Before the Ford Mustang entered the scene in '64, performance-car enthusiasts were limited to one of two types of vehicles: sports cars or big muscle cars. But the '64 Mustang was a fresh, new hybrid of sports and muscle car that offered relatively surefooted handling and straight-line speed. And what's more, it came with a reasonable sticker price.The Mustang and the Mustang-inspired cars from other manufacturers that followed became known as pony cars; over the years, the Mustang's leadership in the group was rarely threatened. Today, however, when the class is reduced to three players - the Mustang, Chevrolet Camaro, and Pontiac Firebird - Ford's innovator faces its most serious challenge.Click here to read more