Ford has captured the essence of the past with the 2005 Mustang GT. There’s no need to look at press releases that tout sales figures to know how popular it is. Drive the GT and you’ll attract attention from people who want to see it, touch it and talk about it.

The Mustang is an American icon that needs to be preserved — and Ford did just that with styling that reflects the original 1965 model released in mid-1964. It has the signature long hood, a short rear deck, C-scoops on the side panels and the galloping horse in the center of the grille.

Although it’s instantly recognized as a Mustang, there are some improvements. For example, the 6-inch increase in the wheelbase means more passenger space. Americans are growing, both in height and width, and many automakers just don’t seem to recognize that fact. We need more space for our taller bodies and our wider, uh, bottoms. Fortunately, those who sat comfortably in a 1965 Mustang can still fit into the ample bucket seats of the 2005 model.

The GT also looks more powerful than earlier models. It has a more aggressive rake, thanks to the wheels being pushed to the corners of the body. However, it not only looks powerful, it is.

The 4.6-liter, 300-horsepower V-8 engine will get you out of — and maybe into — trouble on the highway. The GT responds instantly when prompted to accelerate, which I discovered when I attempted to get away from a vehicle whose operator who was either a very bad driver or was full of holiday spirits. The Mustang leaped forward and out of the possible crash zone, leaving me to thankful for its quick response.

Even when it’s standing still, the Mustang emits power with its throaty rumble. Many of the people who wanted to get up close and personal with the GT asked me to rev the engine, then grinned when they heard the V-8’s growl resonating from the dual exhaust.

That sound is no accident. It’s the product of Ford’s design quality engineers, who analyze and hone the sound of everything from the engine’s distinctive rumble to the “pop” of a trunk release. Ford Motor Company was a pioneer in the scientific study of vehicle sounds — sounds that are satisfying to the ear and the senses.

The new Mustang definitely aims for the heart, and Ford is promoting the GT’s strong emotional appeal. Just seeing the Mustang conjures up memories for many people. Even if a person never owned one, the Mustang produces memories of the ’60s and the sights, songs and times of an earlier era that was less complicated and less violent.

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