Ford Mustang

Ford

The 2010 Ford Mustang GT

Cars have had a growth spurt of complexity in the past few years, with computerized engine controls, fly-by-wire throttles and obstacle-seeking sensors.

Ford's 2010 Mustang GT makes a strong, loud and increasingly rare case for keeping cars simple. While the influx of automotive technology may improve efficiency, it often takes the fun out of driving by isolating the driver from the car. The Mustang, with its uncluttered cockpit and simple devices, puts the driver back in control.

The Mustang is part of a sports car surge in the U.S. car market, driven in part by the introduction of the Chevrolet Camaro SS earlier this year and the Dodge Challenger R/T in 2008. Sales of sporty midsize cars this year rose about 12% through November compared with the same period last year. Sales in most other car categories are down by double-digit percentages; overall car and truck sales dropped about 12% this year, according to J.D. Power and Associates.

The first turn of the key quickly reminded me of why I have been drawn to cars since childhood. While many new vehicles shield the driver from the machinery through push-button transmissions, electronic parking brakes and layers of soundproof padding, the Mustang is mechanical immersion. It starts with the ignition key, which one still has to insert and turn to start the car.