The 2004 Ford Mustang - What's Not to Love?

For the last 25 years I've purchased cars that were economical and good on gas. I've owned a stripped down Honda Civic, a Honda CRX, a Saturn SC2 and a Plymouth Sundance. All of these cars provided sound transportation and for the most part were reliable. With the exception of the Plymouth, I would recommend a Saturn or Honda to anyone. My primary reason for getting these small, economical cars was because I had a full time job that was over 50 miles round trip per day. After I retired in 2000 I decided it was time to get the car of my dreams.

I purchased the 2004 Ford Mustang for just under $21,000 out the door in May of 2004. It was the 40th anniversary edition of the Mustang and the final year in the form we've all come to know and love. It came equipped with a 190 hp, 3.8 liter V6 engine, automatic transmission, power windows, air conditioning, key less entry, cruise control and lots of extras. One of the main reasons I purchased this particular Mustang was the pony package. It gave the car the look of a race car, something I've always liked. I liked the V6 the moment I pulled out of the Ford dealer and accelerated.. After driving 4 cylinder cars for the last 25 years, I found the Mustang had a nice pick-up and I could easily merge onto a freeway. The steering is solid and it's easy to pull into small parking spaces and maneuver in and out of traffic. The Ford Company did a good job building the 2004 Mustang. I'm of short stature and I could easily see over the hood and the visibility is great, both out of the back window and with the side view mirrors. The interior provides comfortable front seating and the ride isn't as bumpy as the Honda cars I owned. My Mustang came equipped with the Mach sound system and CD player. Of all the cars I've owned this stereo is the best I've ever heard, and the easiest to operate. So easy, in fact, that I didn't even need to read the directions in the manual.

Even though the Mustang is a small car, the trunk is roomy and the backseat can be laid flat to provide even more trunk space. Like the other small cars I've owned, the backseat isn't made for adult seating. There's very little leg room and entering and exiting the vehicle from the backseat can be tricky, at the very least. The only complaint I've heard from passengers riding in the front is that the car is low to the ground and sometimes hard to get out of. I've never had a full size car so entering and exiting the Mustang on the driver's side is easy for me.

I live in Northern Ohio and we have some pretty cold and snowy winters here. I didn't realize until my first snowstorm that the Mustang is a rear wheel drive vehicle. Silly me, I thought that all cars were now front wheel drive and didn't even consider that this car would be any different. If you're not used to driving a rear wheel drive car in the snow and ice it can really take you by surprise. Even now, three years later I don't like driving in the winter. Snow tires were recommended by several of my friends, but I still haven't purchased them. After this terrible, snowy winter they are at the top of my list for next year.

The Mustang has been a reliable car since I purchased it. I've done the required maintenance and haven't had any problems. So far, there hasn't been any recalls and the exterior is holding up very well. If you're looking for economical gas mileage, I wouldn't recommend a Mustang. The Mustang is rated at 17-20 mpg on city roads and 23-29 mpg on the highway. I do a lot of city driving and am getting around 18 miles to a gallon. I'm sure that figure would go up if I traveled the freeway more, but not enough to make it a choice for people who want economy.

Will I buy another Ford Mustang in the future? Probably not. As a person gets older their priorities change and I think my next car will be a little bigger and more winter-friendly. Do I regret buying it? Never in a million years. I'd recommend a Ford Mustang to anyone who wants a sporty little muscle car with get-up and good looks.

It's my belief that everyone should own the car of their dreams sometime during their lifetime.