The reason so many Mustangs crash, is ultimately because Ford succeeded at what they aimed for: A cheap, powerful, fun car, that most anyone can save up their spare change and get one.

The car for uncle dale, who shows up to the family reunion blaring “It’s a long way to the top” by AC/DC, right at the ear splitting bagpipe solo.

I was a tech at a Ford dealer when these were new. This body style attracted some of the kookiest late-middle aged men. I had one guy who wanted me to get in the car without even touching the door handles. Another who was literally crying when he saw his transmission disassembled awaiting new synchros. He said the car was his baby and should be home in his warm garage. Don't even get me started on the Bullitt guys who sport matching jackets.

"But the traction control is a Gameboy Advance, it only works when the lighting is perfect." I think that might be my favorite RCR line ever.

“I’m giving you 3.27 gearing until you act right, do you want 3.08!?” bruh holy shit 💀.

Literally the only Mustang I ever really rubber-necked for. My dealer drove one.

I am from Germany! And you know, that Ford did not offer this car in Europe. So I decided to make an import with a company here in Germany, because the retro-look of the car is awesome. So the car was imported from New York to Germany: a Premium GT V8 in redfire! Great car and rare in Germany!

Those seats look comfortable. Perfect for a five-hour drive to an Eminem concert with Dustin

These 2000s era mustangs make me so happy, I always thought these things looked beautiful and were one of the few ones I thought did look like the original. I also didn't know these came with a 5 speed tranny, I thought all of these came with 6 speeds, I guess not. I also love how you directly addressed the mustang thing. Pure driving is a rare thing, and I'm glad you cleared it up that's why these things are known for smacking into stuff.

I always was nervous when people went from a 4 banger fwd to a V8 rwd. You described their ignorance perfectly. They thought it was all fun and games until the rear end swings out on a sheet of ice.

The classic styling is exactly why I got my 07 GT. It was bone stock, now it’s FBO, cammed, and I have a nitrous outlet kit on it. I fully rebuilt my suspension, and did some clutch and shifter goodies. Even with 3.31s, without spraying I ran a 12.8 @108. It’s my first car that I’ve had since high school, and I’ll love it and stay with it until I’m old

The "I want 4.10 gearing" voice is probably the best Mr. Regular character next to the "uncle who open carries at his nieces bat mitzvah".

Sleeping in a cold room is a great idea until it’s time to get up and you must face what you created

“The traction control is a game boy advance only works when the lighting is perfect” great analogy from my childhood!

I had an 05 GT. It wasn't unique, rare, or in perfect condition but while I was working my stepping stone night shift job it was a breath of fresh air. Turned a commute into carefree fun that I needed walking out of my office and seeing it. Driving it was an antidepressant. It was hit and totaled years ago. Only car I ever cried over. I still think about it to this day. This was a fantastic video. Thank you. Mug purchased.

The best looking modern Mustang, you can't change my mind. They got the design right in this generation

First point is spot on. I knew a dude who drove a 300hp FWD every day. He spun my 130hp RWD pick-up on his first attempt at driving it.

These were one of the cars that got me into cars. The minimal future-retro styling absolutely captivated me. I owned one in the absolute worst spec: v6 auto vert. Even then, it was a great daily to tool around in.

I’m 53 years old, and have never lost control of my S197. Know your ride, get comfortable with it and let it run

I think in 20-30 years, we'll look back at these S197's and realize they aged really well, something to be said for just aggressive enough. Kinda the same way C4 corvettes have aged better than C5's. I think these hyper aggressive '10-present designs will look very silly years from now.

I had to sell my 2007 Mustang GT/CS in December. It absolutely broke my heart. People don't understand when I tell them that I enjoyed the pure driving experience of the Mustang more than the WRX I have now. You feel one with the machine. It's 5 gears of something genuine that just gives you the sense that you're where you belong at any given moment.

These cars just frigging work. They are the best road trip car ever, they are crude enough to be involving in every way, they are modern enough to be basically bulletproof. With Coyote they are decently and deceptively fast. Super package and yeah, later Mustang are better cars in every way but, not as engaging.....

I've had an '06 GT for almost 7 years now. It's been an amazing car and has been relatively reliable. It's never left me stranded and it still gets compliments all the time :) If you don't win the mug giveaway and you really want one of these cars, it's true, they're at a low point in their pricing. Pick one up if you can; there's nothing like them.

This is the car that got me into cars. I remember being 8 years old in the passengers seat when a brand new black ‘05 Mustang GT pulled up next to us. I still want one to this day.

The Mustang has always been a childhood favorite of mine for someone in Asia! It's something Americans are used to because they see them all the time in the States, but over here it's got that "hero I never met" kinda vibe! I guess it's sorta like how in other parts of the world, the Peugeot 206 is a normal car but to RCR it's something special! Plus as a kid, the Mustang was something I enjoyed as someone who wanted to be part of the "American Dream". Sure I'm older now and I see the US isn't all sunshine and rainbows. The meds are expensive there, the politics there is such a landmine, etc, but as a kid who didnt know any of that, the Mustang is what I thought about when it came to going on a US road trip, visiting those glitzy black and white diners with red couches, and buying a hot dog from New York and just meeting with random Americans who knew how to have fun without all the sensibilities that Asian culture limited you from having. The reality of having the American dream has faded now that I'm an adult, but a little bit of it is still there, and it wants to drive the Mustang at some point

As a owner of a 2007 mustang gt I find it funny just how relatable every thing he said was.

God, I adore the S197. It's been my dream car since I was a kid. I thought I had grown up and was over it, but then I saw the POV driving shots in this video and I was flooded with the urge to buy one all over again. I don't even need a V8, I just adore the shape, the presence, the silhouette of this car. It really is the Mustangiest Mustang that ever Mustanged. It's a symbol of that idealized, impossible version of the American dream - the America that people think they grew up in, when in reality, they were just blissfully unaware of almost everything happening in the world. It's a big, juicy brick of nostalgia that you can drive. It's the ultimate answer to Which Mustang is Best Mustang. I want one so bad.

God, I love this car. Got an ‘07 GT with 173k miles, and it’s still kicking ass. Not the fastest car out there by a long shot, but something about the driving experience banging gears with the roar of the engine and knowing I have to be on point with every movement of the steering wheel just gives me a euphoric feeling that has yet to be matched, despite having driven several newer, faster cars. Talk about Ford reliability all you want, but I’ve yet to have any issues with it. There’s a reason it’s so popular, and there are still plenty of them out there. Long live the 4.6 3 valve!

I love how this thing shares cheap dashboard plastic buttons/radio as my 07 manual Fusion that I had to commute to work in. I want this car.

Everything about this car makes me feel nostalgic, even though I've never so much as been within 50 feet of one.

The S197 looks like a true Mustang muscle car honouring it's 1965-73 style. Todays new mustangs don't look like muscle cars, the rear looks plastic European while the front looks like a cross between a Mazda 3 and a Nissan GTR.

I’ve had a lot of fun cars. From RWD BMWs, an FRS for awhile, an AWD Volvo that makes 400hp, Jeeps, some FWD shit boxes, and my 08 Bullitt Mustang GT. And of all of my cars, THAT one was my favorite. It was raw. It’s was unassisted. Like RCR stated, it was the most mustang you could mustang in modern times. 281cui V8, live axel, decent power to weight ratio (stangs before were too low power and stangs after were too heavy). It was by all means the most raw and pure CAR I have ever driven. When it slid, you had to really control it. When you put your foot down, you had to pray to god it didn’t become an extra on set of Tokyo Drift. And that’s what made it so fun. These cars aren’t the fastest. They’re not the most agile. But they will give you a feeling of adrenaline and raw driving that MOST cars can’t do in this price range. Highly recommend. I’m also an atheist, and I recommend praying every time you get behind the wheel of one of these

Yesssss!!!! I love it my dude. Keep up the amazing work and I cannot wait to see how you continue to grow. 👌

The part about mods is every argument in the S197 owners groups lol

This car was the reason the Camaro and Challenger came back.

“But I want 4.10 gearing!” 🤣🤣🤣 That whole thing had me in stitches

It really is the last 'keep it simple, stupid' Mustang made. I fell in love with the Le Iacoca concept from the early 00s, and was able to get one early 05 when everyone and their grandmother was clamoring for it. Seemed like I was the only one on I95 around Phila for a few months before the eventual swarm came in. 16 years later, still have it. Other than the traditional ford items that tend to die out early and often (stupid plastic thermostat housing, water pump, alternator) it's been hanging in there all this time. I doubt a newer S550 would have put up with my 20s and 30s recklessness and survived.

I have really come to appreciate this gen. Kinda modern nice, but crude and simple enough to be pretty sturdy.

Considering this is my first car, everything feels natural to me. FWD cars feel wierd, V6's feel too slow, and CVT's bother me on acceleration.

I wanted one of these more than anything since I first saw the concept as a kid looking at a car magazine in the doctor's waiting room with my mom. I got my 07' GT this past spring and nothing has ever felt so right.

Ha ha, I thought Roman got a new "Red Betty"

Just bought the mug, fastest $50 I’ve spent other than rod bearings for my Ca18det swapped Miata, btw love the videos 🙌

Owner of a 2010 mustang gt, last year of the 4.6 3v, I honestly think it sounds better than a coyote.

I bought a 06 3 almost 4 years ago and still love it, the 3v is solid and sounds fantastic the tremec is probably one of my favorite manual trans ive driven and dont plan on getting rid of it anytime soon. its a solid vehicle

LMFAO... man I died when you started arguing with yourself about the gearing!!! *standing ovation*

Last time I was this early the mustang still had a solid axle

My friend just bought an ‘08 GT 5MT and I was really impressed when I drove it. The 4.6 3V has got to be one of Ford’s greatest engines, happy to rev, torquey and it makes a wonderful old school kind of sound. It also runs on 87 and supposedly will get 24+ MPG on the highway according to various S197 forums, not bad at all for such an awesome engine.

The reason so many people crashed is that the Mustang was a pretty “pure” car anybody could get. Inexperienced people going from a 100 horse Miata to a 300 horse Mustang dumped the clutch and their bowels as they realized they were not having their hand held by a lack of power and a forgiving TCS.

Oh man. I just turned 16 a couple months ago. My entire life I've always liked mustangs. Even after my taste developed and I learned more about the mechanics behind them, liking more of the Japanese and European cars, I still liked the mustang the most. I don't know why. But this is my favorite generation. I've been aching to own one for a while. I guess I should get me a hurgleburgle now.

I'm genuinely surprised a 5 speed was even available for this. I thought pretty much everyone had standardized on 6-speed gearboxes by the early 2000s.

These cars are very underrated. Even mustang guys (like myself) were disappointed that these didn’t come with the 4v as standard. I had a Mach 1 so it seemed like a step backwards at the time, then the Shelby came out and we were all impressed but they were too expensive for young guys (which is probably for the best). Once the 2010 redesign came out these things basically vanished from consciousness and were dismissed as those mustangs that looked kind of cool and retro but were not that good. Maybe we were too hard on these cars though. They have aged pretty well (looks-wise) and the 4.6 modular engine enjoys a great reputation for reliability so it would be a fun commuter for sure.

There is something wonderful about a car or motorcycle that won't coddle you or help you. I used to have an ancient 4-speed 1400cc Intruder. It was not as fast as, say, a new R6. But the R6 will turn, it will stop, it's a modern machine that's easy and fun to ride fast. The old Intruder, on the other hand, wanted me dead. It seemed to have two throttle positions - "idle" and "you should have been hanging on". The brakes were a suggestion. You needed a sledgehammer to make it turn. When it idled it sounded like washing machine tumbling down a flight of stairs. It broke down at least once a month. It was also the most entertaining wheeled conveyance it has ever been my misfortune to drive.

I just parted ways with my s197, and I miss her already. It really was a perfect sweet spot, one that everyone should appreciate.

This is my childhood dream car haha. 6 Year old me thought this was the coolest and fastest car to ever grace the streets. I remember when I finally got to ride in one that my mom's coworker owned and it felt SO fast at the time. Needless to say, I think this was an awesome choice, and either way I am more than happy to support the channel.

The bit about how to engage first gear is kind of (surprisingly) true for my same year Focus. And it was definitely true for my 98 3.0 Ranger. I honestly think Ford just makes some of the best clutches on the market, and the best of the American Big Three manufacturers by far

Only one of the several cars I've owned wasn't a V8 RWD. And only one of them wasn't a 4 Door.

I learned stick on an S197. It was fun. It's my favorite generation of the post-foxbody Mustangs. Pre-facelift version, they looked weird after the mid-model refresh.

This is one of my favorite reviews so far. Excellent work!

I just became a stereotypical mustang owner. I was getting out of school and the road was wet, I was going to fast in a turn, spun out and hit a curb. The only one who was hurt was my mustang, the k member bent, sent the front right tire under the car, and pushed the fender into the door. My dad and the tow truck guy said it was fixable, and I hope they're right. I've only owned the car for a little under a year and I fell in love with it

RCR, the new memesters. Shits and giggles always, with a bit of history and actual driving input. Gotta love channels like these. Still waiting for Rinaldi and Kline to dig me a hole...

Ooooo I got a 06 mustang gt, 5 speed manual and I love it. One of the best executed retro designs of all time imo. Sort of drives like a off the shelf $6000 restomod mustang, with the classic styling and retro designs and shapes, but with a modular v8 and just enough amenities and technology to keep you happy 😁😁

Man, I wanted one of these so bad in HS. In fairness, I had yet to discover the 4th gen F-Body (and really, having driven both by now, the F-Body walks all over the S197 in terms of feel alone). I'd still love one of these in my driveway once I finally get a house. The 3v is one of the best sounding V-8s ever imo, and that short list of mods for a 480hp street car is basically unbeatable.

I'm amazed you found such a clean one. Literally every single one I can remember seeing (aside from one) has had cracked clear coat, rust, oil leaks, 10 year old off-brand tires, cracked leather, mold, food stains, old person smells, or some combination of these things.

i went from a jetta that i absolutely beat on, to an e39 540i, a rwd V8 sedan, and i brake the tires loose every left turn in the rain. i've never come close to loosing control of the vehicle, my jetta on the other hand, slid like it was on ice at all times.

The official car of joining the Marine Corps in 2007, getting blown up in Iraq, then blowing all your deployment pay in one night of debauchery in downtown Jacksonville

"Why these cars crash?" Good question Mr. Regular. It all comes down to when you turn the systems off, they go off, when you enter a drift, they stay off, but as you let off the throttle, the car thinks you are about to crash and panics, turns the stability management back on, proceeds to clamp down on one front brake to try and right the car, but mostly results in being a little overzealous and causes a spin. Frustrating. Stupid. Dangerous. Especially when there are curbs, signs, and people in close proximity.

Growing up in the early 2000s, these were my dream car for a while, and really got me into cars to begin with. Then, I got older, grew to appreciate the 1st Gen Mustangs. Then I got a little bit older than that, and realized how much these ones really nail what a Mustang is all about but wrapped up in a nice, affordable, modern, retro-future styling, and I absolutely love them once more.

I was strongly considering the mug, untill I realized the overwhelming likelihood of it becoming a 50$ reminder of one of the many times, I was a loser.

Nooooo wayyyyyyyy I just got one of these!!! Excited for the review!!

I love this car, I have an 05 mustang gt and it was my first car I bought. Had it for a year now and it’s been so much fun and I even submitted mine to RCR to review when I first got it. Nice to see a video about these type of mustangs now.

And now, ironically, the prices for these cars will start climbing after this review LOL

As a devote SN95 Mustang owner, the S197 did so much for the popularity of Mustangs and American cars in general. When this came out, mustang really became cool again for the 'masses'

As a Brit the Mustang has never really caught my attention (unless it's the exact car from Bullitt) but this is the Mustang I'd own.

Hearing Lou Holtz defend his Mustang was not something I realized I needed so badly until I heard it.

This is my favorite generation. I was in elementary school when these were new. I turned 8 when Michael Bay tried his hand at Transformers, and the Saleen police car was so cool at the time. I’ve fallen in love with this body style.

When that generation of Mustang came out, it was my dream car. My high school math teacher had one.

Once saw one of these with a custom plate, "NOT•A5.0" with the decimal point painted on 😆

Finally a regular car review video I can relate too

I have an 05 GT convertible. It feels like time travel. Not just the way it looks, but the way it drives. It feels alot like the 1960s pony cars used to drive, to the extent that I remember them. I think thats the point.

As an S197 owner, this is the most brutally accurate and brutally hilarious video I have ever seen. Subscribed. Doesnt care about the undeserved meme reputation its been given. And thats the truth!

The upgrades you described for these years of car is spot on. One could switch out the supercharger for a Whipple or kenne bell depending on what kind of whine you want emanating from your pony and what you want your power band to look like

The only time I spun out in my 2005 GT was when I forgot to turn off the traction control. Eff that TCS

Bought the Bullitt model and it is the most best decision of my life! With a throttle body, catted H-pipe, and Roush catback. It roars!!!! Next is headers!!!

Just sold my 3v s197 for a 4runner and I’m already saving to get another s197, nothing can beat the nostalgic feel of that chassis and motor

Let’s talk about how beautifully the GT body of this generation has aged

Waited so many years for this episode and God damn, it was worth it

The Sega Dreamcast and PlayStation 2 analogy was right on the nose!

Before owning an S197 Mustang(automatic) as my first vehicle, I didnt know nothing about cars. This precious thing changed my life forever.

Mustangs like this always intrigued me, especially for being so wildly affordable today on the used Market if you live in America. Like this exact Mustang will probably sell for a box of Coca Cola and two BJs Tbh, I won't be surprised if future people start calling the S197 the "American Miata" until its prices shoot up like the actual Miata

I love my S197. I've got a 2013 GT 6sp manual when they went to the "Coyote" 5.0L 4 cam engine. I almost never use the gas pedal when shifting into first, it just goes into first and moves when you let out the clutch. And you are so right about people who crash these things. They have no idea what they are doing or what they want. My car has 420hp/390lb ft tq stock and it has a tune. This car has scared me on a few occasions and quite simply, I don't push it hard, because there isn't enough room on any road to do so and you will probably die if you do. I let my friend who has a front-wheel drive 5sp VW Golf gti drive it and he lost control of it because he shifted into 3rd and floored it around a curve and I nearly wanted to kill him. I plan to install Roush suspension kit and thats IT. This car will never get modified. It does what it does perfectly and it makes road trips incredible. I get told all the time that my Mustang isn't loud enough, or that I should supercharge it. Then I discovered that most people who tell me I should modify my Mustang, don't actually have a Mustang.

I used to have a 2006 V6, a 2008 GT, and a 2007 GT500. I loved every single one of them. The S197 was my favorite chassis to drive by far.

I rented one of these on Turo for a Vegas trip a few months back. It was the cheapest V8 manual I could find so why not. The car had what I would describe as a light tune. Some basic but tasteful and well-balanced mods intake, cat back, coilovers, wheels and some cosmetic pieces as well. I was very surprised at how many people commented on the car over the weekend. I got comments and thumbs up everywhere I went.

The S197. A bit of an oaf, not too bright, but always had good intentions. Unfortunately its size drew attention from those who only sought to take advantage for their own means. Once the trouble began, they laughed and sped away in their Corvettes, leaving the poor S197 to deal with the mess they left behind.

I track my 07 regularly, "Track day bro!" If you put the right suspension parts on, these things actually handle really well, even with the live axle.

I LOVE RCR and I LOVE my black 07’ convertible GT/CS, 5 speed. Every time I drive it an old man tells me how cool it is.

I need an hour long video of just “NO MY MUSTANG IS BEST MUSTANG!”

Free car: potentially cool. $49 USD coffee mug... with shipping, that going to be like $70 CAD. I can't justify a mug thats the same price as replacing the entire engine bay fuse box in my Rabbit. Hope you get a video of the winner immediately crashing because they didn't listen to a thing you said in this video. You know it's going to happen. People can't have nice things.

I love my s197. Thank you for this video. These are fantastic cars and are so under valued right now. I considered selling to buy a coyote but I just love the way mine looks and plus no one wants a 4.6 anymore. If I blow it up I can get a replacement 4.6 cheap.

im typically more of a jdm guy, but mustangs are so cool. I would totally own one.

I have an S197 GT over here in the UK. Never sold here, so import only. One thing that always blows my mind is the difference in attitude towards this car. You guys in the states are so used to it now, that it feels like it takes videos like this to remind you good the old Stang still is. While back on our little island, driving an S197 is like driving a supercar in terms of the attention, the people taking pictures, people wanting to chat, etc. literally everywhere we go we gets a thumbs up or a wave. It's awesome! Its loud, brash, and looks outrageous on our roads, which are mostly populated by bland crossovers. I absolutely love American cars and can't wait until I can afford to buy another one.