As you consider bringing a Ford GT into your life, it’s essential to know which years stood out for exceptional performance and reliability, and which ones you should approach with caution. You might be surprised to learn that the 2005 Ford GT, with its impressive 550 horsepower and 205 mph top speed, also held its value remarkably well. But which years fell short, plagued by reliability issues born from the era’s emphasis on power and speed?
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Key Takeaways
- The 2005 Ford GT is considered one of the best years, with a 5.4-liter turbocharged V8 engine producing 550 horsepower.
- The car’s reliability is exceptional, with only minor issues reported over 16,000 miles, including a single instance of road debris damage.
- The 1993 Ford Mustang Cobra R models are considered the ultimate track-focused cars, with a 235-hp V-8 engine and stripped-down features.
- There is no specific “worst year” reported for the Ford GT, with most issues being minor and quickly addressed under warranty.
- The Ford GT’s depreciation rate is relatively low, with the car holding its value well over its three-year lifespan.
Overview and Purchase
When Ford launched the GT as a concept car in 2002, it was clear that the company aimed to surpass the performance of the Ferrari Modena at a more affordable price.
You’re looking at a 5.4-liter turbocharged V8 engine, rated at 550 horsepower, and a curb weight of 3,500 pounds.
The new Ford GT‘s starting price was $139,995.
You ordered the 2005 version in Midnight Blue, opting for three extras: BBS forged-aluminum wheels, painted brake calipers in red, and painted racing stripes over the top of the car.
You didn’t choose to save money and weight by skipping the audio option.
Durability, Issues, and Repairs
Your Ford GT has proven to be an extremely reliable companion over the past three years and 16,000 miles, with no breakdowns to speak of, except for one instance where road debris damaged a rear tire, requiring a flatbed tow truck.
Initially, you’d to adjust the passenger door release and driver’s door latch to fix a rattle.
Fortunately, you didn’t experience axle bolt failure, a common issue among Ford GT owners.
Your car underwent several warranty repairs, with total maintenance costs of $1,002 and additional costs of $3,532.94 over 36 months, showcasing its impressive durability.
Performance
You’ll be thrilled to know the Ford GT’s performance is nothing short of exceptional, whether you’re carving up the track or accelerating from a standstill on the street.
With its impressive power output and finely-tuned suspension, you’ll feel right at home on the track, where the GT can touch 140 mph on the straightaway.
On the street, you’ll be able to rocket from 0-60 mph mark in under 4 seconds, making it a force to be reckoned with.
Track Performance
The 2005 Ford GT is a force to be reckoned with on the track, boasting an impressive top speed of 205 mph and a blistering 0-60 mph time of just 3.7 seconds.
When you hit the track, you’ll appreciate the short-shift kit from Ford Racing, which reduces shift throws and allows for precise times, like 11.8 seconds at 124.4 mph in the quarter-mile.
With Hoosier slicks, you’ll reel off impressive times, reaching 140 mph along Willow Springs Raceway’s front straight.
Modified with a smaller turbocharger impeller and computer reflash, you’ll release around 700 hp at the rear wheels.
Street Acceleration
On public roads, acceleration of the 2005 Ford GT is a thrill ride, with its extremely tall 1st gear capable of reaching 60 mph without shifting, requiring a delicate touch for smooth takeoffs under normal driving conditions.
You’ll hit 0-60 in just 3.7 seconds, which is astonishingly quick. Its quarter-mile time of 11.8 seconds at 124.4 mph is equally impressive.
The GT’s acceleration isn’t just about brute force; it’s about precision and control. As you accelerate, you’ll feel the rush of adrenaline, making every drive an exhilarating experience.
Fuel Economy and Depreciation
As you slide into the driver’s seat, fuel economy is probably not the first thing on your mind, but it’s definitely worth considering, especially with a car like the Ford GT, where fuel efficiency can make a significant difference.
The Ford GT’s best fuel economy was 26.2 mpg, while its worst was 13.1 mpg, with an average of 17 mpg.
On the other hand, the car’s market value at the end of its service was $114,227, resulting in a relatively low depreciation rate, holding its value well over its three-year lifespan.
Gen 1 (1965-1973)
As you delve into the Gen 1 Ford GT, you’ll find that its performance and reliability were affected by the era’s emphasis on power and speed.
You’ll notice that the car’s design and features, such as its wild hood graphics and V-8 engine, were influenced by the Mustang’s evolution during this period.
As you dissect this generation, you’ll see how these factors combined to shape the Ford GT’s character.
Performance and Reliability
You’ll be thrilled to discover that the first-generation Ford GT’s performance and reliability are nothing short of exceptional. Its 5.4-liter turbocharged V8 engine, rated at 550 horsepower, allows it to post 0-60 times under 4 seconds and record a certified top speed of 205 mph.
| Performance | Reliability | Maintenance |
|---|---|---|
| 0-60: <4s | No breakdowns | $1,002 (3 years) |
| Top speed: 205mph | 1 flatbed tow | 1 warranty repair |
| Succeeded in outgunning Ferrari 360 Modena | 1 road debris incident | 2 door latch adjustments |
Design and Features
The first-generation Ford GT’s sleek design is a tribute to its American muscle heritage, boasting a powerful engine that turns heads on the road.
You’ll love how this exotic car‘s aggressive stance and bold lines evoke a sense of raw power.
The Gen 1 Ford Mustang, produced from 1965 to 1973, is an iconic model that has become a symbol of American muscle cars.
Its design features, such as lightweight independent front suspension and rack-and-pinion steering, make it a valuable resource for custom builds.
You’ll appreciate the attention to detail in this classic car‘s design, making it a true masterpiece.
Worst of Gen 2 (1974-1978)
Ford’s performance enthusiasts felt let down by the Gen 2 Mustang II, produced from 1974 to 1978. You expected more from this generation, but it failed to deliver. The Mustang II took more than 10 seconds to reach 60 mph, making it a slow ride.
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Engine | V-8 |
| Hood Graphics | Wild, except for Trans Am |
| Suspension | Independent front, valuable for custom builds |
| Performance | Disappointing, slow |
| Significance | Marked the end of Gen 2 |
Gen 3 (1979-1993)
You’ll find the worst engine option in the 4.2-liter V-8, which Ford embarrassingly omitted horsepower ratings for due to its paltry 118 horsepower.
On the flip side, the 1993 Ford Mustang Cobra R stands out as the best track car, with a 235-hp 4.9-liter V-8 and weight-reducing measures like radio-less, AC-less, and rear-seat-less design.
Meanwhile, the Cobra R’s stripped-down features, like manual windows and bucket seats, make it a standout in this generation.
Worst Engine Option
Among the Gen 3 Mustangs, one engine option stands out as particularly underwhelming: the 4.2-liter V-8, which debuted in the 1980 model year.
You’ll find this lackluster engine produced a mere 118 horsepower, making it the least powerful V-8 Mustang ever produced.
- Ford’s effort to comply with emission regulations and reduce fuel consumption led to a significant sacrifice in power and performance.
- The 4.2-liter V-8’s poor performance made it an unfavorable engine option compared to other Gen 3 Mustangs, like the 1993 Ford Mustang Cobra R.
- Ford wouldn’t even include the horsepower output in the press materials, showcasing their lack of confidence in the engine’s performance.
- The 4.2-liter V-8 was the worst of Gen 3, and its underwhelming performance made it an unimpressive option for Mustang enthusiasts.
Best Track Car
This generation’s top track car is the 1993 Ford Mustang Cobra R, built specifically for racing and high-performance driving.
You’ll notice it’s stripped of luxuries, like air conditioning and a radio, to shave off 450 pounds.
Manual windows, door locks, and mirrors, along with bucket seats from the Mustang LX, further augment its track-focused design.
Strategic hardware additions include larger brake rotors, strut tower and subframe bracing, stiffer springs, and adjustable dampers.
With its powerful engine and track-tailored design, the 1993 Ford Mustang Cobra R is an exceptional track car, making it the best of Gen 3.
Least Powerful V-8
The 1980 Ford Mustang’s 4.2-liter V-8 engine is a disappointment, producing a mere 118 horsepower.
You’ll be underwhelmed by this lackluster powertrain.
Here’s what makes it the least powerful V-8:
- Downsized displacement: From 4.9 liters to 4.2 liters, resulting in a significant loss of power.
- Ford horsepower output was omitted in press materials, hinting at the engine’s poor performance.
- Unimpressive even for its time, this engine pales in comparison to modern cars.
- A steep downgrade from previous models, leaving performance enthusiasts feeling let down, much like the Ford GT’s less-than-stellar years.
Best of Gen 3 (1979-1993)
You’ll find the ultimate track-focused Mustang in the 1993 Ford Mustang Cobra R, which stripped away unnecessary features to unfurl its full performance potential.
Powered by a 235-hp V-8, this Gen 3 Mustang was designed for the track. To shave weight, SVT removed features like air conditioning and rear seats, replacing them with manual windows, door locks, and mirrors.
Bucket seats from the Mustang LX also replaced the heavier Cobra seats, adding to the overall weight reduction of 450 pounds.
Cobra R Details
Delving into the Cobra R’s composition, its stripped-down design eliminates unnecessary features, allowing the car to focus solely on performance.
You’ll notice the absence of a radio, air conditioning, and rear seat, which shaved off a significant amount of weight.
Additionally, the Cobra R boasts:
- Manual windows, door locks, and mirrors for a more hands-on approach.
- A claimed 450-pound reduction in weight, courtesy of bucket seats and gutted rear carpet and sound deadening material.
- Strategic hardware additions, such as larger brake rotors and a power steering and engine oil cooler.
- A powerful 235-hp 4.9-liter V-8 engine, making the most of its stripped-down design.
Design and Features
Its retro look is sure to evoke a smile, with softer lines reminiscent of the old race car.
The 2005 Ford GT’s distinctive rear end and cool, retro front end with a massive hood that opens up to reveal the structure and tires will catch your attention.
Meanwhile, the new GT boasts a more savage, brutal look with modernized headlights.
Inside, you’ll find advanced tech like the SYNC infotainment system, paired with improved features like larger brake rotors, strut tower and subframe bracing, and stiffer springs for a more refined driving experience.
Interior Comparison
The interior of the Ford GT is a space where nostalgia and modernity collide.
You’ll notice the retro seats, old-school gauges, and simple steering wheel evoke the classic racing cars of the past.
However, the cheap switchgear from other Ford models and awkward climate control buttons in the center console detract from the overall experience.
- Retro vs Refined: The 2005 model’s interior has a more nostalgic feel, while the new Ford GT boasts better material quality and unique features.
- Switchgear: The new GT has bespoke switchgear, whereas the 2005 model borrowed from other Ford models.
- Steering Wheel: The new Ford GT’s steering wheel is more modern and feature-rich compared to the 2005 model’s simple design.
- Design Focus: The new Ford GT’s interior is designed with form follows function in mind, resulting in a significant improvement over the 2005 model.
Driving Experience
You slip behind the wheel of the Ford GT, and it’s immediately clear that this is a machine designed to deliver a driving experience that’s as exhilarating as it’s substance.
The cockpit’s design wraps around you, placing every control within easy reach.
The seats hug your body, providing excellent lateral support as you carve through corners.
The GT’s suspension expertly balances comfort and handling, allowing you to feel the road without being overwhelmed by bumps and undulations.
As you accelerate, the GT’s driving experience unfolds, putting you in perfect harmony with the car and the road.
Performance and Capabilities
Beneath its sleek, aerodynamic body, the Ford GT packs a punch that’s nothing short of astonishing.
You’ll feel the rush as you hit 0-60 in under 4 seconds, thanks to its extremely tall 1st gear.
And with around 700 hp at the rear wheels, you’ll be leaving most cars in the dust.
- 205 mph top speed, certified and ready to take on any track.
- Impressive track times, touching 140 mph along the front straight at Willow Springs Raceway.
- Exceptional street performance, making it one of the fastest and most powerful street cars ever produced.
- Reliable performance, paired with Goodyear Eagle F1 tires, making it a dependable and fully functional automobile that happens to be capable of 200-plus mph and 16-plus mpg.
When looking at performance cars, make sure to check out our guides on models like the Ford Maverick, Ford Transit, Ford Bronco and Ford F-350. Knowing which model years to target and which to avoid is crucial. Our expert reviews break down these models, providing insights into the years that are celebrated for their engineering excellence and driving satisfaction, as well as those that are best to avoid due to potential issues.
