[ShadowWulf2K]

Slideways, you probably rented a base V6 model. That's what the rental car companies usually always have. The base V6 has a front, but no rear sway bar, so yes, it has horrible understeer.

I have a V6 pony package, which comes with both a front/rear swaybars. It has great handling (tiny bit of factory understeer, but WAY more managable). Of course the Mustang will feel like it weighs 5000lbs if you're coming from a 240sx. The v6 mustangs weigh about 3400 lbs. I'm coming from a 3800 lb minivan, the mustang feels like a lightweight compared to that thing.

Also, the new mustangs come with a Panhard bar from the factory, the 2004 and earlier mustangs didn't, so the live axle was a pain in the ass. Now it's much more managable. That, plus a body with a very high stiffness to weight ratio, a live axle is no problem on corners as long as you know how to handle the car.

I'll definatly agree with you that Ford, as a company, makes some pretty stupid decisions regarding performance vehicles. But keep in mind that the mustang's design puts affordability before performance. They left out the IRS to keep the cost of the car down. Personally I can't think of a better, currently on the market, RWD car for $20,000...