I purchased this Dark Shadow Gray Mach 1, based on the limited availability of the model, coupled with the fact that it had the same DOHC 4.6 litre engine as the Cobra, without the supercharger, but had ram air with the functional shaker hood scoop. Of course, the ram air is only partly true, as most of the intake still comes from the fender well as in all other Mustangs, and the shaker hood scoop, while functional, just brings in part of the air. In any case, the engine is a high winder, as found in overhead cam, versus overhead valve engines. It winds freely but the torque doesn't seem to kick in until you hit about 5,000 rpm, which left me feeling rather cold about the power. I was used to the pushrod Mustangs and the low RPM power curves, so maybe I was just disappointed in the lack of low end power, that would have been better satisfied by the Cobra with the supercharger, since that does produce gobs more low end power. I also noted many of the Mach 1 enthusiasts were retrofitting superchargers to their cars and thus were ending up with the proverbial "poor man's Cobra". Fit and finish were good, the paint job was about as fine as I have ever seen on a Ford product. Glass like and flawless. The black leather interior was nicely done and the bucket seats were comfortable. As always, the back seats are fine for a short trip for kids and small adults but not for any long hauls for anyone else. The five speed manual gearbox was relatively smooth, although a six speed would have been a lot better. All in all, a nice vehicle, but it should have had more power, more low end torque and maybe a longer production run. The two year run of the car proved it perhaps wasn't as popular as it should be, as many sat on dealer lots, and sold for many thousands off the MSRP as dealers deep discounted them to move them out.

Purchased July 2003 (new) currently 80k miles 5spd manual transmission, Azure blue Appearance customizations include: Tints and blackouts, lots of vinyl and stripes, custom logos and wheels Performance modifications include: Built 4.30 rear end, Full exhaust (bassani-bassani-borla), Eaton supercharger

Makes awesome power. 0-60 in less than 5. 60-0 in 110 ft. .9G skidpad. 13.6 stock quarter mile time. (ill be faster haha) Build quality is WAY up on my older 96 GT mustang. Everything is put together better and the whole car feels more solid. Appearance is everything with mustangs and while the base and GT cars look good. I've got a Mach 1. The front lip spoiler, unique spoiler, and the shaker hood scoop are just awesome. I also like the unique interior touches to the gauges, seats, headrests, dash trim and pedals. Gas mileage is actually pretty good for a 4.6l 4v engine. I get about 28 highway and ive never bothered to calculate mileage in the city. Way too much fun to get on it. Matinence wise its been awesome. Bought it knowing it needed brakes and a rear axle seal. Did that and all its needed was an oil change and gas. Perfect reliability. Fun factor. HUGE. Throws you back in your seat. Roasts tires into third if your daft with it. You can watch the shaker vibrate all day long. And the nostalgia factor of driving a Mach 1 is worth the price of entry.

Change of lifestyle forces sale. Car is very fun to drive, 0-100 in 1 on-ramp to highway,car handles awesome, near perfect in condition. Never any mechanical issues (only 18K miles), will say has been fun to own. A lot of other Mustang fans out there giving you the "thumbs-up" when driving this vehicle. Will get 24 highway MPG on average, and not exactly being light-footed. I will truly miss this car!

The exterior and interior styling are both amazing. Ford did great with this vehicle. Sounds like a true v8 beast and drives like one too. Say goodbye to little Hondas and Acuras, they won't see anything but your taillights.