This was the second year of the more advanced 4.6, bring the power back to a stock car. This car was competitive, and still with minor reliability problems that have become common with the name Ford. Waterpumps, electronics, headgaskets, and auto trans problems are common under any hard driver. Though as long as you treat it with respect you will only really deal with a new water pump every 30,000-60,000 or so. This is the biggest down fall, and is a first to upgrade. If nothing else.
Enough about the bad. Lets talk about the good. The GT comes with 260hp and uses it under a 5 speed to reach 60 in 5.8sec(competitive against the LS Camaro, but still a bit short) and a top speed of 150mph. This is a good start and this car can become quite a performer. The stock handling is decent and for the first time in the history of the Stang the braking and acceleration is equal and feels right to me. The V6 still shouldn't exist, but what can you do. The V6 is lame, and can only produce a max of 300hp. The thing is I have heard horror stories of the base model still having the short comings the V8 has. I don't think its worth it really. The 190horses are weak for a car this heavy and is not a real Mustang. The 0-60 is in the mid eight on a auto. So be aware that if I see you I will make fun of you.
The new look is a welcome change to me. The interior is very much the same as the SN95 model, but more arresive. This car was deffently more about performance and less about luxery. The exterior feature a new design that was "more in your face". This is a good looking car. I think one of the coolest looking mustangs ever.
With that being said the 2000 Cobra R is what every guy wants in a Mustang. This car feature 385hp and torque from a 5.4L; that would rocket this beast to 0-60 of 4.5-4.7sec and a top speed claimed at 175mph. This engine didn't use any superchargers, just engine. The handling was as good as a Vette or Ferrari. Yeah, 1.0g at 60 and at 120. Thats great, and beefed up brakes Ricardo seats made this a dream Stang. This was all great, but the design was the most awsome change. My favorite Mustang ever. I mean ever. The ground effects are mean, I mean this car looks angry. The massive wing is alittle much, but functional. The side pipes are a neat feature; but the real eye catcher is the hood. The double cowl grooved hood, the most aggesive hood ever put a factory Ford. Possibly any Mustang, and I have a Cervinis replica on my 88 conv. This made a cool car, a dream car. I love this car, just one problem. They will cost 50k if you find one used, and they have no radio or AC. They only made 300 of these beauties, and if you do pick one up it could be a good investment. But you have to pay for it and the hardest part find one and not drive it.
This year was a amazing year for design and to me the peak of the body style.
