Test drive: 2005 Ford Mustang V6

Best retro interior ever?

When the Ford Thunderbird debuted a couple of years back, the exterior was great but the interior was a let-down. With the Mustang, Ford got it right. Every panel, every line, every crease pays homage to the original Mustang, from the bulge of the hood to the cut of the roof pillars. Even the wheels are right. But wait--it's even better from the inside! Settle into the Mustang's supportive driver's seat. Grip the three-spoke steering wheel, a modern interpretation of the 60s original. Check out the double-browed dash and the chrome-ringed gauges, lettered in a font lifted directly from the original. The Mustang is totally retro yet totally modern, right down to the t-handle transmission shifter. A $195 Interior Sport Appearance Package adds a few brushed-aluminum trim bits that really complete the effect. I'm not much into appearance-only doo-dads but this one is well worth it. Visibility out is quite good, especially considering the car's rakish lines, small windshield and bulging hood. There's even an element of practicality--Robin shoehorned her massage table into the trunk. I mentioned cost-cutting: No light on the visor mirrors and a bit of thin plastic here and there. Perfectly acceptable considering the 'Stang's low price.