The 2006 Ford Mustang is one of the most impressive pony cars ever produced, with the smoothest handling and most powerful engine the model has ever had. The new design is actually more reminiscent of the original 'Stang than any modern car. Owners will be pleased with the upgraded suspension tuning making the car handle very nimbly while still being able to steer through corners with the powerful V8 engine propelling it. One of the factors that make this model car so popular is the fact that it gives buyers an opportunity to enter the performance car market without spending large amounts of money.
In 1964 Ford produced the first Mustang and Chevy and Pontiac would be the only manufacturers to try to offer a close competitor. The Chevy Camaro and Pontiac Thunderbird were able to gain a decent amount of market share, but never became as popular as the original pony car. By 2006 the Mustang would be the only one of these 3 cars in production, although the Camaro would come back in a few years.
Trim packages available for the 2006 Ford Mustang models were the V6 deluxe, V6 premium, GT deluxe, GT premium, and Cobra models. V6 deluxe models are actually very nicely equipped as a base model car. They have standard features like 17 inch wheels, bucket seats, CD players, AC, convertible or coupe bodies, and many other optional features. Premium models come with CD Changers, leather upholstery, optional 18 inch wheels, unique suspension tuning, ABS, traction control, fog lamps and a specially accented interior and exterior trim. A pony package is also available on V6 deluxe models offering most of the same luxuries as the premium package. GT models are very similar in standard and available features as V6 for deluxe and premium models. Cobra cars are made with turbocharged engines and a different body style accents and colors.
The engines offered for the 2006 Ford Mustang include the 4.0 liter V6 engine that produces 210 horsepower and 240 pound feet of torque. The V6 comes with a standard five speed manual transmission with a 5 speed automatic as optional equipment. The GT models come with a 4.6 liter V8 that produced 300 horsepower. The performance package comes with a V8 engine that produces 315 horsepower.
The Mustang is a very safe vehicle. Most crash tests have given the 2006 Mustang a rating of perfect or near perfect for both front and side impact tests. Compared with other cars of similar dimensions the Mustang is one of the safest cars on the market. The solid body construction has a lot to do with that.
With a solid rear axle, the car is still a little stiff compared to other performance models. The newly tweaked front suspension actually improves ride quality dramatically, despite the awkward rear construction. Consumers will find that the vehicle handles very nimbly for a vehicle that is propelled by two very large engines. The Camaro of recent years is a little lighter than the Mustang but doesn't feel as solid in the handling department.
Buyers who want a performance car without spending ridiculous amounts of money should seriously check out a 2006 Ford Mustang. They offer lots of power, with very solid handling, and one of the best safety ratings of any car on the market.
