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 1 through 10 of 43.00-
Owning the Ford GT - 2005 Ford GT
By Tim Howard - September 5 - 3:17 amI have been restoring and collecting classic cars for over 25 years, and I have never driven anything as exciting and enjoyable as the new Ford GT. Even my Best of Show Winning 1967 Shelby GT350 does not compare to the feel and presence of this Ford Supercar. It is, without question, the most capable and enjoyable car on the market today. Even my Corvette friends are envious of the GTs capabilities and ease of handling. It is simply one of the fastest cars in the world at any price.
-
Fast and Fun - 2005 Ford GT
By David Arthur - August 26 - 2:25 pmCar is very fast and handles like a race car. It will fishtail if pushed but is very controlable at all speeds. It gets very good fuel mileage, over 20 mpg at highway speeds, approx 85 mph. We live in AZ. At 85 in 6th gear its turning 2000 rpm. Very smooth power with lots of torque, will accerate in any gear from just over 1000 rpm. A little hard to get in and out but once in a real pleasure yo drive at any speed and a true rocket ship.
-
Superior to my Ferrari in Every Catagory - 2005 Ford GT
By David - March 20 - 12:06 amI purchased a slightly damaged GT with 1400 actual miles, and had Saleen redo the damaged front end with perfection with replacement parts on the paint line prior to closing. It is fast, reliable, and solid compared to all my other sports cars including BMW 8 Series and Ferrari TR512. Neck snaps back with the push of the pedal and you pray not to see the rear end in the windshield. Almost spun out of control several times...seems there are many wrecks in the first 1500 miles...right when the drivers feels comfortable in the car and pushes the envelope. The car starts more conversations and is the source for many to take photos while driving by. Draws crowds wherever parked. Love It!
-
A true master piece - 2005 Ford GT
By tony aalam - January 18 - 12:49 pmWords alone can not describe how good this car really is. All i can say is that I have been racing cars since the late 80s and nothing comes close to the FORD GT. Im also a proud owner of Ferrari 575 and just sold my Lambo Gallardo. Without disrespecting its competitors I can say that the FORD GT is a class of its own. A real drivers car.
-
Best car I have ever owned. - 2005 Ford GT
By SurfnUSA - December 24 - 12:00 pmInstant celebrity status while driving the car like no other I have owned (over 250). Runs the quarter in 11.5 @ 128, top end of 210 (track only). It costs more than twice as much as a performance comparable Z06 but twice the looks and curbside appeal. Total build is 4038, 300 totaled to date. Will increase in value as years go by and the number on the road are reduced. As of this post, only 50-75 are still on the dealers floor. After they are gone, no new ones will ever be available again. A new one will never be cheaper. My children will inherit a wonderful classic.
-
Love it.... - 2006 Ford GT
By douga - October 23 - 11:55 amThe car is a rolling parade, people hanging out of cars on the highway taking pictures with their cell phones. Always a crowd where ever you stop. I also own the 06 Z06 - it will run with this car but will not "hookup" as well as the GT. I also own the 07 GT 500 - fun car too. The supercharger on the GT500 doesnt spool up as fast as the GT but for a $100,000 difference so what do we expect. Still a lot of fun too drive. Both Fords have the shifting over the Corvette ..have shifted into "no mans land" several times with the Z06. Would like to see a shorter shift kit for the GT500.
-
The Best Value Among Exotics - 2006 Ford GT
By Ethan - October 3 - 6:37 pmVery well designed car. Very capable, extremely fast, and awfully fun to drive. Steering is precise, brakes do not fade, and supercharger has no lag. Ricardo transmission shifts remarkably easily, especially given that you have 550 bhp at your disposal. The GT handles extremely well at the track. Seats are firm and very supportive but lack lumbar support.
-
2006 Ford GT Review - 2006 Ford GT
By Jim Lackey - July 13 - 9:48 pmA most fantastic all round driving experience. The car performs beyond my admittedly high expectations. It is beautiful and has been very reliable so far. Extremely easy to drive. Very attention getting ride! The optional McIntosh stereo system is beyond belief and is one of the finest factory installed systems ever available.
-
More fun than imagined... - 2005 Ford GT
By BL - June 1 - 8:28 pmAn absolutely awesome example of beautiful kinetic sculpture. More fun than I ever imagined it would be to drive. Better than 10% improved performance on the Bondurant High Performance Driving School autocross times than their Corvette Z06. Baggage capacity stinks but works for the overnight trip.
-
The Real Deal - 2005 Ford GT
By Joe Torrisi - April 1 - 7:25 pmI am blessed enough to have both an 06 Z-06 Corvette and a Ford GT in my fleet this year. The two cars are very similar in performance numbers. The way I separate them is I consider the Ford GT the "Indy Car". Sharing the same mid engine platform and the same rear transaxle as the Indy race cars, the GT performs & handles like an Indy Car. At a top speed of over 200 MPH, 0 to 60 in less than 3.5 seconds and the best high speed handling of any car I have ever driven (once the tires are warm), it is an Indy Car for the street. My Z-06, with 505 HP, is my Nascar. Front engine rear wheel drive performance that matches the GT, but with a little less high speed confidence. Love em both!
