I'm curious about the reliability/quality factor of the new Mustangs.
I have driven imports since '92 - all Maximas, and currently a Mazda. I'm seriously considering a new (probably pre-owned 2006+) Mustang for my next vehicle. Looking at the V6, convertible. Pony package.
I know you all are partial to the Mustangs (obviously, since you're here...)
but HONESTLY... how reliable are they?
How good a QUALITY vehicle is it?
How does it compare to, say, a Maxima - which has always been my favorite.
What (potential) problems do they have - what do I need to look for/watch out for?
I also had been exclusively an import driver until 3 months ago, and I am now the proud owner of a 05 V-6 convertible. Of course I can't tell you how reliable the car is after 3 months, but I tell you I that I haven't had this much fun driving a car since I bought a 280z my freshman year in college.
The interior finish is not quite up to par with the imports(a lot of hard plastic parts where you would expect a softer textured material), but this same car would cost $6000 more if it was an import. I was looking for a used v6 convertible, but when the sale guy offered me my car new for $22400 with the Pony package,Shaker 1000 stereo, leather interior and .09% financing, I had to sign on the dotted line.
This is a very good question. It's one I struggled with back in April 2005 when I first took the plunge. I'd been driving Chrysler products (Dodge truck, followed by Jeep Wrangler) which, in general, I found very well put together and easily on par with the Japanese cars favored by the wife.
But, as I had a '69 Mustang as a kid, I kinda had to go for it after the redesign.
My first Mustang turned out to be a 'lemon', not for any mechanical reason, but due to a leak in the firewall area (allowing rain to pool up inside) that no one could fix. I almost walked away, but Ford offered to replace it, and so I am driving an 06 now.
Boy am I glad I DIDN'T walk away - my love for this car borders on obsession. I've been driving an 05/06 Mustang for 18 months now, and EVERY SINGLE MORNING I wake up with a smile on my face, knowing I'm gonna drive it!
So, is the fit and finish of the interior/exterior panels somewhat lower than comparable imports, or even other U.S. made models? Yeah, probably...
But... You gotta evaluate based on what really counts, the engine/transmission pretty much rock out load, and can be easily modified if they don't rock enough for you. I haven't met a single soul (even Chevy fans) who don't think it's one of, if not the best looking car on the road today. The sheer quantity of American muscle-car-attitude that Ford packed into the car is a joy to behold.
All this for a price tag that really can't be beat... 'nuff said.
I too was a Nissan freak sense 93, I liked the new mustang so much I bought 2 of them.
the 06 GT for me and a 06 V6 for the wife... no troubles at this time to speak of...
__________________
06 Mustang GT
Performance White
06 Mustang V6
Windveil Blue
I bought my V6 for the fun factor, retro styling, and customizability more than anything else. I knew going in that it was a Ford and that they can be sketchy at times (my family is a Ford family - 1 TownCar, 1 F150, 1 Jaguar S-Type, 1 Navigator).
I had the gas tank replaced in the first month because of the fuel shutoff problem, and it's been fine since.
The trunk sticks and won't click open unless i press the remote 5 or 6 times (I can fix it by armorall-ing the rubber lining).
I have complained about a squeak from the rear suspension on my last 2 trips to the dealer, but they can't find anything wrong. Very annoying...but it will be a good excuse to go to aftermarket suspension!
But I love every minute driving my car and I wouldn't trade it for any other car (except a GT, if I found a good deal!)
I haven't owned a Ford in 27 years. The last one was a 1979 5.0 Mustang. One of the best looking cars I ever owned. But it was the worst built car I ever owned. I bought my 2006 V6 Mustang Pony Package for purely emotional reasons. I have purchased 14 new car since 1980 and this Mustang has been the most fun car out of all of them. It brings back so many memories Woodward avenue cruising, drive-in's and drinking beer.
1. Looks
2. Performance
3. Cost
4. Safety
5. Reliability
__________________
1964.5 Coupe V8, 1965 GT Coupe V8, 1979 5.0 Fastback & Sweet V6
I've owned a lot of cars over the last 28 years (23 at last count), both American and import. I have been very pleased with the fit, finish, and overall quality of the Mustang. Granted, I bought an 05 which still had a few bugs to work out, but I've been very happy so far. I too was a little hesitant, having owned a 93 Cobra that was a nightmare.
Come on MOM get rid of the old beater and get cha' one...
I will, I will..... p.s.... it's not a beater, it's just a Mazda! Only a year old and still under 10K miles. Went by the lot and looked again - they had my black pony, but alas, no convertible.
Well mom, I have to agree with the others...go getcha one! I LOVE mine! I got the 5-speed manual, have loads of fun with it. My only complaint is that sometimes the tranny doesn't want to go into gear like I think it should. Oh, and the tape on the side where it says Mustang is coming off, but the dealer is making good on that, and it gave me the chance to order the extra stripes for the top that I wanted and change color, from tan to black. This is my second mustang, the other was a 99, and it was one of the best cars I ever owned as far as reliability. Wasn't indestructible though, as my daughter proved when she totalled it by driving off an embankment. But I lov e'em! The 06's are great!
They are a blast to drive and as for problems, I have had only a couple problems, but I expected that coming into a new model year... Now with the '06 and '07's, you should be fine...
If the style of the Mustang and the feel (after test driving one) are what you're after, a Maxima won't cut it...
__________________
2005 Mustang V-6 Premium, Mineral Grey, Spoiler Delete, 5-Speed, 1000 watt Shaker, Charcoal/Red Leather interior, ISAP, Wheel locking kit, Anti-Lock Brakes w/Traction cntrl., Active Anti-Theft.
::Mods::
Silver Stripes, IUP Handle Exchange, IUP Instrument Cluster, Upgrade, MMR CAI, JBA Axle back Exhaust, Chrome accents on door sills & tail lights, Upgraded to GT Front Sway Bar, 17" Bullitts, Painted Calipers, XCal II Perf. Tune, Pony Caps, Pony Pkg. Grille
Very good car, drives much better than the older Fox platform. Opt for the 5-speed manual! Automatic is good but just doesnt seem too sporty. Big mistake on my part for getting an automatic. V6 is good and cheap so you can do all your mods or get a GT and do light mods.Either model you will be very happy!
4500 miles so far after 4 months and not a problem to speak of. Best built car I've seen Ford build so far. Their cars are really coming up in quality in the past few years. As for the look of the interior looking too "plastic", I just put "Armor All" protectant on it and it looks sweet every morning, afternoon, and night. Even my dad agrees that his stock 05GT is just as quick as his modified 1970 BOSS 302 was. And that's fast. If you drive alot of highway, you'll really enjoy the gas mileage for the power it puts out. Cold mornings are fun too.
2006+ Mustangs... your feedback? 
I will, I will..... p.s.... it's not a beater, it's just a Mazda! Only a year old and still under 10K miles. Went by the lot and looked again - they had my black pony, but alas, no convertible.
