Well, I don't know what your budget is. I personnally wouldn't want a
basic Mustang (I consider GT in the basic category here). I tend to
not go Ford either, but a few things they make occasionally catch my
eye.

The thing with this mustang is that it was built as a base to upgrade
in the aftermarket, sort of. The GT500 is what this car was eventually
getting to, which was influenced greatly, in my opinion, by Eleanor in
the movie "Gone in Sixty Seconds." I believe that was a modified 1967
GT500 with maybe 750 HP and a NOS boost. Roush and Saleen are heavy
into the mix as well, especially with the Saleen S281 E at 550 HP in a
Saleen enhanced 4.6L. The basic stangs are pretty plane and boring
after the first few looks. I wouldn't argue with some of the other
comments on here about quality, ride comfort, maintenance, yadda yadda
yadda. Again, the enthusiast will be dealing with the
Shelby/Roush/Saleen versions mostly, and will maintain the car
themselves as a hobby, and those cars will last a long time as a
result. That's different than buying a V6 or a GT and running it
around as an all-purpose vehicle.

One question I have is, can you wait a couple years? Or buy a
short-term car? If you buy the basic mustang (non GT), she may be
looking to trade it in 3 years down the road. The reason I ask is
because you like Toyota so much, and they are bringing back the Supra
at what I believe to be around 30-35K. Not sure. Might be 2008. I'd
let the first year come and go, and size it up.

I think 2008 is bringing out a number of cars. I think Nissan is doing
a little bit of new work to the 350 Z. It might be a 380 Z. There's
the Infiniti G35 Coupe as well with a few upgrades. They'll both be
around 300HP or so. In the case of this VQ 3.5 L V6, I'd have to say
it is a very good engine. I wouldn't put to many on that list, but
this one is very solid. The former Supra cars produced some good
engines too. I doubt the new one disappoints. The Toyota brand can't
afford to put that foot forward and make a mistake. Granted, noone is
putting these engines on there boats.

Do you need a back seat for her? Of course there is the Nissan GT-R
coming up in a year or two that will finally be in the US, but that
will be a bit pricier.

You might take a look at the Lexus IS -- 3.5 L 306 HP with all-wheel
drive and an option for a six speed manual. It is advertised from
$30-35K. Anticipate around $37K retail with everything and see what
kind of deal you get. The G35 is one of the best comparison vehicles
to use as bargaining power for this car. That platform is being used
for the new Supra as I understand it. The Supra will be bumped up in
performance, but the platform is the same and certainly sporty enough
in performance and looks. And she'll probably love the comfort and
ammenities. As far as I know, Lexus isn't suffering in quality. I
think it's one of the better ones in PP100 (Problems Per 100 cars) and
also resale if you are not sure about keeping it more than 3-5 years.
Having said that, so is...

....Cadillac (not as sure on resale). They have a $30K+ sporty car as
well. They don't appeal to me that much, but they get rated well.

I think Honda is bringing out a new S2000 in 2008 or 2009.

Then there is always the low priced Mitsubishi Eclipse. Don't know
much about them.

Good luck with your choice.