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 11 through 20 of 43.00

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  Best money I ever spent - 2005 Ford GT
  By KEITH - March 13 - 9:43 pm

  Anyone considering buying this car should shop extensively for the best price since some dealers are still trying to get a premium over MSRP. There are dealers who will sell at or below MSRP now. But whatever the price, dont let it keep you from buying the most fun vehicle you will ever own. The power is phenomenal, everyday driveability is wonderful and the WOW factor is unbeatable! If it has any shortcomings, they are more than compensated for in the pride and joy of ownership.

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  Red Ford GT - 2005 Ford GT
  By FJP - February 15 - 5:00 am

  Awesome power. Tight handling, stiff suspension. Always draws comments and onlookers. Very comfortable driving position. Minimal storage space, no spare tire.

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  Im still pinching myself! - 2005 Ford GT
  By wemo - December 23 - 2:29 pm

  This car is truly the most fun! The performance is breathtaking, the quality is wonderful, and I luv my car. I have raced both asphalt and dirt ovals for years (including 360 sprints), and am truly impressed with this vehicles handling and performance. I appreciate the no frills cockpit. Its all business. I have about 1200 miles so far, and keep looking for excuses to go to the store for milk.

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  Wow - 2006 Ford GT
  By barrat - November 16 - 3:02 pm

  The GT surpasses the WOW factor. Pros - Awesome performance, great sound system, perfect instrument panel, comfortable seats, and a real head turner. Its plenty fast and turns on a dime. The lighting system is impressive. Exhaust sound is throaty and strong. Interior is quiet. Cons - Hard to negotiate when backing up (blind spot). No extra room for anything (not the car to take on a trip unless traveling alone). Everyone wants a ride. Happy motoring.

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  best car in world - 2005 Ford GT
  By JORDAN - September 7 - 12:45 am

  This car will keep you at the edge of your seat with the awesome interior design and V-8 engine pushing more than 500 horsepower. A true work of art.

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  AMAZING! - 2005 Ford GT
  By DRIVING IT! - August 30 - 7:31 pm

  I have only driven 181 miles so far. This car is the best driving experience of my life! I have been very fortunate, having driven several "supercars", and this one is THE BEST overall experience to date. Quickest, fastest, best handling and, BY FAR, the friendliest "monster" I have driven.

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  Bye Bye Enzo - 2005 Ford GT
  By Mike - June 11 - 3:55 pm

  I havent had enough time behind the wheel to know all the cars quirks yet but I can tell you it is truly a rocket. Not quite as refined as a Ferrari or Porsche, it is a race-car with a few amenities. Track days are coming up soon so I will be able to give a better idea of the over-all vehicle. To anybody who got whip-lash trying to get a better look at the car, Im not sorry.

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  Good but not great - 2005 Ford GT
  By grunger - February 10 - 3:14 am

  While this car is no doubt a monster under the hood, Im left feeling that it doesnt quite have the build quality and interior amenities that is found in similar German and Italian competitors. I also think that from a strict performance standpoint the new 2006 corvette with its 7.0L of displacement will run with this car at about half the price. That being said it will turn heads and Im certain it will be a collectors automobile.

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  da kine - 2005 Ford GT
  By Kona Bill - December 11 - 4:30 pm

  I love this car with a passion. I am disappointed in your 52% resale estimate. Since this awesome car was just introduced, how can you accurately forecast its value in 5 years ?

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  America is Finally Getting It Right - 2005 Ford GT
  By Glen Alcorn - December 2 - 3:42 pm

  With the increased production of overseas car makers producing exotic sports cars, I am glad to see that along with Panoz, that Ford is also jumping into this arena. The Ford GT is a design marvel. While keeping its clean lines from the original GT40, it also encompasses new technology needed to compete with the likes of Panoz, Aston Martin, et al. The interior of the car is suberb aside from its lack of lateral support. The instruments are in perfect location for quick glances at them when driving at upper speeds. I do wish that some of the materials used on the dash could be less cheap looking. The exterior design could only be improved with the omission of the racing stripe.