The 2004 Mustang was a true revival of the original model, launched four decades before it. Ford unveiled it in late 2004 as a 2005 model-year.
Despite being produced less than the Model-T or the F-Series, the Mustang was one of the best known Ford of all times. After some shady generations, especially the second and third (Fox-body), the fifth generation took its inspiration from the original model and started the retro-design trend.
Like the original Mustang, the 2005 model featured two round headlights at the front. The GT version's grille was enhanced with another pair of round headlamps, as the 1965 Mustang GT. The carmaker dropped the three-box body and adopted only the fastback and the convertible. The latter featured a power-retractable soft-top. In the back, the taillights resembled the original Mustang, with the three vertical lamps.
Inside, the carmaker installed two bucket-seats at the front and a bench in the rear. Since the soft-top was stored between the rear seats and the trunk, there was limited room for passengers on the bench. Ford didn't go all the way with the retro-design theme and installed a different instrument cluster, with two big round dials and four smaller gauges between them.
Ford offered the Mustang with two engine choices: a 4.0-liter V6 and a 4.6-liter V8. Both versions were paired to a 5-speed manual, while a 5-speed auto was on the options list. Ford faced some criticism for installing a live rear axle to the 2005 vehicle, a solution that handled worse than an independent suspension.