Gen 3 owners...

[Rio]

what are the biggest things (specifics) you like and dislike about your car (performance, apperance, comfort, etc) ????

would you trade your Gen 3 for a Gen 1? Gen 2?

thanx guys

<small>[ June 06, 2003, 05:59 PM: Message edited by: Rio ]</small>

 

[nothingtoseehere]

Had a gen II. I like the gen III SOOOOO much more. Only thing I dislike is the lack of a stick. But the V8 sound, look and comfort of the car make up for it. To drive each, yuo would appreciate how much more of a car the gen III actually is. I would buy a Gen I as a project car, but I would never buy another gen II.

 

[MarkieSHO]

I agree with him on the gen3. Even though i have not had the pleasure of driving a gen 1 0r 2 as of yet. Stupid Ford and no 5-speed headbang

 

[Rio]

wow Randy, thats the first time I have EVER heard that!

I know its hard to pinpoint exactly why you like the Gen 3 so much more, but can you name a couple reasons? I know performance is not everything and the Gen 3 isnt far behind the Gen1-2's that much anyway...

 

[nothingtoseehere]

Well, it is a newer car, the set up inside is much more "driver friendly", it is comfortable as all ****. The performance on the Gen III is not as bad as most make it out to be. You have to figure, a lot of Gen III stock are pulling 15.XX in the quarter. We have seen times as low as 15.2 IIRC. The look of the V8, I have found, gets more attention than my old V6. Also, with the V8, you can have a VERY nice exhaust tone that the V6 will just never be able to achieve. I was an advid V6 SHO ghuy until I test drove my first gen III. Totally turned me around. And since the aftermarket isn't as large as the V6, we have more people more intense on developing new mods. A lot of your V6 guys loose their drive to come up with new innovative items due to the items already out there being "enough".

The car in and of itself is just sleek. The seats are much more comfortable. Whjen I totaled my first 97 I put my old 93 MTX back on the road and HATED evry minute oif driving it because the Gen III had a much nicer feel to it.

I also like the fact that my cra is "new" or "newer" than most V6s you'll see around. Also, how many Gen II SHOs do you see in comparison to Gen III. If I were building an all around SHO track car it would be a Gen I, for a daily driver/cruiser, the Gen III wins hands down IMO. Find someone to give you a ride in one, you'll see what I mean wink

 

[1shotime1]

IMO...it def. a toss up. First of all this being my second SHO I've come really appreciate what Ford did to these cars...they really, IMO, did their homework. The main differences that I can tell between my 95 and 97 are pretty much easy as anyone would notice. The older style gen 1 and gen2 were more a the "all out" sports sedan of the time more performance rather than comfort. The gen 3 obviously is more of the "luxurious" sports sedan with its more room, plush seats, etc, etc. But it really is tough deciding which one is better. A gen 2 is better for a kid who wants a fast sleeper and the gen three is for the "grown up" kid still wanted both performance and comfort. Like everything else I said, IMO, best car Ford has ever had along w/ the 'stang

 

[DavidT]

I agree with Randy 100% except... I really want another Gen.2! I think it is the best looking sho.
Each generation has its own different look. The ONLY thing I don't like about the gen.3... well OK... make that 2 things... is it is really hard to tell it from the non-sho (minus the wheels and the cool exhaust tips) AND it is not a 5 speed.
My favorites: luxury and v8 rumble!

 

[ncmcn]

Gen III is teh win!

 

[Tunez]

I've had both as well and I would say it would depend on what you want. I looked at my Gen 2 as more of a street fighter sedan that was by far leaning more towards performance than class and ride. The Gen 3 on the other hand is more like a luxury sports sedan. It definitely has the nicer "creature" comforts and the sound the V8 makes gets FAR FAR more looks than any other Gen SHO. I can't begin to tell you the things I have been questioned and oddly enough, it sounds so strong that most people do not want to race you at all.

 

[SHOGHOST]

One of the cool things about the Gen III is the fact that it is hard to determine it from regular ones

 

[MilTownSHO]

Having had all three (see signature below) here are a few thoughts of mine.

My Gen I's felt like total street warriors, honda-smashing sleepers. They had all the nice comforts like the other Gen's but they felt more rugged. Granted I think my black Gen I was a factory freak, never got to run it unfortunatly though... If you get a Gen I try to get the rod shifter, its alot nicer. One of my Gen I's had cable and one had the rod shifter and the rod shifter is better by far. The stock JBL stereos on these Gen's is also killer.

My Gen II is still a street warrior but is a little more refined then a Gen I. I like the looks of my Gen II the best out of all. I'm still getting to know this car since I have only had it about a month.

The Gen III is a luxury cruiser with some kick, great handling, and killer stock brakes. You cannot, and I repeat cannot appreciate a Gen III until you drive one. The sound of the V8 is also extremely kick @$$! The cam problem is the only downfall of them, but for $400 bucks (at least in my case) that can be fixed. Gen III's also appear to be the most realiable. If only it had a stick, it would be perfect... The Gen III is the first SHO I ever drove and it instantly made me fall in love. Been hooked ever since.

I like them all, a SHO is a SHO. They are all great cars, take a Gen III and a Gen I for a drive and see what you prefer, than find a nice SHO in the Gen you want! thumb

Anymore questions? Private message me or email me.

<small>[ June 07, 2003, 02:01 AM: Message edited by: MilTownSHO ]</small>

 

[SHOerwin]

Having never driven a GenI or GenII, I am in no position to comment on them. However, I do LOVE my GenIII. There is something about a car that makes everyone look to see where all that noise is coming from, only to have them say "that's a Taurus?" The best is going to dinner on a Friday night down on Clearwater Beach. All the kids hang-out in the parking areas and along the road. They have their hoods up, showing off their rice-rockets, checking out the chicks, (if "chicks" is old-school, I am sorry, I am 44!)and here comes this Green Taurus in 1st gear, rumbling along. Heads do turn when you drive one of these. No heads turn when I drive my commuter car(87 MR2). Buy one, you won't regret it.

 

[Steve Dionne]

I've driven many GENI's,had a GenII, now driving a GenIII. If I was 25 I'd want a GenI, at 30 I'd want a GENII, but at 37, I'm all about the GENIII. Although I must admit I like the looks of the GENII best. It looks like it's going fast even when it is parked. I agree with many others that you must drive the v8 to appreciate it. The v6 guys just don't know what their missing. Bottom line however is that they are all great cars.

 

[99V8SHO]

I have ridden in a genI and was not all that impressed, but I guess I have been spoiled with my uber-comfortable genIII. I love it and would not give it up for anything...well almost anything...G35...*drool*. The best SHO would be one with the performance of the genI, the styling og the genII, and the comfort and luxury of the genIII. But the bottom line is this: it is still a SHO. thumb

 

[Dave M]

I've only driven my GEN III however I am thoroughly impressed with this machine. It does "learn" my driving style in a manner of speaking and pushing this car hard does make it faster, not in the car magizine stats but from a roll, it gives me many wide grins a week.
My major gripe is the transmission (replaced at 65,000 miles) due to how easily, at least mine, gets confused and seems to be in the wrong gear. My second complaint with the car is the suspension. Granted the car handles well, especially at high speeds, but given its potential, capable but not sports car good, it doesn't deserves so punishing a ride over small bumps. It seems SVT cars are always lauded for their great mix of handling and ride quality. I've always wished the SHO was SVT to help iron out it's rough spots, namely, the transmission and the suspension.
Everything else wrong with the car at its 76,000 miles is on par for any car at that age.
Despite such complaints, I simply adore my GEN III. I'm continually happy that I own so much of an automobile, and so rare of one at that, for the little sum of money I put into it.
This concur that this car is the essense of affordable stealth.
bests, dave m.

 

[SHOZ123]

What year do you have Dave M?

 

[Mac98SHO]

I have never owned a SHO until my Gen III, though I am a former Mustang owner.

I would have to say this about the Gen III SHO. It is the most comfortable car I have ever driven in over 1000 miles to Mass. I have also never seen any other car get 24 mpg (I had to check my figures 3 times)...... at a undisclosed speed when was in bit of a hurry thumb

<small>[ June 08, 2003, 01:10 AM: Message edited by: Mac98SHO ]</small>

 

[E1]

STICK.

The damn thing needs a STICK. I'll choose the rpm's, thank you!

Did I say STICK!?

 

[mholhut]

I started in the middle, went forwards, then went back two steps.

Had a '94 mtx, totaled by a tractor trailer. Loved that car and the color green at that time. It never felt safe to drive a warp speed although it would go like a bat outta ****.

After the '94 was gone, she was replaced with the '96. Loved that car too. Added nitrous and a trunkload of other toys and it was very enjoyable... til I had to replace the motor a few years ago. Then it was like being kicked in the nuts by your girlfriend. "Thanks honey, it's been nice... but take a hike!" It was comfortable, stable at any speed and real fun to drive even without the stick. The only way I'd get into another Gen III is to make it a track only car. Gut it out completely to lighten it, and run it at the track a-la SR-71 style.

The '96 has a happy home now with Garrett and I moved on to the LS8. Twice the car the Gen III SHO. It's what the SHO wanted to be. Many choices to satisfy all tastes... but no one wants to hear about a Lincoln on a SHO site... btw, ignition coils are only $50 for the LS wink

Then I got the modded '90 to play around with as my daily driver... trying to keep the miles off the LS. With Eibachs and Tokico's it's as stiff as a board, but it's fun to drive and I've got to start cleaning up the the rust on the car if I'm going to keep it. In two years it won't have to meet emmisions requirements... if it holds together that long!

Out of the three generations, I liked my '96 the best. I was also most excited to get that car out of any of them... minus the Lincoln. But, I've been there and done that with the SHO and there's new territory to explore in the LS.

 

[Osiris]

I miss the grunt of a rightly-tuned GenII.

Nonetheless I love the noise my G3 makes. I also love the way it feels.

I've been using it a bit lately and its very easy to remember why I fell for it when I did.

It also looks awesome after a good wash/wax.

This is my car after 1 single coat of Maguiar's #26.....

Still shiny after 7 years.....