The 2006 Ford Mustang continues the retro design that made its 2005 debut a runaway success. Eschewing the less-loved Mustang II of the 1970s, Ford designers drew inspiration from the second-generation Mustangs of the late 1960s, resulting in a modern classic that captured the hearts of enthusiasts and the attention of the general public.
For the 2006 model year, the most notable addition was the “Pony Package,” designed to emulate the look and feel of the GT model. The fastback design, reminiscent of the late 60s Mustangs, proved to be a winning formula, with demand frequently exceeding production capacity.
Under the hood, buyers could choose between a 4.0L V6 engine producing 210 horsepower and a 4.6L V8 engine delivering 300 horsepower. Both engines were available with either a 5-speed manual or a 5-speed automatic transmission. The Mustang’s chassis featured a 107-inch wheelbase and a curb weight of approximately 3500 pounds, offering a balance of sporty handling and comfortable cruising.
Standard safety and convenience features included four-wheel disc brakes and optional traction control (standard on V8 models). The interior featured cloth bucket seats as standard, with leather upholstery available as an option. All models came equipped with a tilt steering wheel, cruise control, power locks and windows, power side mirrors, and air conditioning.
Ford offered the 2006 Mustang in both coupe and convertible body styles, with five trim levels for each. The base MSRP started at $19,810 for the coupe and $24,635 for the convertible.
The Mustang’s initial sales success in 2005 led to early sell-out. It even surpassed the Chrysler 300 as the most sought-after car, with sales exceeding 15,000 units per month, all produced from a single factory.
Limited production and high demand meant that incentives were unnecessary. The 2006 Mustang likely maintained a waiting list of eager customers. Given the relatively flat sales across the Ford division, the Mustang’s popularity was a welcome boost for the automaker.