Mock1 said:
The car is based on a platform engineered by Jaguar and Lincoln, The Lincoln LS costs around $39k(V8), the Ford Thunderbird around $38k, and the Jaguar S-Type(V8) around $48k.
First of all, I agree with you in that I am sick of everyone wanting a 450hp, 4 seater that can outhandle a Porsche, have a better interior than a luxury car and cost $20k.
That being said, I still think Ford could have done a little better with the interior (both in layout and materials). But, that is the price for a 300hp/320tq V8.
And, please don't confuse Lincoln, Jaguar and Ford as being seperate entities. They only way they were able to offer any of those vehicles is by sharing platforms. And, I hope you are not asserting the Mustang is on anywhere near the same level of vehicle as the others you mentioned (as a complete package). Also, don't forget the price of the badge itself. People expect to pay more for a Jag or Lincoln than a Ford. That doesn't make either of them particularly good values, it is just the nature of brand expectations.
The only way to determine if a car is a good value (i.e. priced right) is by comparing it to its competition. What people are reacting to is relatively high-quality interiors from Mazda, Subaru and others that are priced in the same league, or even cheaper than the Mustang. Now, I am all for durability, but how many people will have their car that long, and how do you even know it will stand up well throughout the years?
And considering all the sharing going on (platform, engine, etc.), and they fact there hasn't been a new platform in 25 years, Ford could have done a little better in terms of quality and affordability. But, I have driven the new car, and it is a huge step in the right direction. It has something for eveyone (space for 4, great engine, smooth ride), but it is not the best in any of those categories.
EVERYONE must remember that Ford sacrificed interior, and other elements of the car to get a 300hp, 320tq V8 into a roomy 4-seater for $26k-ish. That is that--you can't have both. Buy it or don't, no level of complaining will help.