The Ford Mustang has been the icon of American performance since its 1964 introduction, popular for its bold style, rear-wheel drive performance, and affordable price. The Mustang started the ponycar genre, and now, after 40 years of competition with the Camaro, Firebird, and others, it's the only one left.

The new Mustang represents a clean-sheet design, riding on an all-new platform. It's faster, more agile and better looking than ever. It rides smoother, the interior is beautifully done. The Mustang V-6 Deluxe coupe comes well equipped for less than $20,000. The Mustang GT boasts a new multi-valve, overhead-cam V8 that produces 300 horsepower and is available with a Tremec five-speed manual or an automatic.

The new Mustang is being offered in coupe and convertible versions, though the convertibles won't be available until spring 2005. The coupe comes in Deluxe, Premium, GT and GT Premium trim levels.

The base V-6 Deluxe coupe ($18,785) comes with a 210-horsepower 4.0-liter sohc V6 engine and a new Tremec 5-speed manual transmission, 16-inch painted castaluminum wheels with all-season tires, air conditioning, dual power mirrors, rear window defroster, AM/FM stereo with single CD player, four-wheel powerdisc brakes, occupant classification air bags, power door locks with remote keyless entry, and power windows with driver and passenger one-touch up/down function.

Options for V-6 models include five-speed automatic transmission ($995), anti-lock brakes and all-speed traction control ($775), side-impact air bags ($370), leather seating surfaces ($695), an active anti-theft system ($255), an exterior sport appearance package ($295), and an interior upgrade package ($450). The Premium package ($585) adds 16-inch bright machined aluminum wheels with chrome spinners, a new Shaker 500-watt audio system with 6-disc CD changer and MP3 capability, and a 6-way power adjustable driver seat.

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Mustang GT ($24,370) features a new 300-horsepower 4.6-liter sohc V8. GT standard equipment includes four-wheel power disc brakes with four-channel anti-lock braking and all-speed traction control, dual exhausts, front fog lamps, a rear spoiler, tilt steering wheel, 17-inch painted cast aluminum wheels with Z- rated performance tires, air conditioning, dual power mirrors and rear window defroster, AM/FM stereo with a single-CD player, occupant-sensing air bags, power door locks with remote keyless entry, and power windows with one-touch up/down operation.

GT Premium ($1,335) comes with the Shaker 500-watt audio system with 6-disc CD player and MP3 capability and Aberdeen leather-trimmed embossed sport bucket seats. Options on all Mustang GTs include the five-speed automatic transmission ($995), side-impact air bags ($370), 17-inch machined aluminum wheels ($195), active anti-theft system ($255), a Shaker 1000-watt audio system ($1,295), an interior upgrade package ($450), and an interior color enhancement package ($175).