2005 Ford GT Review - Remembering a Legend - GT Sport | Reviews By Gil

Built to commemorate Ford's 100th anniversary, the 2005 Ford GT reminds us what Ford can do when they set their mind to it.

2005 Ford GT

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Exterior

The Ford GT was inspired by the Ford GT40; the legendary race car that beat Ferrari at Le Mans from 1966-1969. Camilo Pardo is credited as the Chief Designer for the GT and there's no doubt that he did wonders with this machine. It’s incredibly reminiscent of the race car and oozes authority, much like its predecessor.

Interior

Everywhere you look around the cabin is polished aluminum. The tachometer is centered directly in front of you which is preferable for track use. The speedometer is a larger gauge tilted toward you in the center of the dashboard. Better to keep your eyes on the road while approaching the GT’s top speed of 205-mph. The aluminum toggle switches on the dash for your fog lights, hazard lights, and other accessories further enhance the cool factor. The shifter is the party piece here. It doesn't sit straight up out of the center console. It's angled toward you at a 45-degree angle. The shifter knob looks to be the size of a cue ball and the entire assembly is finished in, you guessed, aluminum. It looks spectacular. The radio is sort of tucked underneath the dashboard. It may be a little inaccessible, but who needs that when you have a supercharged V8 soundtrack to listen to. Turn around and you'll see that glorious 5.4-liter sitting right behind you. Lastly, Ford GT is embroidered in the center of the steering wheel to remind you that you're in something very special.

Is it Fast?

550-hp from the 5.4-liter V8 is nothing to sneeze at. The power is very linear and there is the slightest hint of supercharger wine behind your right ear. It’s quite intoxicating. When the acceleration doesn’t let up after 150-mph you know you’re in something serious. The 2005 Ford GT went right to the limiter in 6th gear. It's no mystery why modified versions of these have passed the 290-mph mark.

2005 Ford GT

How does it handle?

I would love to say that the large body shrinks when you get the GT onto a technical circuit. I would love to say there's minimal understeer, and any found can be immediately cured with a kick of your right foot. I'd love to say that it's confidence inspiring and predictable. Sadly, this may be a case of, "Don't meet your heroes." There’s a fair amount of understeer if you come into a corner too quickly. Stabbing the throttle to correct it just results in more understeer. The back doesn't want to slide willingly. You're constantly fighting it to do what you ask like a petulant child. A neutral spot can be found if you look hard enough. It will settle in under load and if you're not too needy you can find a groove with this car. It’s not what I could call nimble.

Value

You could have pretty much owned the GT for free if you bought one back in 2005 for the original asking price of $139,995. The MSRP was soon after increased to $149,995. Even so, many examples were sold with as much as a $100,000 premium over sticker due to demand. Today, $250,000 is still a bargain for obtaining one of these. Only around 4000 units were built, and they have only appreciated since then. Prices on Autotrader range from 238k to 600k for a low mileage example.

Let's look at what else was on the market back in 2005 in this price bracket. Seeing as the Ford GT went for $150K-$250K; we have some wiggle room. A Ferrari F430 would set you back $170,000 in 2005, while used examples can be purchased in 2019 for as low as $75,000. You'll be touching as much $180,000 if you opt for the convertible on the used market. The 2005 Lamborghini Gallardo would have also set you back $175,000 in 2005. Used examples hover around the same $75,000 mark as the F430. Comparatively, the Ford GT has held its value rather well. The racing pedigree of the GT helps with it's resale value and collector car status. Of the options in the mid 2000's, there were few that were as special as the big Ford.

Reliability

By now, we all know the difficulties Jeremy Clarkson faced with his GT. However, his specific issue was the cause of an aftermarket insurance immobilizer which had nothing to do with the vehicle itself. The famed Doug Demuro also recently purchased a Ford GT and has only had one electrical issue which was known and immediately fixed. Overall, there's not much to go wrong here. While highly specific, the 5.4-liter V8 is a member of the 4 valve Ford Modular engine family that has been around since the late 90’s. So, the drivetrain should be bulletproof.

Should You Buy One?

If you’re a collector, you can’t go wrong with purchasing a GT. It’s not something that’s going to depreciate. The heritage alone is worth saving one of these beauties. Unfortunately, I would not purchase one of these for track use. It’s truly an amazing machine, but it’s just not what I would call fun on a track. Now, long cruises and some canyon carving sounds like something the GT could do brilliantly. Plus, this thing is gorgeous. How would the GT look parked in front of your favorite restaurant with your partner by your side? You can’t put a price on that.

2005 Ford GT

Conclusion

The 2005 Ford GT is my all-time favorite super car. It’s stunning to look at. It’s a treat to listen to. It's one slice of America to be remembered.

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