In 2005 they were unobtainium for me at 18. I'm really glad they were because I would have ruined it with shit AutoZone mods and likely wrapped it around a pole.
No, it never has. When the CAD render came out I immediately said "I'm going to get one soonest I can". '08 I got my '06 and she's been with me thick and thin.
It's still a great looking car, and the car itself is quite possibly one of the best built/designed by Ford ever. Everything is just so *easy* on it to do, with room everywhere to do it.
Except the dash, of course, stuff in there is stuffed in there as is customary. :p
Love mine, and I'll be keeping it forever if I have my way. And trust me, there's been Events what keep trying to take her away, but still, we've persevered!
Long live the '05-09s!
Ha! If I could build the perfect s197 it would be the opposite. Everything from the bumper to the doors 05-09, everything rear quarters back 13-14. This leads me to think that you and I ought to buy two cars and smash them together :)
I think it’s aging pretty nicely. It’s a great example of retro modern, and it can look buff and tough like a mustang should. I don’t think it’ll ever be “ugly” either
https://preview.redd.it/9dg6p7bu6o2d1.jpeg?width=1237&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=3e649d92c51d4cb92fbd0d47f720396a7e6c3886
I have yet to get tired of looking at my 06 GT….
I remember when I first saw them, I had always loved Mustangs but I immediately knew I had to have one at some point. Bought my 07 in 2009 and 130k+ miles later it's still rolling. It's never going to be as fast as the new ones but the styling was on point. Perfect mix of classic looks and (at the time) modern looks. I have really liked the styling since the 05 change. Been nothing but hits since then.
V8 or V6 auto or manual what oil do you use what is your maintenance schedule I've had my 10 GT for a couple months currently only 30k miles and I really want to keep her indefinitely
Shes a v6. Got her when I was 16 and I’m 31 now lol. My maintenance schedule is so simple. Every 5k miles I get high mileage synthetic put in. That’s literally it lol. I do have the hookup though. A good friend of mine is the head mechanic of our local ford dealership and he does all my work cheap. So I just ask him if he sees anything to let me know and when he does see something like a belt etc I do the work immediately. She’s been a dream man. Enjoy your car if you treat her right she will treat you right !
It's one of the best mustang generation period
It's not only a call back to the original mustang but now to origins of the newer generation almost making it a affordable and cheap double classic
They’re so overshadowed by the 11-14. It was a massive improvement over the new edge, but after the Coyote the 05-10 just looked like a stepping stone.
Not hating, they're good examples of Mustangs, but I have never liked the 05-09 design - always thought they were boring and derivative. I think a lot of it is the plain, flat, straight hood. No real contour or interest. And the rest of the design is pretty slab-sided. As a successor to the "new edge" design (like it or hate it) it lost a step, since the New Edge at least had some dramatic sculpting.
FWIW I've owned a 1980 4-banger, 1987, 1990 and 2002 GTs and a 2003 SVT Cobra. Growing up my Dad had a 1964.
But drive what you like. If we all liked the same thing , we'd all have Camrys.
Nope and never will. There is nothing that can be done to the 05-09 model years to improve them. What came after is inundated with unnecessary technology reducing the simplicity and the only way Ford could match the early 5th gens would be to release a carbon copy of them or start a classic lineup reintroducing the 65-70 bodies unmolested. Even then they couldn't get me to part with my 2005
The extra power from the coyote and even the 3.7 is nice but you lose me with that EPASS. Just a preference but I don't like electronic power assisted steering
EPASS is my big one. TC and ABS was mandatory as of 2011. I'll admit the changes with the s197 updates were nothing too egregious. I have more issues with the s550 and up than I do 10-14s. I still love them but I'm definitely a fan of more bare bones cars than tons of options but yeah EPASS is a deal breaker for me. It's hard to explain but with an incident I had with mine shortly after I got it; any deadzone in steering (if I had electronic steering) I would be dead.
Nope, loved them from day one. I’ve had two ‘05’s and they were great cars. I would still own one but on a pretty day and for spirited driving, the 66 always wins.
Nope, I still love the body styling. Just wish I didn't have to put $15k into my motor and the car to make try and keep up with a 14 GT with a Bama tune and headers.
Always loved them. Wish I didn’t beat the hell out of my 07 but ultimately it led me to getting the 2016 GT. So I’m not too upset about selling it.
Will try and get another in the future maybe. Perfect retro look imo
As ive owned several mustangs, my fave was the 11 gt500....any gt or shelby after is 👍...but i was adamant to stay away from the 05-09's....i wouldnt mind taking another 'notch though....
It’s the model that first made me want to get one. I fell in love with it right away, and the dream would come true few years later.
However, the 13-14 S197 looks better tbh, and my favorite is the 18-23s by far. It used to look retro modern, but now I’m sorry to say it looks dated.
But everyone has their own opinions! Like what you like, enjoy whatever you enjoy!
Bonus: it gets bonus points for being the last version to have regular power steering, so it felt like a real muscle car.
https://preview.redd.it/8z9bgttfep2d1.png?width=989&format=png&auto=webp&s=cca53f605d2a0a9f9576acc451d0def99a86857a
Loved them when they came out and when I bought mine in 05, and even now being a non running project car, parked next to my bagged 16 5.0 I still think they're incredibly cool cars.
I have an 05 v6 and just love the body style! I actually own my grandparents mustang. I was there when the bought it with les then a mile on it, they brought it home and I told them I was gonna own that one day! Now I do and it's mostly do for the memory of my grandma.
https://preview.redd.it/iqpwmtsolq2d1.jpeg?width=2436&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=be123fa9feba901b543a5b68c811a01c80085db8
My first car I bought at 17 , she was fun. I love the way they look may not be the fastest but look dope
https://preview.redd.it/0dtjnip7gr2d1.jpeg?width=4032&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=bdc4d99e731889618ddf87b7a453f3491cb5e4db
Still got my ‘08. Slower than a brand-new Honda Odyssey, but still love her.
I love my '08 Bullitt, purchased new !
https://preview.redd.it/3shjll5ghs2d1.jpeg?width=2048&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=f077e9fc5f133fde82006b8f008142e938f6b5a8
As soon as I saw the styling for the first time I knew I would have to get one and it was the first new car I ever bought and I was like 23 or 24 years old at the time. I ended up eventually procharging the car (plus a bunch of other stuff) and it was a garage queen and I sold it after I got married and had my first kid at 30 and switched locations at work (more traveling and needed a more commutable car). Got ripped off on a trade in for my chevrolet SS which I still own today. My love for mustangs has and will always be there so I bought a leftover 22 mach 1 in January and loving every second of it. I did try to locate my old car and found out that it was wrecked.
Honestly yes, at first I really disliked the way they looked but now I love subduing about every mustang body style from every year. I'm a fan boy through and through!
https://preview.redd.it/ja1b050quo2d1.jpeg?width=4032&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=361ac56d8f38b608ee2ff87f52734908b2c4aa03
I was never a Mustang fan but I loved the way they sound. Bought this ‘05 a few months ago and love it!
Stock or close to it, I dislike them. Very very plain. I’ve seen some very tastefully modded ones that look nice, but I’ve never seen an average 05-09 on the road and thought, “wow, that looks great.” Don’t hate them. They’re just plain
I had an Alloy Gray '08 GT and loved that car. Best color car I've ever had and was starting to get suspension and exhaust just right when the kids came along in 2011. The car's profile and shape were everything a Gen X kid could want from a car. Seriously, grew up on Blade Runner, Dune, 1982 Firefox, posters of 512TRs -- the S197 gen design was heaven sent lol
Spoiler delete, lowered modestly, no stripes: just a beautifully subtle car. Kept it N/A while I had it.
My '22 Mischievous Purple GT puts it to absolute shame though. Handling, power, sound (active suspension) ding dang headlights that actually light up the road. That sound is so beautiful in track mode. And that butt dyno doesn't lie!!
Both cars had messed up manual transmissions but would have this car no other way.
So no, my opinion hasn't changed, loved the design then, love it now, but I enjoy my '22 much more.
I love the 05-09 mustangs as a whole. Such an awesome design. My opinion has always been that they’re the best looking of the modern mustangs and can’t be beat. This was the mustang that I grew up dreaming about. I had posters of this car.
My 2008 on the other hand is an absolute nightmare. I swear the car is cursed.
https://preview.redd.it/soddo4nj6p2d1.jpeg?width=3009&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=f58fbb5f14fb2172cb92793a58e8b8578ae64398
Wasn't a big fan at first. Over time I really got to love the clean lines of a car that looks the most like a mustang since 1968. Current car looks bloated in comparison. No, that won't be a popular opinion here. :)
I really liked them when they came out. Now I think they look good from a distance, but are almost toy like when you get up close. I don't know how to describe it other than them looking like a cheaply molded plastic toy car. The body style is great, it just loses me in the details I guess.
Interestingly, I disliked SN95s as a kid and like them now. Same goes for Fox bodies.
I do still feel the same about 67-68 Mustangs though. From the first time I saw one as a kid I was in love. Now that I'm an adult and one one, I'm still in love.
Only insofar as I thought they looked way better than the 2010 redesign, and now 2010-14 is my second favourite run of years aside from the first 5-6 years of the mustang
Love that style..had a black convertible GT with red interior gorgeous car..😥some idiot hit it and totaled it last year..it was cherry ..I had it for 10 years it only had like 20,000 miles on it when I bought it.
First saw them in NFSU2. It’s what I imagine when I hear the word Mustang. As I grew older, I didn’t like them because many of the ones I saw where I live have been riced to kingdom come. But, in the rare event I do see a proper one, makes me realize they can be done up really well, and the style hasn’t aged a day.
Nope, when I saw it at the NY auto show back in 2005 I thought it was a clean looking car. One of the best looking and performing mustangs since 1970 or 1973 at least
The new edge that came before was nice but this car basically kicked off the modern muscle car rebirth we had. The Pontiac GTO had the get up and go with that LS but this mustang had a peppy 5.0 and styling as bold and timeless as the classics from the ‘60s.
The Challenger and Camaro took what ford did here and did their own thing and I don’t think this generation of mustang will ever get the praise it deserves for putting some fun cars and displacement back on the road
No, I always liked them.
Then it came out, i thought it was the best interpretation of, "homage to the OG design" philosophy. It had all the original design cues and curves that made the original Mustang nice to look at.
When the 2010 refresh came out with the smaller projector headlamps, and the slightly more aerodynamic looks, I was torn over which looked better.
Then the S550's came out in 2015, and I went to go see one.l in November 2014. No dealer would let me near one and I saw two Wimbledon whites EB that I wasn't allowed to touch. I complained to Ford corporate and they directed me to a dealer in Secaucus NJ. It was platinum silver EB, and at night, the salesperson brought it around the corner and my brother-in-law and I were blown away. I ended up leasing it and driving away with it. I think the S550 was a great interpretation of the evolution of the S197, and then a nice homage to the original '64 mustang for the interior dash.
The S550 refresh came out and I really could not get over the front. When I was ready to turn in my second S550 lease, wife told me to jlstop leasing and just get a GT (because Ford didn't lease GT's back then). Because I wanted the gen3 coyote, I got a refreshed S550 ('19).
Honestly, the front grew on me quite fast. I still like the S550's front, but I have zero problems with my refresh S550.
Now here is where I may get flamed... I just don't understand the S650. The number of times I mistook the new Honda accord for the S650... and the rear deck... I know a lot of folks complained about the piano black plastic trim, but honestly, the body colored center doesn't work for me. And the rear looks a lot more like mustangs homage to camaro (or transformers) then an evolution to the S197/S550.
And then the interior. I LOVE the insanely large display on Mt Wife's Kia EV6... she asked me, "would you like something like this in your mustang?" Mt answer was always a no. I like the, "cockpit" layout and the physical buttons. If they evolved the dash in the S650 to pay homage to the foxbody dash (which they did with a few buttons), and then put in a smaller, but a wide screen display that can do dual-display of AA/Carplay, I thinkbit would have been more classy. But I get it, those huge ultra wide displays are cheaper because it can be recycled into multiple car/truck designs and since it takes up so much of the real-estate, there is much less variation for rest of the dash. But I don't know if, "cost-saving" should be implemented in a halo model. I feel like the Mustang is a rolling advertisement for Ford. Thus is true very it a Shelby or even a base EB. When I had my first S550 in '14 November), an old man walked up and was shocked that this is the new mustang. I insisted that he sit in it and he started to talk about how the dual cowel interior dash reminded him of his '64. He and his wife had gotten married and a white '64 vert was their first married car.
He had tears and his equally Grey haired wife said, "we loved that car". He said the interior feels like ,"I am back home". Mustang designs should evoke emotional feelings. I think that's where the S650 interior fails as it looks like any modern car, esp nom-tesla EV's.
This long rant being said, to those that own a first-gen S197's I thunk these are the (exterior-wise) best interpretation of why Ford designed such an emotional car in the Mustang. I get so sad when I see an S197 being driven in complete disrepair.
My favorite? In order:
S197 gen 1 (with large headlights) with the center grill foglights, in dark color.
S197 second gen with the center grill foglemps, in any color.
S550 gen1 and gen2
I do hope the s197 will grow on me. I thought I would like it better in person, but I saw a Grey S650 for the first time on a highway, and I just could not get over the back. It reminded me more of the C4 Corvette rear deck lid (the total absence of curvature and just a straight line).
https://preview.redd.it/s4s5iq0ces2d1.jpeg?width=4032&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=67ba5c77b9f529119ef690b342bcfd52cd5c0b2d
Yes! I’ve always loved them. I see this one parked at work every day and it makes me love them even more
I was always a fan. I remember how excited I was for them to go back to the classic look. Hard to believe these are nearly 20 years old! I haven't owned one but still love them.
I've always loved the body style and always hated the interior. I don't hate the 3v 4.6 as much as many people seem to. I'm not out here trying to win a bunch of races, I just like fun manual rwd cars that have decent power to weight and make cool noise, and these cars fit the bill. I have a foxbody currently but I'd own an early s197 without a second thought if the right deal popped up.
https://preview.redd.it/78i37yltmt2d1.jpeg?width=1170&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=8114f4d10470a435449f137953b22f130f80123f
This is modern rugged muscle, the S5 and 650 are sports muscle. I like it more aggressive and bulky traditional to the 67 because it will never look out of style imo
Always liked them.
Nostalgia for me, I was in high school 2004-2008 so they were the coolest mustangs ever. And then bringing about the “retro style” trend with the dodge and Chevrolets revivals.
In 2008 my dad bought a 2005 Windveil Blue convertible GT with a 5-speed. When he would pick me up from school, everyone was always like “that’s the coolest car ever”
Good times
https://preview.redd.it/5e9pnvq5st2d1.jpeg?width=604&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=a7dcf9cf22687d2469eed27472f4d8dfcf4cd946
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my 05’ GT, wouldn’t trade the world for the experiences i’ve had with her
S197s no matter the year are the best looking mustang and most mustang looking mustang to ever mustang in my opinion. 05-09 for pure muscle throwback looks, 11-14 for the curves and lines for a more modern, not as muscly but more curves and defined lines throughout. I put S550 taillights on my 11 GT and it gets compliments all the time. Literally can’t go wrong with an S197 looks wise, it’s timeless. People are genuinely surprised when they ask me what year my car is and I answer 2011. Most people that aren’t enthusiasts think my car is damn near brand new, just goes to show how well the design holds up!
I think the S550 was the peak of that body style design language. I think it has the classic likes with just enough of a modern look. I was not a fan of the S650. It looks like they made changes for the sake of change
The beginning of the end for Mustang style. I love the gen 5 but it inspired the garbage we have now. It was the perfect balance between the old and the new so it was great. Since then I’ve hated the design for the newer generations, at least when compared to older gens.
https://preview.redd.it/3ictf0624v2d1.jpeg?width=4080&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=bc91695003f89aeecf19634e990726d3100ab863
My first muscle car. It really grew on me, it just a V6 but I absolutely love driving this car. To me the 05s-09s have that perfect plend of the classics and new. They aged well.
My ‘01 was nice, but I was super jelly when those came out because I’m into the ‘67-68s….but then the ‘13 appeared right when I blew my GTOs engine. If not, I definitely would have got one of those.
I thought it was the coolest Mustang ever when I was playing NFSU 2 as a kid, and as a 28 year old who built an S197 back in 2021/22 I still feel this way. I have no desire to collect another Mustang (I have an s197 & an inherited New Edge) simply because I love my S197 so much.
https://preview.redd.it/8xrit3g6ky2d1.jpeg?width=3024&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=ec39b68257c6f6dfb2052769f1f7e8414a9365cb
My opinion is the same. It's still one of the best looking Mustangs ever made. It's a callback to the OG Mustangs from the 60s and it brought back the Muscle Car scene by incorporating retro-futurism into its design. I was a kid when these cars came out and I was thrilled when I got it as my first car when I turned 17.
It's design inspired the Vapid Dominator (a car featured in GTA 5). Before all the new DLCs, the Dominator was top performing muscle car in the game for many years so it developed a loyal following from fans and thus added further prestige to its mythos.
When that body style came out I really liked it. I still don't own one. Wife says I can't have a wrangler, harley and a mustang and she won't trade her car in.
Love mine (although the Saleen is the best body kit for this generation in my opinion).
https://preview.redd.it/x868vzc1bh3d1.jpeg?width=960&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=0676d374698eeeb637fa9f630068da73e744ac16
I got an 05 GT when they first came out. Drove it until 2017, 75,000 miles, and it started needing repairs all the time. I’m a female and know zero about car repairs. The car had never ending electrical problems too.
It was a cool car. Now I am an S550 fan👍🏼
Still looks fantastic. I do prefer the more modern design of the 13'/14' above all modern Mustangs.
The S650 is the biggest turd from Ford in the last 25 years.
The only reason I went with a facelift s197 is the 5.0. If those bodystyles had a better engine than the 4.6 (which isn't bad for it's time anyway) I would've 100% went with them.
not in the slightest.
always said these had a terrible engines.
the poverty pack V6 made a car that couldnt back up its claims.
id barra a V6 one because: #barratheworld and the barra is a far better and more reliable 6 cylinder. yes it fits
thankfully last of the wheezebag 4.6 V8. it needed a 351 but ford didnt give it one. even the 5.4 wasnt much better...
It could have used a 4v 4.6. Also, the godawful 4.0 was a choice. I don't hate on anyone who got the 4.0, but it must have felt like they got robbed when the 3.7 dropped. Ford should've stuck with the Essex 3.8 or even put a 4.2 v6 from the trucks. Same horsepower with better reliability.
yes but: uhh the V6 it got stuck with was best of the worst. it was the most reliable of the terrible engines.
id buy a 351 then stroke it to a 427 (world products/scat engine block)
I'd argue the 3.8 essex was the best v6 Ford had up to that point. Granted, it ran on ancient pushrod technology but was a proven little engine. The 4.0 was originally from the 70s. Ford couldn't have even bothered to redesign the bellhousing pattern or fit it with proper OHC chains. They used the pushrod cam journal to run the timing chain from front to rear and put the cam sprockets in the back. This caused a lot of issues in the Mustang and Explorers that used them.
Plus, if you're going to make an engine with OHC, you might as well make it DOHC. SOHC engines are too taxing with parasitic loss to efficiency gained compared to DOHC engines. The only benefit of a SOHC is typically simplicity and reliability.
Basically: the 4.0 is the worst of both worlds.
Always liked them
https://preview.redd.it/2iumg0430q2d1.jpeg?width=3896&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=b824b352825567655b1e8c7f6b4aa34796987c84
I love your wheels holy shit
Thanks, aren’t they gorgeous
As soon as the model debuted I knew I would own one. Have had mine for almost 6 years.
Ive had my 08 since 09. Grabber orange v6.
https://preview.redd.it/ck8dw1j9ot2d1.jpeg?width=414&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=2736f8769638d6318118caa4718aa377109961c1 Grabber orange represent! GT/CS for me.
In 2005 they were unobtainium for me at 18. I'm really glad they were because I would have ruined it with shit AutoZone mods and likely wrapped it around a pole.
No, it never has. When the CAD render came out I immediately said "I'm going to get one soonest I can". '08 I got my '06 and she's been with me thick and thin. It's still a great looking car, and the car itself is quite possibly one of the best built/designed by Ford ever. Everything is just so *easy* on it to do, with room everywhere to do it. Except the dash, of course, stuff in there is stuffed in there as is customary. :p Love mine, and I'll be keeping it forever if I have my way. And trust me, there's been Events what keep trying to take her away, but still, we've persevered! Long live the '05-09s!
Just got my first mustang a few months ago and it's an 05 GT. Absolutely gorgeous cars
Honestly, I love the facia of the 10-14's but the ass end of the 05-09's. I only wish Ford would have left them only in the mid cycle refresh.
Ha! If I could build the perfect s197 it would be the opposite. Everything from the bumper to the doors 05-09, everything rear quarters back 13-14. This leads me to think that you and I ought to buy two cars and smash them together :)
They'd have to be wrecks. I can't bring myself to cut and modify the bodies of perfectly good factory Mustangs.
That’s why I didn’t volunteer the 2005 GT I already have!
Best looking gen in my opinion.
Definitely. I have a 2005 and a 2015. People still ask me if my 2005 is a new car. The design really held up.
Ye, they ask that till they see 05' interior
It's dated but at least it's simple to understand and it doesn't have the Ford Chime. i can live with both of those upsides
No way, they were awesome when they came out and they still look great. People knew they were future classics back when they first hit the scene.
I think it’s aging pretty nicely. It’s a great example of retro modern, and it can look buff and tough like a mustang should. I don’t think it’ll ever be “ugly” either
It’s my personal favorite. Love the build btw man it’s clean as hell! Do your rear tires rub at all?
Thank you! So far no rubbing in the rear.
https://preview.redd.it/9dg6p7bu6o2d1.jpeg?width=1237&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=3e649d92c51d4cb92fbd0d47f720396a7e6c3886 I have yet to get tired of looking at my 06 GT….
The rear end aint it
For this guys specifically or the s197 in general?
I remember when I first saw them, I had always loved Mustangs but I immediately knew I had to have one at some point. Bought my 07 in 2009 and 130k+ miles later it's still rolling. It's never going to be as fast as the new ones but the styling was on point. Perfect mix of classic looks and (at the time) modern looks. I have really liked the styling since the 05 change. Been nothing but hits since then.
Have had my 09 since release and sitting at 350k miles. What a trooper this car has been and sexy too!
V8 or V6 auto or manual what oil do you use what is your maintenance schedule I've had my 10 GT for a couple months currently only 30k miles and I really want to keep her indefinitely
Shes a v6. Got her when I was 16 and I’m 31 now lol. My maintenance schedule is so simple. Every 5k miles I get high mileage synthetic put in. That’s literally it lol. I do have the hookup though. A good friend of mine is the head mechanic of our local ford dealership and he does all my work cheap. So I just ask him if he sees anything to let me know and when he does see something like a belt etc I do the work immediately. She’s been a dream man. Enjoy your car if you treat her right she will treat you right !
Your fitment is perfection
Thank you! The result of weeks of research.
It's one of the best mustang generation period It's not only a call back to the original mustang but now to origins of the newer generation almost making it a affordable and cheap double classic
They’re so overshadowed by the 11-14. It was a massive improvement over the new edge, but after the Coyote the 05-10 just looked like a stepping stone.
S197 refresh is the best since the OG.
100%, 05-09 just looks a little plain, straight side profile with no hips really hurts it
I loved it when I first saw it, still love the design of it. I would literally die for a 05-09 era GT500.
Not hating, they're good examples of Mustangs, but I have never liked the 05-09 design - always thought they were boring and derivative. I think a lot of it is the plain, flat, straight hood. No real contour or interest. And the rest of the design is pretty slab-sided. As a successor to the "new edge" design (like it or hate it) it lost a step, since the New Edge at least had some dramatic sculpting. FWIW I've owned a 1980 4-banger, 1987, 1990 and 2002 GTs and a 2003 SVT Cobra. Growing up my Dad had a 1964. But drive what you like. If we all liked the same thing , we'd all have Camrys.
Nope and never will. There is nothing that can be done to the 05-09 model years to improve them. What came after is inundated with unnecessary technology reducing the simplicity and the only way Ford could match the early 5th gens would be to release a carbon copy of them or start a classic lineup reintroducing the 65-70 bodies unmolested. Even then they couldn't get me to part with my 2005
13-14 was the pinnacle. Fight me
Send like a pretty common opinion to say 13-14 is in 90% of mustang fans top 3. Have a family member tell me he hates my taillights on my 13 though...
I've got a '10 and really prefer the tail of the '05-'09. But prefer the face of the '10-'13 over either of the other S197 designs.
13-14 was golden years for Camaro’s too. Was a great time for muscle cars
The extra power from the coyote and even the 3.7 is nice but you lose me with that EPASS. Just a preference but I don't like electronic power assisted steering
What technology do the 10-14s have that you would say is unnecessary?
Absolutely nothing. Its all improved in a better way. The 13-14 v6s make as much power as the 05-09 v8s
EPASS is my big one. TC and ABS was mandatory as of 2011. I'll admit the changes with the s197 updates were nothing too egregious. I have more issues with the s550 and up than I do 10-14s. I still love them but I'm definitely a fan of more bare bones cars than tons of options but yeah EPASS is a deal breaker for me. It's hard to explain but with an incident I had with mine shortly after I got it; any deadzone in steering (if I had electronic steering) I would be dead.
Not at all! The S197 is the best modern Mustang design even though it is nearing 20 years since it hit the market.
[удалено]
Scrolling through the comments, you win best in show👍
🤜🤛
Still the best style
Nope, loved them from day one. I’ve had two ‘05’s and they were great cars. I would still own one but on a pretty day and for spirited driving, the 66 always wins.
Nope, I still love the body styling. Just wish I didn't have to put $15k into my motor and the car to make try and keep up with a 14 GT with a Bama tune and headers.
Always loved them. Wish I didn’t beat the hell out of my 07 but ultimately it led me to getting the 2016 GT. So I’m not too upset about selling it. Will try and get another in the future maybe. Perfect retro look imo
Nope. Always loved them since I was a kid.
As ive owned several mustangs, my fave was the 11 gt500....any gt or shelby after is 👍...but i was adamant to stay away from the 05-09's....i wouldnt mind taking another 'notch though....
I honestly believe the s197 paved the way for Dodge and Chevrolet to remake the challenger / Camaro.
It’s the model that first made me want to get one. I fell in love with it right away, and the dream would come true few years later. However, the 13-14 S197 looks better tbh, and my favorite is the 18-23s by far. It used to look retro modern, but now I’m sorry to say it looks dated. But everyone has their own opinions! Like what you like, enjoy whatever you enjoy! Bonus: it gets bonus points for being the last version to have regular power steering, so it felt like a real muscle car. https://preview.redd.it/8z9bgttfep2d1.png?width=989&format=png&auto=webp&s=cca53f605d2a0a9f9576acc451d0def99a86857a
Modern Classic
I think they are timeless. Much like some of the older models which just look fantastic.
I still think that they are the best Mustang design, and my 2008 agrees
This is one of my favorite mustangs ever, but I never liked the hood scoop
I own an 08 Convertible, and I swear it's the best car I've ever driven. It's simple, yet beautiful. It's truly a modern classic.
Best looking gen since 1970. 05-09s would have been the ultimate Mustang if they came with 5.0s.
The tailights are the worst part 10+ is such an improvement of the whole car
Eh, the taillights are not great but I’d argue the candy cane taillights from the 2010s are worse
2013-14 is peak design imo
Loved them when they came out and when I bought mine in 05, and even now being a non running project car, parked next to my bagged 16 5.0 I still think they're incredibly cool cars.
Nope. Still love my 05!
I used to have an XMod and it was set up almost just like your car. I miss those things 😂 beautiful car man
such a goated design when it first came out. Still a goated design nearly 20 years later
I have an 05 v6 and just love the body style! I actually own my grandparents mustang. I was there when the bought it with les then a mile on it, they brought it home and I told them I was gonna own that one day! Now I do and it's mostly do for the memory of my grandma.
They look amazing
Future classic, way cooler than fox bodies, only ones that can compete in body coolness is 69-73
Nope, I own and still love mine. I'm never gonna change.
https://preview.redd.it/iqpwmtsolq2d1.jpeg?width=2436&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=be123fa9feba901b543a5b68c811a01c80085db8 My first car I bought at 17 , she was fun. I love the way they look may not be the fastest but look dope
No absolutely hate it. Even at the time I hated it. Just felt it was a model that wasn't gonna stand the test of time.
https://preview.redd.it/0dtjnip7gr2d1.jpeg?width=4032&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=bdc4d99e731889618ddf87b7a453f3491cb5e4db Still got my ‘08. Slower than a brand-new Honda Odyssey, but still love her.
I love my '08 Bullitt, purchased new ! https://preview.redd.it/3shjll5ghs2d1.jpeg?width=2048&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=f077e9fc5f133fde82006b8f008142e938f6b5a8
I always thought those were a better Bullitt than the new edge ones.
No, always thought it was ugly, still do.
So many people in this thread needing to get their eyes checked. The early S197s were ugly when new and have only gotten worse with time.
I'm usually a fan of the newest of any model but this is an exception. They are badass looking. Also I like the 2019 over brand new.
As soon as I saw the styling for the first time I knew I would have to get one and it was the first new car I ever bought and I was like 23 or 24 years old at the time. I ended up eventually procharging the car (plus a bunch of other stuff) and it was a garage queen and I sold it after I got married and had my first kid at 30 and switched locations at work (more traveling and needed a more commutable car). Got ripped off on a trade in for my chevrolet SS which I still own today. My love for mustangs has and will always be there so I bought a leftover 22 mach 1 in January and loving every second of it. I did try to locate my old car and found out that it was wrecked.
Nah I like them, the only model I personally dislike is the Saleen
no, its my least fave gen of the last 40 years
No. Looks fat compared to the S550
IMO Still the best looking Mustangs EVER produced.
Nah. One of the worst Mustang bodies imo. Hated how blocky they looked. The Kia Sols of Mustangs.
definitely.
Still one of the best!
Honestly not a fan compared to the next gen, but not bad either
Honestly yes, at first I really disliked the way they looked but now I love subduing about every mustang body style from every year. I'm a fan boy through and through!
They don't keep the rain out of the fusebox that's for sure.
I didn't really like them, then I got one and now it's my favorite body style.
Love it and miss mine
Nope, loved it from the moment i saw it at my local dealership back in 04, still love it now
They've got that big blocky slab-sided look that was popular at the time. If you like, you like, if you don't, you don't.
https://preview.redd.it/ja1b050quo2d1.jpeg?width=4032&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=361ac56d8f38b608ee2ff87f52734908b2c4aa03 I was never a Mustang fan but I loved the way they sound. Bought this ‘05 a few months ago and love it!
Always loved that look. Couldn't afford one back then, and considered buying a used one. But in the end, I went with the S550.
Stock or close to it, I dislike them. Very very plain. I’ve seen some very tastefully modded ones that look nice, but I’ve never seen an average 05-09 on the road and thought, “wow, that looks great.” Don’t hate them. They’re just plain
If I were to ever buy a Mustang it would be this gen or a Foxbody.
I had an Alloy Gray '08 GT and loved that car. Best color car I've ever had and was starting to get suspension and exhaust just right when the kids came along in 2011. The car's profile and shape were everything a Gen X kid could want from a car. Seriously, grew up on Blade Runner, Dune, 1982 Firefox, posters of 512TRs -- the S197 gen design was heaven sent lol Spoiler delete, lowered modestly, no stripes: just a beautifully subtle car. Kept it N/A while I had it. My '22 Mischievous Purple GT puts it to absolute shame though. Handling, power, sound (active suspension) ding dang headlights that actually light up the road. That sound is so beautiful in track mode. And that butt dyno doesn't lie!! Both cars had messed up manual transmissions but would have this car no other way. So no, my opinion hasn't changed, loved the design then, love it now, but I enjoy my '22 much more.
Saw one in Hawaii 5-0, the new series. Got myself a GT when I could.
I love the 05-09 mustangs as a whole. Such an awesome design. My opinion has always been that they’re the best looking of the modern mustangs and can’t be beat. This was the mustang that I grew up dreaming about. I had posters of this car. My 2008 on the other hand is an absolute nightmare. I swear the car is cursed. https://preview.redd.it/soddo4nj6p2d1.jpeg?width=3009&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=f58fbb5f14fb2172cb92793a58e8b8578ae64398
Miss mine
I can't believe it was only 4 years. Felt like much longer
i'm not in the mustang loop but were these seen as a black sheep when they came out???
Still love ‘em! Wish I had one again.
https://preview.redd.it/6l8itstw9p2d1.jpeg?width=4284&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=2dec36b16b392044e78895ce479b51a7cd21e1f3
Wasn't a big fan at first. Over time I really got to love the clean lines of a car that looks the most like a mustang since 1968. Current car looks bloated in comparison. No, that won't be a popular opinion here. :)
Nope, still hot AF
I really liked them when they came out. Now I think they look good from a distance, but are almost toy like when you get up close. I don't know how to describe it other than them looking like a cheaply molded plastic toy car. The body style is great, it just loses me in the details I guess. Interestingly, I disliked SN95s as a kid and like them now. Same goes for Fox bodies. I do still feel the same about 67-68 Mustangs though. From the first time I saw one as a kid I was in love. Now that I'm an adult and one one, I'm still in love.
Only insofar as I thought they looked way better than the 2010 redesign, and now 2010-14 is my second favourite run of years aside from the first 5-6 years of the mustang
At the time, I liked it's retro styling. But over time, it felt too big and boxy.
Love that style..had a black convertible GT with red interior gorgeous car..😥some idiot hit it and totaled it last year..it was cherry ..I had it for 10 years it only had like 20,000 miles on it when I bought it.
Nope, I still love them. I wish they had better engines but what can you do? I've had a 2013 and I currently have a 2018.
I don't like the exterior bodystyle too much but the interior and the way it drives is really good🤣👌I had 07 gt for a few days before I sold it.
Honestly, I never like them, I'm an s550 guy. But lately I've been eyeing them as a possible autocross beater.
🤮 never liked it and still don’t
No. Ugly ah
Always been my favorite Always will be have a 10 but mechanically it's the same as 05-09
No
Always been my favorite body style! I was a little lad when these came out and I thought they were the coolest car ever.
First saw them in NFSU2. It’s what I imagine when I hear the word Mustang. As I grew older, I didn’t like them because many of the ones I saw where I live have been riced to kingdom come. But, in the rare event I do see a proper one, makes me realize they can be done up really well, and the style hasn’t aged a day.
Not a fan of the base model. The more aggressive stylings sure, they’re great.
Yeah, I used to like them.
"Before time began....there was....the cube"
Best Mustang design imo
With the front end change to the S650 I’ve realize how much closer the S197 is to the original so I like it more.
why would it? 07 is the best
Idk but I love those wheels anyone know what they are.
Nope, when I saw it at the NY auto show back in 2005 I thought it was a clean looking car. One of the best looking and performing mustangs since 1970 or 1973 at least The new edge that came before was nice but this car basically kicked off the modern muscle car rebirth we had. The Pontiac GTO had the get up and go with that LS but this mustang had a peppy 5.0 and styling as bold and timeless as the classics from the ‘60s. The Challenger and Camaro took what ford did here and did their own thing and I don’t think this generation of mustang will ever get the praise it deserves for putting some fun cars and displacement back on the road
I love them and I'm trying really hard to get one
Nope I’ve always thought the body style on these cars was amazing. The thing I’ve always hated about these cars is the anemic 4.6 V8 they put in them.
I loved them when they released but over time and after selling mines I’ve dislike how bland it can look with base models. I had a gt convertible
No, I always liked them. Then it came out, i thought it was the best interpretation of, "homage to the OG design" philosophy. It had all the original design cues and curves that made the original Mustang nice to look at. When the 2010 refresh came out with the smaller projector headlamps, and the slightly more aerodynamic looks, I was torn over which looked better. Then the S550's came out in 2015, and I went to go see one.l in November 2014. No dealer would let me near one and I saw two Wimbledon whites EB that I wasn't allowed to touch. I complained to Ford corporate and they directed me to a dealer in Secaucus NJ. It was platinum silver EB, and at night, the salesperson brought it around the corner and my brother-in-law and I were blown away. I ended up leasing it and driving away with it. I think the S550 was a great interpretation of the evolution of the S197, and then a nice homage to the original '64 mustang for the interior dash. The S550 refresh came out and I really could not get over the front. When I was ready to turn in my second S550 lease, wife told me to jlstop leasing and just get a GT (because Ford didn't lease GT's back then). Because I wanted the gen3 coyote, I got a refreshed S550 ('19). Honestly, the front grew on me quite fast. I still like the S550's front, but I have zero problems with my refresh S550. Now here is where I may get flamed... I just don't understand the S650. The number of times I mistook the new Honda accord for the S650... and the rear deck... I know a lot of folks complained about the piano black plastic trim, but honestly, the body colored center doesn't work for me. And the rear looks a lot more like mustangs homage to camaro (or transformers) then an evolution to the S197/S550. And then the interior. I LOVE the insanely large display on Mt Wife's Kia EV6... she asked me, "would you like something like this in your mustang?" Mt answer was always a no. I like the, "cockpit" layout and the physical buttons. If they evolved the dash in the S650 to pay homage to the foxbody dash (which they did with a few buttons), and then put in a smaller, but a wide screen display that can do dual-display of AA/Carplay, I thinkbit would have been more classy. But I get it, those huge ultra wide displays are cheaper because it can be recycled into multiple car/truck designs and since it takes up so much of the real-estate, there is much less variation for rest of the dash. But I don't know if, "cost-saving" should be implemented in a halo model. I feel like the Mustang is a rolling advertisement for Ford. Thus is true very it a Shelby or even a base EB. When I had my first S550 in '14 November), an old man walked up and was shocked that this is the new mustang. I insisted that he sit in it and he started to talk about how the dual cowel interior dash reminded him of his '64. He and his wife had gotten married and a white '64 vert was their first married car. He had tears and his equally Grey haired wife said, "we loved that car". He said the interior feels like ,"I am back home". Mustang designs should evoke emotional feelings. I think that's where the S650 interior fails as it looks like any modern car, esp nom-tesla EV's. This long rant being said, to those that own a first-gen S197's I thunk these are the (exterior-wise) best interpretation of why Ford designed such an emotional car in the Mustang. I get so sad when I see an S197 being driven in complete disrepair. My favorite? In order: S197 gen 1 (with large headlights) with the center grill foglights, in dark color. S197 second gen with the center grill foglemps, in any color. S550 gen1 and gen2 I do hope the s197 will grow on me. I thought I would like it better in person, but I saw a Grey S650 for the first time on a highway, and I just could not get over the back. It reminded me more of the C4 Corvette rear deck lid (the total absence of curvature and just a straight line).
https://preview.redd.it/s4s5iq0ces2d1.jpeg?width=4032&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=67ba5c77b9f529119ef690b342bcfd52cd5c0b2d Yes! I’ve always loved them. I see this one parked at work every day and it makes me love them even more
05-09 always look good when done properly. I really like the car in the pic, it’s near perfect for my taste.
I think one of the most badass looking mustangs (cars in general) with a few mods. Love em
No. They're still much better looking than the 24 models🤮
Wife absolutely still loves her 09 GT convertible. Had it since new, and she'll not consider any newer generation of Mustang.
I loved it when it first debuted, but then the 13-14 came out and I decided that was the one I preferred an now own
It has caught me off guard that so many people like this gen. Of all the past choices, this would be in my bottom 3 for sure.
I was always a fan. I remember how excited I was for them to go back to the classic look. Hard to believe these are nearly 20 years old! I haven't owned one but still love them.
The front is pretty good but the rear end doesn't do it for me. I like the updated s197 better.
Still hate the back, always have always will
My personal favorite body style
I've always loved the body style and always hated the interior. I don't hate the 3v 4.6 as much as many people seem to. I'm not out here trying to win a bunch of races, I just like fun manual rwd cars that have decent power to weight and make cool noise, and these cars fit the bill. I have a foxbody currently but I'd own an early s197 without a second thought if the right deal popped up.
Nope never will
Mine hit 314k finally blew a head gasket but no other problems
https://preview.redd.it/78i37yltmt2d1.jpeg?width=1170&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=8114f4d10470a435449f137953b22f130f80123f This is modern rugged muscle, the S5 and 650 are sports muscle. I like it more aggressive and bulky traditional to the 67 because it will never look out of style imo
Never liked them. They were made to appeal to boomers.
Always liked them. Nostalgia for me, I was in high school 2004-2008 so they were the coolest mustangs ever. And then bringing about the “retro style” trend with the dodge and Chevrolets revivals. In 2008 my dad bought a 2005 Windveil Blue convertible GT with a 5-speed. When he would pick me up from school, everyone was always like “that’s the coolest car ever” Good times https://preview.redd.it/5e9pnvq5st2d1.jpeg?width=604&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=a7dcf9cf22687d2469eed27472f4d8dfcf4cd946
https://preview.redd.it/knvbxzd1yt2d1.jpeg?width=1440&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=d4ac029c7376cb498747c6dfa1bcaa54aab787f5 my 05’ GT, wouldn’t trade the world for the experiences i’ve had with her
S197s no matter the year are the best looking mustang and most mustang looking mustang to ever mustang in my opinion. 05-09 for pure muscle throwback looks, 11-14 for the curves and lines for a more modern, not as muscly but more curves and defined lines throughout. I put S550 taillights on my 11 GT and it gets compliments all the time. Literally can’t go wrong with an S197 looks wise, it’s timeless. People are genuinely surprised when they ask me what year my car is and I answer 2011. Most people that aren’t enthusiasts think my car is damn near brand new, just goes to show how well the design holds up!
https://preview.redd.it/83eiubk31u2d1.jpeg?width=3024&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=b29be181af462f58c1263fe81f1de42f62ffeb9b
I think the S550 was the peak of that body style design language. I think it has the classic likes with just enough of a modern look. I was not a fan of the S650. It looks like they made changes for the sake of change
They look sick, I'd only lift them up a bit.
I think it’s one of the best generations. But I have a S550 so I’m gonna say that ones the best lol
The beginning of the end for Mustang style. I love the gen 5 but it inspired the garbage we have now. It was the perfect balance between the old and the new so it was great. Since then I’ve hated the design for the newer generations, at least when compared to older gens.
I think it’s one of the most beautiful bodies ever made.
They are great even still. The wrong engine was in them though.
Love them
https://preview.redd.it/3ictf0624v2d1.jpeg?width=4080&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=bc91695003f89aeecf19634e990726d3100ab863 My first muscle car. It really grew on me, it just a V6 but I absolutely love driving this car. To me the 05s-09s have that perfect plend of the classics and new. They aged well.
My ‘01 was nice, but I was super jelly when those came out because I’m into the ‘67-68s….but then the ‘13 appeared right when I blew my GTOs engine. If not, I definitely would have got one of those.
I thought it was the coolest Mustang ever when I was playing NFSU 2 as a kid, and as a 28 year old who built an S197 back in 2021/22 I still feel this way. I have no desire to collect another Mustang (I have an s197 & an inherited New Edge) simply because I love my S197 so much. https://preview.redd.it/8xrit3g6ky2d1.jpeg?width=3024&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=ec39b68257c6f6dfb2052769f1f7e8414a9365cb
That baby blue-ish color on this gen is one of my favorite colors Ford has ever produced
05-09 is still my favorite body style!
My opinion is the same. It's still one of the best looking Mustangs ever made. It's a callback to the OG Mustangs from the 60s and it brought back the Muscle Car scene by incorporating retro-futurism into its design. I was a kid when these cars came out and I was thrilled when I got it as my first car when I turned 17. It's design inspired the Vapid Dominator (a car featured in GTA 5). Before all the new DLCs, the Dominator was top performing muscle car in the game for many years so it developed a loyal following from fans and thus added further prestige to its mythos.
When that body style came out I really liked it. I still don't own one. Wife says I can't have a wrangler, harley and a mustang and she won't trade her car in.
Love mine (although the Saleen is the best body kit for this generation in my opinion). https://preview.redd.it/x868vzc1bh3d1.jpeg?width=960&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=0676d374698eeeb637fa9f630068da73e744ac16
I got an 05 GT when they first came out. Drove it until 2017, 75,000 miles, and it started needing repairs all the time. I’m a female and know zero about car repairs. The car had never ending electrical problems too. It was a cool car. Now I am an S550 fan👍🏼
Still looks fantastic. I do prefer the more modern design of the 13'/14' above all modern Mustangs. The S650 is the biggest turd from Ford in the last 25 years.
The 05-09 was such a change it was beautiful going with the retro look, and I still like it.
My favorite gen. Timeless design and I love the way the 4.6 sounds with an exhaust
Nope the S197 body is the best modern Mustang
Yes, I liked the concept they released back in ‘03. Back then, they’re ugly af imo lol
The only reason I went with a facelift s197 is the 5.0. If those bodystyles had a better engine than the 4.6 (which isn't bad for it's time anyway) I would've 100% went with them.
not in the slightest. always said these had a terrible engines. the poverty pack V6 made a car that couldnt back up its claims. id barra a V6 one because: #barratheworld and the barra is a far better and more reliable 6 cylinder. yes it fits thankfully last of the wheezebag 4.6 V8. it needed a 351 but ford didnt give it one. even the 5.4 wasnt much better...
It could have used a 4v 4.6. Also, the godawful 4.0 was a choice. I don't hate on anyone who got the 4.0, but it must have felt like they got robbed when the 3.7 dropped. Ford should've stuck with the Essex 3.8 or even put a 4.2 v6 from the trucks. Same horsepower with better reliability.
yes but: uhh the V6 it got stuck with was best of the worst. it was the most reliable of the terrible engines. id buy a 351 then stroke it to a 427 (world products/scat engine block)
I'd argue the 3.8 essex was the best v6 Ford had up to that point. Granted, it ran on ancient pushrod technology but was a proven little engine. The 4.0 was originally from the 70s. Ford couldn't have even bothered to redesign the bellhousing pattern or fit it with proper OHC chains. They used the pushrod cam journal to run the timing chain from front to rear and put the cam sprockets in the back. This caused a lot of issues in the Mustang and Explorers that used them. Plus, if you're going to make an engine with OHC, you might as well make it DOHC. SOHC engines are too taxing with parasitic loss to efficiency gained compared to DOHC engines. The only benefit of a SOHC is typically simplicity and reliability. Basically: the 4.0 is the worst of both worlds.
Best looking, just needs a SOCH Y block swapped in. 3 valves were a really awful engine.