throttle. The Shaker is back in the new Mach 1 - still on the job, shakin' its scoop and sucking down more air for more power. What it's feeding is Ford's 4.6 liter, DOHC V-8.
Few vehicles have consistently maintained their relevance over four decades - in fact, the Mustang may be one of the few that can boast such longevity. In that time, the Mustang has evolved into what it is, to be sure - but it has also served as a barometer of sorts for the changing tastes and trends in American - from 1960 and into the 21st Century.
2005 -- A new 'Stang
Designed after classic Mustangs of the 1960s, the fastback roofline and trapezoidal rear windows of the 2005 Ford Mustang echo 1965-66 Shelby Mustangs, and up front, the shark-like headlamps and grille suggest 1967-68 ponies. The hood is long and sleek and also comes from Mustang history, as do C-scoops in the sides, three-slotted backlights and the horse on the grille. Among the modern and aggressive touches are the short wheel overhangs – the Mustang wheels are pushed out to the corners – an improvement to the ride and to the look. It is an inspired design that echoes glory days of the past in a contemporary design that will not feel out of place on the road. It's not a classic car - it's the remaking of a classic. With an imaginative color palette, the 2005 Ford Mustang is a head turner and a conversation starter.
