2008 Ford Shelby GT500 Review

The Shelby GT500 debuted in 2007. It's the first collaboration between Carroll Shelby and Ford in almost 40 years. The Shelby GT500 sports the classic dual stripes on the hood and is available as a coupe or convertible. More importantly, with its 500 horsepower engine, it's the most powerful factory Mustang ever.

The BuyingAdvice Team Says:

The Ford Shelby GT500 marks the reunion of the automotive world's most successful pairing, and the prove that legends can indeed return. The Shelby is everything a muscle enthusiast could ask for: Powerful, bold, with tight handling, and priced to move (if you can find it for MSRP). It certainly has its drawbacks, like lack of independent suspension and overall weight. But in terms of raw performance, nothing else on the market comes close.

What's New For 2008:

Front side airbags are now standard. Xenon headlights and ambient lighting are now available. It's available as either a coupe or a convertible.

Request a free, no-obligation, new 2008 Ford Shelby GT500 price quote or choose any other model you're interested in and receive the Buying Advice Team's Insider Report for New Car Buyers.

Vital Stats

Starting MSRP:
$43,125

Rebates & Incentives:
no

Seats:
4

Gas Mileage:
14/20

Engine:
5.4L V8

Horsepower:
500@6000RPM

Torque:
480@4500RPM

Transmission:
6 Speed Manual

Drive:
FR/RWD

Fuel Capacity:
16

Fuel Type:
gasoline

Basic Warranty:
36/36000

Powertrain Warranty:
60/60000

Rust Warranty:
60/Unlimit

What is the Predicted Reliability:

J.D. Power gives the Mustang 3 stars for overall mechanical quality. Problems with the last generation include coolant leaks, hard starting, heater core leaks, vehicle noise, clutch pedal vibration and slipping belts. It was recalled 14 times. The current generation has fared much better, having problems with bad throttle sensors, flaky fuel pumps and vehicle noise. The 2007 model was recalled due to suspension problems. Expect average reliability. The basic warranty lasts for three years or 36,000 miles.

Analysis Of Safety Ratings And Features:

The Mustang earned 5 stars in frontal crash tests and 4.5 stars in side tests. IIHS scores are not available. Anti-lock brakes, traction control, and frontal side airbags are standard.

Pros and Cons:

Pros
+ Extremely powerful
+ Relatively low MSRP
+ Retro style

Cons
- Cheap interior
- Old-school suspension
- High performers like gas

Head-To-Head Competition:

The Chevrolet Corvette has 70 less hp, and starts at several thousand more. The Dodge Viper is considerably more expensive, but has a V10 with 100 more hp. The Porsche 911 costs significantly more, but has over 170 less hp.

What Others Are Saying:

"The original muscle cars were one-trick ponies that ran out of options at the end of the quarter mile. This new one goes fast, stops well, corners hard enough to scare dates, and should be comfortable to live with on a daily basis. But best of all, the Ford Shelby GT500 makes Chevy and Dodge fans purple with envy." - Automobile Magazine

"The GT500 may be a die-hard (one hopes) enthusiast's catnip, but it also reveals the ongoing supremacy of Ford's beancounters, and the company's continued inability to produce a fast, affordable rear wheel-drive car that handles as well as it goes." - The Truth About Cars

"However, we suspect that none of our reservations is going to matter to prospective owners. And in fact, there's much to rejoice in here. The six-speed gearbox is a wonderful device to manipulate, the steering is quick and communicative, braking performance is strong, the seats are supportive and long-haul comfortable, and supercharger whine adds an enjoyable audible element to full-throttle acceleration." - Car and Driver

Read more about the 2008 Ford Shelby GT500 at the Ford manufacturer web site.

Published on Friday, February 1, 2008 - Email to a friend

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