Review of the 2007 Mustang GT: Get Ready to Pony Up Some Cash!

Muscle cars are as American as apple pie and baseball. They've been around for as long as some of us can remember, and longer than a lot of us have been alive. They embody the unbridled American spirit, sacrificing efficiency for stylistic flair and pure power. It is impossible to mention American muscle without mentioning the Ford Mustang, a legend since the first one rolled off the production line 1964, and the 2007 iteration truly keeps that legend alive.

The 2007 Mustang GT is in no short supply of power; the 4.6 liter V8 power plant is tuned to a whopping 300hp, slightly less than the Shelby GT which has 319. It handles surprisingly well, a lot better than previous years, and acceleration is smooth and quick. What really sets the pony-styled GT apart from older generations of Mustangs, as well as other American cars, is the flawlessly executed interior. Ford has truly surpassed General Motors in this respect, and even several foreign brands. While not as elegant as a Porsche or BMW, the Mustang's interior is leaps and bounds ahead of it's similarly priced competitors, and has a certain futuristic feel to it. It reminds me a lot of the Ford GT supercar, but a lot simpler, and understandably so. Fewer gauges, a much more simplified cluster, but at the same time still very modern. It's a far cry from the wood-trimmed Benz, but the Mustang's interior is, for lack of better words, extremely cool. On top of all this coolness, the seats are extremely comfortable, perfect for a long high-speed drive. All in all, the car really feels like a 2007 car should; modern, comfortable, and fun to drive.

The best part about the Pony-generation is the sheer number of options that Ford gives you. Stunning color combinations, stripes, spoiler, wheels, functionally scooped hood; the list goes on and on, and if you're willing to spend a little bit extra, your Mustang can be entirely your own.

Of course, there is always the stereotype of reliability. While Ford may have conquered American cars in terms of interior design, are they as stereotypically junky? It's hard to say. Modern cars are exactly what you make of them; maintain the power train well, and the car should be running just as well for a long time. The biggest problem with American manufacturing was the cheap approach on the interior; plastic eventually begins to rattle, and there really isn't much to be done about it. If the previous generation of Mustangs is any indication, Ford is on its way to dispelling the "Found On Road Dead" jokes. All they have to do now is use leather that doesn't warp when you think too hard about it. Ford has also done a great job of getting the kinks out of the Pony-generation, and I've yet to hear any horror stories about their new Ponies exploding during rear collisions. If you buy a Mustang GT, you're buying a car that's solid in every respect, and I give this model my highest regards.

For those of us that are only interested in the look and feel of the Mustang, there's a much more affordable option available. The V6 Mustang, although underpowered in my opinion, offers the same looks and features that the GT does, but with an obviously smaller engine. If cost is an issue and you really want that Pony, Ford has you covered. If you really want speed with your horse, if there is no GT in the description, don't bother.

With the new Camaro coming in 2009, we can only hope Chevrolet has been taking notes on Ford's approach to style and mechanical integrity. It would do us all good to be proud of American cars for a reason other than their being American.