In my opinion, the '99-'02 Cobra Mustang represents the ultimate American made sports car. IRS, all alluminum, 4-valve DOHC engine, big enough to be comfortable for long trips, small enough to be sporty. After '04 they made the body a bit too angular, for my taste; from '96-'98 the body was a bit too curvy for my taste.
I like the '03-'04's as well, but but I would rather use something other than a Roots-style blower, and that being the case I might as well get an older year model and install the type of blower and support systems I prefer. and the '03-'04's have the iron block, which is a step backwards, in my opinion.
Again, all of this is just my opinion. I'm not knocking what anyone else likes or prefers in a Mustang. And I'm sure not arguing with the performance of the '03-'04's!
Jim Snover