| Now 37 years old, the
Mustang The Mustang is as popular as ever.Ford's sport coupe has
outsold GM's F-bodies -- the Chevrolet Camaro and Pontiac Firebird -- the
last six years in a row. There are four models: the V6 Coupe, the V6
Convertible, the GT Coupe and the GT Convertible. . Equipped
with a 4.6-liter SOHC V8, GT output is listed at 260 horsepower at 5,250
rpm and 302 foot-pounds of torque at 4,000 rpm. Since 1994, the 'Stang has
offered drivers and passengers supportive, upright front chairs,
well-placed controls, clear views out the front and side windows, and
acceptable dashboard and seat materials. For 2001, Ford upgrades the
center console by adding a larger rear cupholder and repositioning the
front cupholder, power point, tissue holder and parking brake boot. The
standard, deluxe and premium trim groups offer varying levels of standard
and optional equipment, with the premium trim group being the
mostinclusive. Another advantage of the Mustang is its demeanor on the
road. The Mustang's suspension allows the car to be predictable during
hard cornering and side-to-side weight transfers are progressive for added
stability during high-speed lane changes. The braking and steering have
also impressed us. Rough pavement can make the ride uncomfortable,
however, as the rear suspension still uses a solid rear axle. The Mustang
has always been crashworthy, offering drivers and front-seat passengers a
high level of protection as rated by the National Highway Traffic Safety
Administration. All-speed traction control and antilock brakes are
standard on most trim levels. Ford thoughtfully provides a
traction-control defeat switch for those people who like roasting the rear
tires on a regular basis.As for the rest of us, Mustang is one of the most
recognizable nameplates on the road. And if the rumors about the
cancellation of the F-body Camaro and Firebird are true, this may be the
only pony car left for the new millennium. |
