As usual, this new style will be around for 5 years then undergo a minor visual change for another few years. We will eventually see a hoodscoop on some version of the stang, but nobody knows where or when (probably on a Cobra or another special model). No matter how the public reacts to the new stang, once the Cobra comes out all unrest will be resolved due to the massive performance difference we "should" expect (i.e. the Cobra, though always late, sets the tone for the lineup). In a couple years, there will probably be a few more interesting changes/options to the stang that will keep it moving in a positive direction. Hopefully, the aftermarket will embrace the new stang quickly and offer some serious products within 12-18 months (remember, it took a while for the 4.6 mods to be offered by the aftermarket).
I'm sure pricing won't come out for a while (if it has, please post those estimates), but if I can get a completely loaded GT coupe for around $26K - $28K I'm probably going to bite.
I've got a 1994 GT that I love, but so many of the upgrades I can afford on my car already exist on this one. Plus, I'll be ending a lease on my RSX (wife's daily driver) at about the same time the 2005 stang goes on sale. If the lease rates are good, I'm finally going to lease my Stangs so that I can get a new one every three years. I like to 5.0 GT, but the rest of the car I like a little less and it is getting older and more worn. Tough choice, cause my 5.0 was paid off a couple years ago.
There will be others in my circumstance that will face the same choices. It just depends on how quickly the new looks catch on with those who are unsure about the new photos. This car will do much better than the Thunderbird, because it provides most everything that car lacked minus the name: powerful V8, good
suspension, great tranny's, seating for four, and a bargain price.
All in all, the new stang is so different from my stang, that I may look forward to having one of the first new stangs in my area for a short while.