2005 Ford Mustang Reviews, Pricing & Specs
Expert review
Reimagining an American classic into a retro-themed, thoroughly modern sports car.
Since 1964, the Ford Mustang has been the go-to car for Americans who want to look good with a couple friends and maybe, if they've spent just a bit more, tear down the road with a grumbling V8 engine. It's a value play, too, and in that sense, the Mustang has just gotten old. So for 2005, Ford ditched the chassis that dated from the late 1970s and re-engineered nearly everything under an immediately recognizable shape. The Mustang is reborn, again.
out of 10 expert review
Look & feel
While Ford's other retromobile, the 2002 Thunderbird, didn't catch critical acclaim like the Volkswagen New Beetle, the 2005 Mustang is careful not to dip too deep into the high-school yearbook. Ford designers took inspiration from early Mustangs like the 1967 Fastback and the 1970 Mach 1. The round headlights, deeply inset grille, another set of big round lights in that grille, vertical three-bar taillights, and a roofline with that familiar rear-quarter glass all mark this a Mustang. Retro touches like the chrome-plated circular emblem out back (no Ford logo in sight) and multi-spoke wheels with chrome spinner caps look just as good today. Sure, it's a streamlined modern car without chrome bumpers. But no other car looks this unique.
The interior really goes hard on the old-style cues with super-thin typefaces for the red-needled gauges, again deeply inset like the grille (they can glow in dozens of colors the driver can select). A T-bar grip for the automatic transmission or a short, polished chrome ball for the manual are both straight out of a Jimi Hendrix concert. Four circular air vents, a wide strip of aluminum running across the cowled dash, and a gorgeous three-spoke steering wheel has silver accents and big gaps between the spokes. Is the material quality great? Not really—but then again, this is a car that starts just over 20 grand. What befits a modern Mustang are big speakers in the doors that can output up to 1,000 watts of power. Else, it's classic rock and roll, either as a coupe or convertible.
Performance
Two engines deliver more power than the 2004 Mustang's powerplants. The base 4.0-liter V6, shared with the Explorer, makes 210 horsepower and 240 pound-feet of torque. It's now passable as a sporty car, only the tires don't grip well. If you have the choice, choose to rent a V6 Mustang and buy the GT, which comes with a proper 4.6-liter V8 good for 300 hp and 320 lb-ft.
The 2005 Mustang may be wider and enjoy a longer wheelbase for more stability, but this is the only sports car sitting on a live rear axle meant for trucks. Even the Explorer, an actual truck, uses an independent rear suspension for better control and more secure handling. The Mustang's rear end is defiantly old school. Off the line, this can result in axle hop when really mashing the throttle and it also exacerbates the Mustang's stiff ride. Yet, handling is so improved with the new car, as are the larger brakes, that it feels nimbler and sharper than ever before. Only the previous-generation Mustang Cobra will out-handle the new GT.
Form & function
Technology
Safety
The 2005 Mustang comes with dual front airbags. Traction control and anti-lock brakes are optional on the V6. Stability control and head curtain airbags are not offered. Side airbags are optional on all models. traction control.
The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) has not tested a 2005 Mustang. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) rated the 2005 Mustang five out of five stars for the driver and front passenger in a frontal crash, and four stars for the driver in a side crash.
Cost-effectiveness
What owners say
"Most drivers love the powerful performance and classic design of the 2005 Ford Mustang, calling it a fun and stylish ride. They appreciate the acceleration and handling, making it enjoyable to drive on both city streets and highways. However, there are some concerns regarding build quality and interior materials, which some feel are lacking for the price. Overall, the Mustang delivers a nostalgic muscle car experience that's hard to resist for enthusiasts."
Think it's one of Mustangs better body styles, especially being a GT
July 15, 2026This car has everything that I was looking for in a car. The price was very good for the year and mileage it had.
November 28, 2023Super car...15 years old , but well maintained...Great performance !!! Too expensive for year and milage.
December 30, 2020What owners say
Think it's one of Mustangs better body styles, especially being a GT
July 15, 2026This car has everything that I was looking for in a car. The price was very good for the year and mileage it had.
November 28, 2023Super car...15 years old , but well maintained...Great performance !!! Too expensive for year and milage.
December 30, 2020All in all, a car that lives up to the roots in looks, power and fun. the car sounds terrific, looks beautiful and is fun to drive. Could do with more power and torque, but in general an awesome car to own.
February 18, 2010This is a very great car, i got it for a very cheap price, and since then i have done many upgrades to it. This car has plenty of power for a V6 after the upgrades i have put into it. This car also has great gas mileage and is a very smooth ride to drive around. I have enjoyed this car since i bought it and have not had many problems with it so far. Overall this is a very nice vehicle.
December 12, 2013What else can I say about this car? I can;t get enough of it. Just when I think I want to buy something else, I hit the accelerator, and am reminded of all the 300+ reasons I bought it in the first place.
February 13, 2013Awesome power and handling. Exhaust note was tuned perfectly. Steering was tight. Gearbox had a clean gate and shifted perfectly. Just an awesome ride! Until the 2007 came along....
December 7, 2007I bought my 2005 Ford Mustang GT last year from someone that could no longer afford to drive it (gas prices to blame). I fell in love with it the moment I saw it. It's red with nice chrome aftermarket wheels and tires. Sporty outer lines and simple interior. Before purchasing, I drove to my mechanic to have it checked out. He was surprised there was nothing much wrong with the car. He said that most young adults beat on their cars (even new ones) and "wear them out" very quickly. This was of course very good news for me, the bloke selling the car and the Ford Motor Company. I loved how it felt as we cruised the freeway - like nobody can mess with you. It sounds mean and "tuners" usually leave me alone. The horsepower and torque are incredible from such a relatively small engine. I have no idea what type of performance upgrades I'll be doing, but safe to say there will be plenty.
June 12, 2007After many years of wishing that Ford would return to the glory days of the Late 60s Mustang, it has delivered. This car from any angle is beautiful and faithful to the orignal. The interior is great, comfortable supportive seats, nice dash arrangement and seating for four. The best is left for when you turn the key and hear the V-8 come to life. A true muscle car with the modern comforts to which we have all become accustomed. If you want a car that is pure fun everytime you drive, this is it.
December 1, 2006Missing absolutely nothing. Fantastic car and fantastic body. I love Mustangs
January 12, 2022Trims & specs
Base MSRP $24,615 | Seating 4 |
Engine 4.0L 210 hp V6 | Cargo Capacity N/A |
Combined MPG 21 | Drivetrain RWD |
Base MSRP $26,320 | Seating 4 |
Engine 4.6L 300 hp V8 | Cargo Capacity 12.3 cu ft |
Combined MPG 19 | Drivetrain RWD |
Base MSRP $19,890 | Seating 4 |
Engine 4.0L 210 hp V6 | Cargo Capacity 12.3 cu ft |
Combined MPG 21 | Drivetrain RWD |
Base MSRP $30,240 | Seating 4 |
Engine 4.6L 300 hp V8 | Cargo Capacity N/A |
Combined MPG 19 | Drivetrain RWD |
Base MSRP $24,815 | Seating 4 |
Engine 4.0L 210 hp V6 | Cargo Capacity N/A |
Combined MPG 21 | Drivetrain RWD |
Base MSRP $20,090 | Seating 4 |
Engine 4.0L 210 hp V6 | Cargo Capacity 12.3 cu ft |
Combined MPG 21 | Drivetrain RWD |
Base MSRP $25,815 | Seating 4 |
Engine 4.6L 300 hp V8 | Cargo Capacity 12.3 cu ft |
Combined MPG 19 | Drivetrain RWD |
Base MSRP $30,240 | Seating 4 |
Engine N/A | Cargo Capacity 0.0 cu ft |
Combined MPG N/A | Drivetrain N/A |
Base MSRP $30,745 | Seating 4 |
Engine 4.6L 300 hp V8 | Cargo Capacity N/A |
Combined MPG 19 | Drivetrain RWD |
Base MSRP $25,815 | Seating 4 |
Engine N/A | Cargo Capacity 0.0 cu ft |
Combined MPG N/A | Drivetrain N/A |
Pricing trends
MSRP range
$19,890 - $30,745
Current avg. market price
$13,624
Trending down by 6.9% this month
April 2026 - October 2026
