Ah yes, it's the everlasting American muscle car. It has been 45 years since the original rolled off the notorious Ford assembly line in Dearborn, Michigan (Mar. 9, 1964). Now five generations later Ford's pony car still lives on stronger than ever.

Years ago I worked for a company which specialized in producing race suspension components for late model ponies. This is where I learned how awesome this car was for it's time. Before that I was a GM guy. I helped several friends beef their Camaro Irocs, Dodge Darts and Chevy Chevelles to take on the mighty Mustang. It wasn't until the Fox body generation that I fell in love with the bang-for-buck formula of a 'stang.

Mustang took on a nostalgic look starting in 2004 (debuted at the North American Auto Show). This soon to be released as '05 model was the fifth-generation and by far the biggest throw back to the sixties.

To keep with change Ford has decided to give the present Mustang a bit of a face lift. This is a smart move considering the recent release of the Dodge Challenger and the highly anticipated sale of the all new Camaro. So where did they trim and add to give this four-year old face attention?

On the surface you will find several queues to let you know it's a 2010. Most accent lines have been tweaked including; the rear quarter, the doors and the hood. The most evident exterior change is found at the rear of the car. The once soft rear-end has been reworked and not for the better. What once reminded you of the '64 has now been blurred with a post-modern flare. On a positive note, I will say that the new lines have given a sportier stance.

Inside you will notice changes in the dash and center-stack. They have swapped out plastic for brushed aluminum in some areas. Other trim pieces have a better quality plastic than presently found.

A few things beneath the surface that will help in the performance department are; new spring rates for improved handling, optional 3:73 gearing (a great match to the drive train), standard "advance Trac" stability control and additional option sizes for wheels.

Overall I think Ford did a good job keeping the Mustang fresh to ever changing times in auto design. The Mustang is as good a value as ever and transcends all generations as a great American automobile classic

Drive Safe and Happy Thanksgiving,

Lance