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Mort
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From: Mortville WA
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 Posted - June 17 : 7:14p
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I put 300 miles on a "redesigned" 2010 Mustang V6 5A yesterday, and here are my impressions.
1. Solid Rear Axle
It is absolutely inexcusable to have a solid rear axle in this car. The Camaro, Charger, Challenger, GTO/G8, all the Japanese and all the Germans all have independent rear suspensions. But the Mustang, even in V8 form, soldiers on with a piece of technology from the 1800's.
The bump steer is frightening, it's too much unsprung weight, and quite embarrassing in this day and age. The Mustang was loosely based on the Lincoln LS, which had an independent rear, so the technology was already there. Ford said it cost too much. The way I see it, if you're cross shopping the Nissan 370Z, or one of the aforementioned American cars, it could be a deal breaker. Hasn't hurt sales much, though.
2. Its too noisy
The road noise is deafening over anything but fresh asphalt. I had to turn up my conservative talk radio way too high to hear Michael Savage's rants. The model I drove had the base 16" wheel and tire package, so there was enough rubber to dull that out, but it wasn't enough. Thank God it wasn't a ragtop.
3. The V6 engine
What is an engine designed for a 1996 Ford Explorer doing in a new sports car? It certainly wasn't chosen for its refinement. You'd think something built in Germany wouldn't vibrate like a Reno hotel bed when its asked to turn some RPMs. My old Camaro, built in the 90s with a V6 designed in the early 80s (70s?) did a better job, certainly with fuel mileage and refinement. And it had (gasp!) pushrods!
4. What it Doesn't Have
I once saw a manumatic gearbox on a Dodge Caravan, but not on the Mustang. At least, unlike the Fusion, you can select any gear with the selector.
The new one has a button in the interior for a trunk release, which wasn't included on the 2005-2009 model, but in adding that, they took away the keyhole on the trunklid. I didn't fish around for a release lever, but let's hope it has one, and your wife isn't caught in the trunk when the battery dies.
The Mustang GT I saw also was missing its sixth gear. Even floundering Chrysler doesn't offer any manual with less than six gears. The Camaro had one in 1993. That is 17 model years ago.
5. A Few Little Bitches
- It seemed like the center console was too wide, especially with the almost complete lack of storage space (enough for an iPod and a 20-sack).
- The radio antenna, moved from the front fender to the rear, looked like a cheap rubber aftermarket piece. Great reception, though.
- The gauges are harder to read than the 2005-2009. The tach and speedo are still half-sweeps, but have more ticks to clutter it up, and there is nothing below them to fill in the empty space. There are also fewer gauges overall.
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Texas Termin8er
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Joined: Sep 2005
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From: Spring TEXAS
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Posted
- June 18 : 7:14a
| Nice review.
What was the MSRP on this model you tested?
TA | |
Tom in Tacoma
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Posted
- June 18 : 10:11a
| | Sounds like you drove a bare-bones fleet version. Whaddaya expect? | |
Jason
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From: San Diego CA
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Posted
- June 18 : 10:15a
| When I had my honda (NEVER AGAIN) I had a 08 V6 for a rental and it sucked. My 08 GT is however is a different story. But I do agree with you on #1.
The solid axle sucks ASS when you hit a pot hole. The entire car loses traction and jumps its position. Not Good.
The reason why they haven't changed? It's way cheaper for a solid rear. | |
Mort
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RHuckster
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Vehicle: 07 Mustang GT
Joined: Jun 2005
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From: Lake Elsinore Ca
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Posted
- June 18 : 7:34p
| WOW, thats a lot of $$ for a stripped v-6. Thats way to much, I payed 27K for my fully loaded 07 GT. A strippy V-6 is comparing apple to oranges with a GT. Suspension is different, power is way different, etc.
Rick | |
Tom in Tacoma
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Posted
- June 18 : 10:14p
| | He knows that Rick. He 'JFLB' (Just feels like bitchin'!) | |
Siber Express
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Posted
- June 19 : 4:54a
| Mort, you forgot about the rear of the car, the 09's looked much better from the back.
But on a side note, the front looks awesome | |
tinkerbellnpixiehell
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ArTi54N
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From: Austin Texas
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Posted
- June 23 : 8:43p
| | Id rather drive a loaded v8 if I was gonna test drive a mustang | |
Kristen
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Posted
- June 24 : 2:55p
| | Definitely agree about the new rear end....Yuck! | |
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5 Things Pissing Mort Off - 2010 Mustang
