2006 Ford Mustang Reviews, Full Information & Pricing

Pricing

$19835 to $31865

ORIGINAL MSRP

$11581 to $13985

PRICE RANGE

$11691 to $12859

AVERAGE PRICE

$12859 to $11694

YOY PRICE CHANGE

Pros

The 2006 Ford Mustang stands out as a modern classic, blending nostalgic design with contemporary performance. Here are five key advantages that make this model a favorite among enthusiasts and casual drivers alike:

1. Timeless Retro Styling The 2006 Mustang masterfully combines modern elements with a design inspired by the 1960s original. Its long hood, short rear deck, and iconic grille bring a nostalgic charm that resonates with car lovers. The retro interior, complete with vintage gauges and a classic steering wheel, enhances its old-school appeal.

2. Powerful Engine Options Under the hood, the 2006 Mustang offers robust engine choices, including the base V6 with 210 horsepower and the impressive 300-horsepower V8 in the GT trim. These engines deliver exhilarating acceleration, making it a thrill to drive on both highways and city streets.

3. Affordable Price Point For a car with such heritage and performance, the 2006 Mustang is surprisingly affordable. It offers excellent value, combining a reasonable price tag with a low cost of ownership, making it accessible to a wide range of buyers.

4. Exceptional Driving Dynamics The Mustang provides a balanced driving experience with precise steering and a sporty suspension. Whether cruising on straight roads or tackling sharp turns, its rear-wheel-drive setup ensures responsive handling and a smooth ride.

5. Customization and Trim Options The 2006 Ford Mustang comes with diverse trims and customization options, including the V6 Standard, V6 Deluxe, and GT Premium trims. Buyers can choose between coupe and convertible models, as well as optional packages to enhance performance or add luxury features.

Cons

The 2006 Ford Mustang is a popular sports coupe with iconic styling and a strong performance reputation. However, like any vehicle, it has its downsides. Here are five cons of the 2006 Ford Mustang, focusing on areas that potential buyers may find less appealing.

1. Interior Quality The 2006 Mustang’s interior materials leave much to be desired. Hard plastics dominate the cabin, giving it a dated and cheap feel compared to other vehicles in its class. The fit and finish also lack refinement, detracting from the overall experience.

2. Limited Rear Seat Space While the Mustang is technically a four-seater, the rear seats are cramped and best suited for children or small adults. Long drives with passengers in the back can be uncomfortable, making it less practical for families or group outings.

3. Fuel Efficiency With EPA ratings of 17-19 mpg in the city and 25-28 mpg on the highway, the 2006 Mustang struggles with fuel economy, especially in the V8 models. This can be a concern for buyers looking for a balance between performance and running costs.

4. Ride Comfort The solid rear axle setup contributes to a harsh ride quality over uneven surfaces. This design choice, while good for straight-line performance, sacrifices comfort and handling finesse on bumpy roads or sharp corners.

5. Limited Technology Features The 2006 Mustang lacks many modern conveniences, such as advanced infotainment systems, navigation, or safety features like backup cameras and blind-spot monitoring. For tech-savvy drivers, the absence of these options might feel outdated.

2005 Ford Mustang Redesign: A Throwback to Iconic Roots

The 2005 Ford Mustang redesign masterfully reconnected with its legendary heritage, capturing the essence of its "pony car" glory days. Sporting a long hood and an elevated rear deck lid, the Mustang's bold profile exudes a timeless appeal. This revival wasn’t just skin-deep; subtle "Easter eggs" were thoughtfully incorporated into both the interior and exterior, making it a treasure trove for enthusiasts and new admirers alike.

Inside, the Mustang proudly embraces its retro-inspired charm. The cabin design features distinct zones for the front seats, with the driver’s side showcasing a vintage three-spoke steering wheel, classic round gauges, and a cockpit reminiscent of the 1960s muscle car era. The result is an interior that blends nostalgic elements with modern comfort, delivering a driving experience steeped in history yet relevant to the mid-2000s. This redesign firmly cemented the Mustang's position as a modern icon with roots deeply planted in automotive tradition.

3.8

out of 5

EXPERT REVIEW

Look & feel

Performance

Form & function

Technology

Safety

Cost-effectiveness

2006 Ford Mustang: A Retro Revival of Classic Muscle Car Design

The 2005 redesign of the Ford Mustang marked a triumphant return to its roots, reviving the essence of the original "pony car" era. The 2006 Mustang continues this legacy with a bold design that recalls the golden age of American muscle cars. Featuring a long hood, an elevated rear deck, and a profile that oozes nostalgia, the Mustang captures attention on every road it dominates. Its exterior is peppered with subtle “Easter eggs,” offering delightful nods to Mustang heritage for the keen-eyed enthusiast.

Step inside, and the retro inspiration becomes even more apparent. The cabin unapologetically embraces a vintage vibe, featuring split front seating that emphasizes the driver-centric layout. A classic three-spoke steering wheel, round gauges inspired by the 1960s, and a dashboard that feels like a blast from the past all contribute to an interior that celebrates Mustang’s storied history. While modern advancements are sparse, this design choice was intentional, aiming to immerse drivers in a nostalgic driving experience that honors its roots while commanding respect in the present day.

2006 Ford Mustang: Performance Upgrades and Enhanced Handling

With the latest iteration of the Mustang, Ford has addressed many of the shortcomings of previous generations, delivering a more refined and capable muscle car. The 2006 Mustang's V6 engine is a versatile powerhouse, effortlessly handling tasks from daily commutes to spirited drives through winding mountain roads. The V8 engine, enhanced with variable camshaft timing and electronic throttle control, combines fuel efficiency with exceptional power, creating a thrilling driving experience that doesn’t compromise on performance.

Previous Mustang models often struggled with cornering stability, but the 2006 version has made significant strides in handling. A longer wheelbase and a completely redesigned rear suspension featuring coil springs and a three-link setup dramatically improve composure and control. While it retains the solid rear axle, the new suspension minimizes instability and reduces the typical bouncy feel over uneven roads. These improvements make the 2006 Ford Mustang a standout, offering both a smoother ride and sharper handling for drivers seeking performance and comfort.

2006 Ford Mustang: Spacious Interior and Practical Features

Over the years, the Ford Mustang has grown in size, and with the 2006 model, that extra space has been put to good use in the interior. The front seats offer generous leg, hip, and shoulder room, ensuring a comfortable driving experience for most occupants. Designed with spirited driving in mind, the supportive front bucket seats keep you firmly in place during sharp maneuvers. However, the back seat remains tight, making it suitable primarily for children or light storage. Installing car seats can also prove challenging due to the limited space.

While the back seat may lack utility, the Mustang compensates with a respectable trunk size. The rear seats fold down, providing additional cargo flexibility, perfect for weekend getaways or grocery runs. However, the convertible model sacrifices significant trunk space due to the folding top mechanism, which reduces overall cargo capacity. Despite this tradeoff, the 2006 Ford Mustang remains a practical choice for those who prioritize style and performance while enjoying occasional bursts of practicality.

2006 Ford Mustang: Advanced Tech and Customizable Features

The 2006 Ford Mustang comes equipped with a range of standard technology features designed to enhance convenience and comfort. These include one-touch power windows, power mirrors and door locks, air conditioning, keyless entry, and an AM/FM stereo with a CD player. Cruise control adds to the ease of long-distance drives. For those seeking an elevated experience, available upgrades include a 500-watt premium audio system, a six-disc CD changer, and MP3 compatibility.

One of the standout advantages of the 2006 Mustang’s feature offerings is their flexibility. Buyers can add premium features as standalone options or through convenient package upgrades. Both V6 and V8 models benefit from this customization, allowing drivers to tailor their Mustang to their preferences. Whether you prioritize advanced tech or classic performance, the 2006 Ford Mustang ensures a personalized driving experience that blends modern amenities with iconic design.

2006 Ford Mustang: Safety Ratings and Features

The safety performance of the 2006 Ford Mustang has mixed results based on crash test evaluations. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) rated the Mustang as "acceptable" for moderate overlap front crashworthiness but assigned a "poor" score for head restraints and seat safety. On the other hand, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) awarded the Mustang five stars for frontal crash testing, four stars for side crash tests, and five stars for rollover resistance, reflecting a commendable level of stability in critical situations.

Standard safety features in the 2006 Mustang include front seatbelt pretensioners, front and rear ventilated disc brakes, an engine immobilizer, an emergency trunk release, and a passenger airbag occupant sensing system. Additional options enhance safety, such as electronic brakeforce distribution, four-wheel anti-lock brakes, electronic traction control, and fog lights. These features, combined with its robust structure, offer a mix of fundamental and advanced safety measures, catering to drivers who seek both performance and peace of mind.

2006 Ford Mustang: Pricing, Performance, and Fuel Efficiency

The 2006 Ford Mustang provides an accessible entry point to a genuine American sports car experience. Starting at an MSRP of $19,115, the base model offers a no-frills approach while maintaining the iconic Mustang design. While it lacks the premium features of the GT trim, it still embodies the spirit of this legendary muscle car. At the high end, the Mustang’s price climbs to nearly $30,000, delivering a convertible equipped with a thrilling V8 engine, blending power and style seamlessly. Thanks to recent enhancements, the Mustang’s overall value is more compelling than ever.

When it comes to fuel economy, the Mustang offers competitive ratings for its class. The V6 model achieves 17/26/20 mpg city/highway/combined with a manual transmission, or 17/23/19 mpg with the five-speed automatic. For those seeking the excitement of the V8, expect slightly lower numbers, with 15/23/18 mpg for the manual and 15/22/18 mpg for the automatic. These figures reflect the balance between performance and practicality that defines the Mustang, ensuring there’s an option for every driver’s needs and budget.

motorvero004

Last Updated On Jan, 18-2025

The 2006 Ford Mustang has a smooth ride, a wide variety of customization options, and a vintage-inspired look. The Ford Mustang is one of the most iconic vehicles ever made, and its recent overhaul brought new, retro styling, updated powertrain options, and new tech to the storied muscle car. The 2006 Mustang still rides high from that 2005 redesign, but gets a quieter interior and updated tech for the new model year.