2006 Ford Mustang

Interior
Mustangs seat four occupants on front and rear bucket seats. An available color-configurable instrument panel can display more than 125 background colors. Chrome-ringed air vents align with large barrel-style gauges. The three-spoke steering wheel has a black hub with the Mustang horse and tri-color logo.

Standard equipment includes keyless entry, interval wipers, a heated rear window, and power windows, locks and mirrors. A CD player is standard, but the GT Premium flaunts its Shaker 500 audio system. Trunk space is 13.1 cubic feet in the coupe.

Under the Hood
Ford's 4.0-liter V-6 produces 210 hp. A 4.6-liter all-aluminum V-8 in the GT pumps out 300 hp and 320 pounds-feet of torque. Both engines run on regular gasoline and work with either a five-speed-manual transmission or an optional five-speed automatic.

Safety
Side-impact airbags are optional. Antilock brakes are standard on the GT and optional on V-6 models.

The latest Mustang is more refined than its predecessor. Steering has a satisfying, confident feel that's especially appealing on twisty roads.

Suspension differences between the two models aren't dramatic, but the GT is considerably more sure-footed. Its ride is no rougher, and the overall experience is more civilized. The GT's steering response is more agreeable, too - well-behaved through curves, with little correction needed on straightaways.

Acceleration with the V-6 isn't so enthusiastic at startup, though it's better for passing and merging. Performance is vigorous with the V-8. Exhaust noise from the V-8 can be intrusive, but only when accelerating hard.

Manual-shift GTs almost seem like a different vehicle, with a unique and omnipresent exhaust sound. The gearshift position is good, but its action is a tad balky.