I don't understand why they get such crap. Yes, stock they make 180ishwhp. HOWEVER, a set of junk yard 4.6 heads, intake, catback and mid pipe you'll make 260(ish)whp. My 5-spd 98 vert, 3550lb, went 13.30's on a 2.0 60'. I had less then $1300 in the swap and exhaust and made 264whp and 306tq. Stock dyno'd at 186whp and 287wtq(no intake bladder).
Hell, since then the car got lakewood shocks and struts and eibach springs. Car cuts 1.6x's with it's current suspension. I'd bet it'd run 12.90's n/a.
I have slips to prove it too. Not fast buy any means, but impressive for a budget build.