Overview & Reviews
Mustangs, Thunderbirds and F-series pickups are all legendary Fords that have populated America's highways for decades. Numbering in the millions, they're recognizable to just about everyone. For motorsports fans or those familiar with Ford's racing heritage, however, there's a lesser known but equally iconic "halo" model that best represents the technological capabilities of the marque: the exotic limited-production Ford GT sports car.
Arriving in prototype form just in time for Ford's Centennial celebration in 2003, the Ford GT debuted for 2004 as the modern, road-going interpretation of the GT40 endurance racing car that beat Ferrari and swept the 24 Hours of Le Mans race four years in a row from 1966-'69. The ultrahigh-performance two-seat Ford GT was produced from 2004 through 2006 and showcased many advanced technologies, befitting its $140,000 price tag. It sported a supercharged mid-mounted V8 engine, an aluminum chassis, superplastic-formed aluminum body panels, a capless fuel filler, cross-drilled Brembo brakes and a carbon-fiber engine cover. Not only did these exotic features showcase a technological tour de force, they also formed a visual feast once the large rear engine cover was opened.
After climbing inside -- a process made awkward by the GT's pronounced door frames that extend well into the roof -- the driver and lucky passenger enjoy surprisingly roomy accommodations for even 6-plus-footers. The cockpit offers a satisfying blend of old and new -- the wide gauge cluster with center-mounted tach, the red starter button, a metal shift knob, large toggle switches and carbon-fiber seats remind you of its more primitive heritage, while the magnesium center console and illuminated climate controls lend a modern and civilized touch. As you might expect, rear visibility is a weak point, but it's a trade-off we have no problem accepting.
Once underway, however, whatever ergonomic shortcomings the GT may have disappear as quickly as the road in its rearview mirror. Surprisingly, its drivability and user-friendliness is closer to that of a typical sport coupe than a high-performance sports car. The clutch pedal and shifter operate smoothly, the well-balanced steering provides excellent feedback and the engine remains civilized when idling through traffic. But the Ford GT really comes into its own when driven with gusto on the road or at the track, with blistering 3.5-second 0-60-mph performance and a reassuring combination of stability and confidence in place of the typical nervousness exhibited by some other exotics. As we said in our review, "think of it as a Viper-powered NSX with the daily drivability of a Corvette." In other words, the Ford GT is one of the most capable cars ever produced, with at-the-limit manners that not only give it an advantage over direct rivals, but also the ability to compete with supercars costing much more.
Most Recent Ford GT
The 2006 Ford GT was offered in one trim level with only a handful of available options. It featured an aluminum chassis with double-wishbone suspension, 18-inch front and 19-inch rear wheels, special high-speed tires and a supercharged 5.4-liter aluminum V8 engine putting out 550 horsepower and 500 pound-feet of torque through a six-speed manual transmission and limited-slip differential. Standard equipment included HID headlights, air-conditioning, keyless entry, power windows and a CD audio system.
Owners could opt for an upgraded McIntosh audio system with four-channel amplifier, as well as BBS forged aluminum wheels, red- or gray-painted brake calipers and a full-length racing stripe. Two special-edition color schemes for 2006 included a Tungsten Grey exterior that commemorated the original GT40's 1-2-3 Le Mans victory in 1966, and a Heritage Edition that featured the blue and orange colors of the GT40 that won Le Mans in 1968 and '69.
Earlier versions of this single-generation vehicle were similarly equipped. With a total production of a shade more than 4,000 units, the majority of Ford GTs were 2005 and '06 models. Those shopping for a previously owned GT should be aware that some early 2004 production models experienced "teething" problems involving leaking hoses and minor ailments with the electrical and climate control systems. Ford also recalled several hundred of the first '04 production cars to replace potentially defective suspension control arms, and also inspected and addressed complaints of engine main seal oil leaks. Although these early problems were likely rectified, we'd put our hard-earned money toward a later model.
User Reviews:
Showing 21 through 30 of 43.00-
2005-FORD GT-Owns The Road - 2005 Ford GT
By Haldejohn - November 17 - 3:18 pmNo Doubt about it, the FORD -GT is in the TOP Of Its Class, Road Performance is Outstanding, and Un-equaled. Styling is Traditionally Sound, and Provocative Similtaneously Catapulting itself Above any known competition. FORD Continues to Produce Automobiles which Dominate the world both in Design and in Performance. Reliability is the key to Confidence and FORD has the Niche to Deliver to its Customers Both Exceptional Quality and the Edge in Performance which Ranks the FORD-GT a Consistent Winner in the eyes of anyone seriously Considering not just an Improvement over 2004, but a Leap of Consumer Exuberance when considering the Un-Paralleled 2005 FORD-GT.
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best car ever - 2005 Ford GT
By roygardo - November 15 - 5:37 pmwhen i first heard this car was coming out, i almost jumped through the roof! Ive read about the GT40 since I could read and now its finaly here. I think everybody should drive this car at least once.
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reveiw - 2005 Ford GT
By Grinbaum - November 14 - 5:56 pmit is the tightest loooking car i have ever seen
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The best car I ever drove - 2005 Ford GT
By JDuarte - November 14 - 4:15 pmthe car proves that ford is and has allways been the best. .
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FORD GT: FERRARI SLAYER - 2005 Ford GT
By zitro - November 8 - 4:35 pmTHIS CAR IS AMAZING! ACCELERATION IS QUICK, AND I MEAN QUICK! I CLOCKED 0-60 IN 3.34 SECONDS. HANDLING IS AMAZING AND RIDE IS GREAT FOR A VEHICLE OF THIS CALIBER. BUILD QUALITY IS IN LEGUE WITH THE BEST. ENGINE IS TOTALLY SMOOTH, AS IS EVERYTHING ABOUT THIS CAR. IVE ALREADY DRIVEN MINE FOR JUST OVER 17OO0 MILES AND I HAVENT HAD ANY RELIABILITY PROBLEMS WITH IT. IT IS SURE FOOTED IN NORMAL DRIVING, AND A BEAST WHEN YOU BOOST UP THE SPEED. STOPS WITH THE BEST OF THEM. VERY USER FRIENDLY. AND WITH A PRICE MUCH LOWER THAN OTHER CARS IN THIS CLASS, THE COMPETITION DOESNT STAND A CHANCE. A HOME RUN FOR FORD. ALL YOU PEOPLE WHO THOUGHT FORD COULDNT COMPETE, LOOK WHOS GETTING THE LAST LAUGH NOW!
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Excellent - 2005 Ford GT
By Zimp - October 29 - 2:00 amThis is an excellent car to drive. I love the fact that ib beat a Ferrari.
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THE BEST - 2005 Ford GT
By me - October 11 - 2:00 amTHIS IS AN AWSOME CAR
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Excellent Vehicle - 2005 Ford GT
By mrjonesy2007 - October 2 - 2:00 amThis car has the style, the power and the incredible feeling when you sit inside of it. I will never buy another car except for this one as long as i live and as long as they still make it.
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i like it - 2005 Ford GT
By drivealltheway - October 2 - 2:00 amThis car is a lot of fun to drive. I have driven it a lot, and it really impresses friends (and girls) Its acceleration is almost instant, and the handling is marvelous.
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Ford GT - 2005 Ford GT
By Tum Toid - September 21 - 2:00 amFunnest car I ever drove.
