Overview & Reviews

About as popular a household automotive name as you'll find, the Ford Mustang is the longest surviving of the affordable breed of classic American muscle cars. Sold always in coupe and most times in convertible and 2+2 fastback forms as well since its mid-1964 introduction, the Ford Mustang is the only one of the original pony cars to enjoy an uninterrupted production run. It hasn't been easy either, as oil crises, tightening emissions standards and corporate budget cuts have put the Mustang's future in doubt on more than one occasion. Ultimately, though, its iconic status within the Ford lineup and popularity with consumers have seen it through.

Of course, any car enthusiast worth his 10W-40 would love to have a classic Mustang in his garage. But even more recent vintages have plenty of appeal, while the latest Mustangs offer all the style and performance any car buff could want. The current-generation Ford Mustang in particular is easily the best ever from the standpoints of performance, refinement, features and day-to-day livability.

Current Ford Mustang
Introduced for 2015, the completely redesigned Ford Mustang marks the model's 50th anniversary. Technically, that would have been 2014.5, given the car's 1964.5 debut, but we can forgive Ford for rounding up and choosing to celebrate with an all-new Mustang. In addition to the expected V6 and V8 engines there is now an available turbocharged inline-4 that promises strong performance and fuel economy. Base and GT trim levels comprise the initial lineup. Ford plans a limited 50th-anniversary edition, based on a loaded GT and available in only two heritage colors – Wimbledon White or Kona Blue. Fittingly, only 1,964 examples of the latter will be built.

The base car's volume-selling 3.7-liter V6 should make 300 horsepower and 270 pound-feet of torque, while Ford promises that the GT's 5.0-liter V8 will make more than the outgoing V8's 420 hp and 390 lb-ft. The new EcoBoost 2.3-liter turbocharged four-cylinder will generate more than 305 hp and more than 300 lb-ft of torque. As of this writing, exact outputs of the engines were not yet available. All engines will be available with a six-speed manual or six-speed automatic (with paddle shifters). This year also brings an independent rear suspension, which promises better handling and ride characteristics than the old solid axle rear suspension, particularly on broken pavement encountered while cornering.

With its tri-bar taillights, fastback shape and sharklike nose, the styling embodies classic Mustang design cues without looking dated. Inside there are improved materials, more elbow room and a smaller steering wheel that tilts and -- finally -- telescopes. Despite the dramatic changes under the skin, the wheelbase and overall length are essentially unchanged from the outgoing car. The newest Mustang is about 1.5 inches lower and 1.5 inches wider, however, and the rear track grew by 3 inches. Curb weight is about the same as the previous-generation car.

Newly available features include keyless ignition and entry, the MyFord Touch touchscreen infotainment interface and a blind spot warning system. Both EcoBoost and GT versions offer an available Performance Pack that features larger brakes, shorter final gearing and high-performance summer tires.

We have yet to get full official information and seat time in the latest Ford Mustang, but will update this review as soon as we do.

Used Ford Mustang Models
The 10th-generation Mustang was produced from 2010 through 2014. Although still heavily related to the previous generation, this version had more modern styling, a higher-quality cabin, improved handling, standard stability control and new features such as Sync, an available glass roof and a rearview camera. There was a choice of V6 or V8 power and four corresponding trim levels: V6, V6 Premium, GT and GT Premium. A Boss 302 and limited-edition Boss 302 Laguna Seca were also offered within this run.

Initially, the powertrains were essentially carried over. As such, the 4.0-liter V6 made just 210 hp and 240 lb-ft of torque, while the GT's 4.6-liter V8 produced 315 hp and 325 lb-ft. Either could be matched to a five-speed manual or five-speed automatic transmission. Model year 2011, however, brought substantially more muscle under the hood and we would stick with used Mustangs from this year or later. The 3.7-liter V6 produced 305 hp and 280 lb-ft, and the new 5.0-liter V8 was good for 412 hp and 390 lb-ft. Either way, one could choose between a six-speed manual and a six-speed automatic transmission. For 2013, the GT's V8 got a slight boost to 420 hp, with torque remaining at 390 lb-ft.

Standard feature highlights for the base V6 included 17-inch alloy wheels, air-conditioning and a sound system with a CD player and auxiliary audio jack. The V6 Premium added leather upholstery, a power driver seat, Ford's Sync system and upgraded audio. The base GT was similar to the base V6 but with a V8 engine, 18-inch alloys, automatic headlights and a rear spoiler. The GT Premium echoed the V6 Premium's upgrades. Option highlights included suspension and brake upgrades, xenon headlights, a premium sound system and a navigation system.

In addition to the aforementioned powertrains, 2011 also brought larger brakes, revised suspension tuning and, for the GT convertible, a stiffer structure. The following year, the ultra-high-performance Boss 302 coupe debuted, packing a 5.0-liter V8 with 444 hp and 380 lb-ft. It also had 19-inch wheels, Brembo brakes, adjustable shock absorbers, a suede-wrapped steering wheel and retro-themed body stripes. There was also the limited-edition Boss 302 Laguna Seca (named after the famous American racetrack) with track-ready upgrades such as race-compound tires, a stiffer suspension and a rear seat delete.

For 2013, this Mustang received another, less significant makeover, with a Shelby-inspired grille, restyled front and rear fascias and updated taillights. That year also brought available Recaro sport seats, 8 more horses for the GT, hill-start assist (for cars with manual transmissions) and manual shift control for automatics. There were no changes for 2014 other than dropping the Boss 302 from the lineup.

In reviews, we noted that the 2011 and later V6 versions offered very spirited performance and entertaining handling. The V8 models, especially 2011 and later, provide thrilling acceleration that could give considerably more expensive sports machines a run for the money. But although better than the previous generation, the Mustang's interior still wasn't anything special given its abundance of hard plastic trim. There's also no telescoping steering wheel, which could make finding a comfortable seating position a bit tricky for some drivers. But with its variety of trim levels, choice of coupe and convertible body styles and plentiful punch under the hood, this Mustang has something for everyone. In general, any 10th-generation Mustang would make a fine choice for a used muscle car, though we'd advise going with a 2011 or newer model in light of the aforementioned updates.

Completely redesigned for 2005 and running through 2009, the ninth-generation Mustang moved to an all-new chassis after a 25-year run on the late-'70s-era Fox-body platform. Ford's pony car still used rear-wheel drive and a fairly basic solid-axle rear suspension, but ride quality and handling were more precisely controlled than on any previous Mustang. The car's styling paid homage to the famed Mustangs of the 1960s. Many materials were low in quality, however, as Ford sought to keep the price tag low as well. This version debuted with either a 4.0-liter V6 or a 4.6-liter V8. The underwhelming V6 produced 210 hp and 240 lb-ft of torque. It was coupled to a standard five-speed manual or optional five-speed automatic transmission. The V8 produced 300 hp and 320 lb-ft of torque.

Key updates included the availability of an auxiliary audio jack, satellite radio and a navigation system for 2007. The following year marked the introduction of the Mustang Bullitt, which added firmer suspension calibrations, high-performance brake pads, 18-inch wheels, mild styling tweaks and Highland Green or black paint. Its V8 produced 315 hp. Other changes for '08 included standard side airbags, while in 2009 the Mustang gained a glass roof option and standard satellite radio, among other items.

Previously, there were eight previous generations of the Ford Mustang, and given the car's sustained popularity over the years, older models are relatively easy to find on the used market. The eighth generation was sold from 1999-2004. This is the best of the Fox-body-based Mustangs, and like the current car, it offers a good blend of performance, fun and affordability. Downsides include rather crude handling characteristics (a consequence of the aged platform) and a cheap interior with an awkward driving position.

If you're shopping for an eighth-gen Mustang, our pick would be a GT from any year, as it offered a healthy 260-hp V8. If you're seeking something faster and rarer, consider the limited-edition Mach 1 (305-hp V8) or supercharged SVT Cobra (390-hp V8), which were sold in 2003 and 2004. The Cobra is the only Ford Mustang ever fitted with an independent rear suspension; it was also sold in '99 and 2000 but wasn't supercharged. Even rarer is the 2000 Cobra R, a race-ready, 385-hp Mustang coupe stripped of its rear seats and air-conditioning.

Going even further back are the seventh-generation Mustang coupes and convertibles, sold from 1994-'98. This car is very similar mechanically to the eighth-gen Mustang; the main difference is exterior styling. If you're thinking of buying one, 1996-'98 GT and SVT Cobra models might be preferable, as the '96 model year brought a new 4.6-liter, SOHC V8 that was much smoother than the outgoing 5.0-liter V8. Although horsepower held steady in the GT, the Cobra jumped from 240 to 305. The most collectible Mustang of this period is the '95 Cobra R, a 300-hp coupe without a backseat.

User Reviews:

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  Hopefully your car isnt mine. - 2015 Ford Mustang
  By Peter Wells - November 4 - 7:35 am

  The 2015 Mustang GT is finally a sports car. The removal of the solid rear axle was the best thing they could have done. The rear end hop has been eliminated which has taken a drag racer and made it into a touring car. The stock ride is surprisingly comfortable for the driver and passinger. Both have heated and air conditioned seats the driver has lumbar support and I dont know why they didnt put one in the passinger seat. As always the back seat is more of an ornament than anything else. Child seats or a few grocery bags is really all that youll be able to use them for. The power and sound is great for a stock car but Id like the exhaust to be just a bit louder. The headlights and signals are top notch I have the adaptive cruise control system and its been problematic. The automatic windshield wipers will suddenly come on for no reason and the adaptive cruise control shuts down in heavy rain and ocasionally for no reason at all. It claims the sensor is blocked. The remedy is to pull over and restart the car. The adaptive cruise control is operated by a radar head mounted below the grill and it also serves as a colision warning system. It beeps and puts a red bar on the windshield. Having that shut down during a rain storm is not something you want to happen. The interior far exceeds previous standards and it isnt a plastic rattle trap that weve come to know and love. It has plush parts now and real metal. The navagation screen is sharp and large enough to read. The home screen can be reconfigured with personal wallpapers of anything you want. Unfortunately the leather on the passinger side dash started to bubble on the inside front corner. Ford had to replace the entire dashboard and the replacement dash has done the same thing. Two dashboards before the first scheduled oil change is a bit much. The car handles well even in normal touring mode. There are 3 steering modes and as far as I can tell they just decide how much power steering you have. By putting the pedal to the floor the tachometer gage will turn red at night when you touch the red line. I havent used the line lock feature and probably wont. New tires are expensive. The car comes standard with W rated tires and I personally feel that they should change that to the Y performance rating. The car is very responsive and I have broken traction once on a tight curve. When these tires wear out I will be replacing them with a Y rated tire if for nothing else better traction. The convertable top has an insulation layer that reduces road noise and makes for a quiet ride. I can recommend this car over the Camara and Challenger. The Camara has 1.2 more letters but you only gain 20HP. The Camara isnt as comfortable to ride in and has less features.

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  Poor - 2006 Ford Mustang
  By Adam - October 24 - 2:40 pm

  Lots of problems with Ford these days, sensors issues, cam phasers, and got solenoid problems.

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  Boostn 4! - 2015 Ford Mustang
  By Chris - October 21 - 8:54 am

  This is my 3rd Mustang that I have ever owned. My first was a 1981 coupe with the in-line 6. My second was a 2000 GT Convertible, slightly modified. I have been shopping an found this gorgeous Race Red with the upgraded wheel option, 2.3 Ecoboost. After looking at the GT and the Ecoboost, tossing around the numbers and scratching my head for my new daily driver. I just could not justify an extra $10-15K for the GT plus its additional costs. Plenty of pull, lots of looks, great mileage for my commuter. It is just my wife and I, so I do not have to worry about back seat usage, we have a 15 Escape Titanium for that.......

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  Quick little car - 2011 Ford Mustang
  By S. Davis - October 16 - 10:14 pm

  I have had this car 5 years and1 month. For the first 5 years I had perfect service from this car. At 5 years 1 month the traction control came on by itself [on a clear, dry, straight, stretch of road] and cut the fuel and made steering very hard. This is very dangerous, if someone is following you and you lose power it would be easy to get hit from behind. Ford dealership tried to sell me a steering box, even I knew this wasnt the problem. After much research I found this is a common problem that ford has not really addressed. I have taken it to other places that say it could be a sensor or any number of things. I really enjoy the car, and have decided to keep it for awhile longer to see if this happens again. With only 52,000 I dont think it should be giving problems. Overall its been a good car.

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  Best Bang for the Buck ever - 2007 Ford Mustang
  By john Aronhalt - October 14 - 4:34 pm

  My kids have gotten a little older, so I got my 4th Mustang after a 10 year break. I picked up a used black GT convertible for a VERY reasonable price, and couldnt be happier so far. You really cant beat all you can get out of this car for a VERY affordable price. I got mine for under 15K in perfect condition and under 60K miles. I get more positive comments while out and about than cars I have owned that cost 35K plus. Sure, this car has its drawbacks such as a rough ride, no storage space, clunky shifting, etc. I am assuming people who want a refined car with good manners dont want a Mustang, this is a good old fashion V8 rear wheel drive muscle car. You buy it for fun, and it delivers!

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  V6 6speed - 2013 Ford Mustang
  By Taylor - October 14 - 11:39 am

  I am the second owner of my car, I got it for a fair price for a base V6. I have no bluetooth or navigation but there are buttons for them on my radio. I went to the dealership to ask if i could have the Bluetooth connect ability put in the car, they said they could put something aftermarket and have a sensor on my dash for around 400 bucks, i was not pleased with this response and needless to say I wont have that installed. Other than that there is an auxiliary hook up in the center console but no smooth way to have my phone out of the compartment attached with to the cord.

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  Love this car! - 2015 Ford Mustang
  By Gene Algarin - October 12 - 10:34 am

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  Awesome car for the money! Fast and Loud! - 2015 Ford Mustang
  By CMarkParkCity - October 4 - 2:45 pm

  It is a sports car. Bought for my wife and put the Roush cold air intake and exaust. The car really growls and turns heads. Fast, fast fast!...acceleration is where you get all the fun! My wife uses it as a daily driver (40 miles each way through mountain roads). She loves it. I drive it for fun but I am not responsible enough to own one ) I have had a Corvette, Audi TT, and Audit A4. This car is refined and a heck of a lot of fun. For the money you cannot beat it. We went shopping and the dealer fired it up while we were standing beside it. That was all it took! The 5.0 growl cannot be beat. 435 HP stock? For less than $40K? Great deal..BTW.I have an autistic son who jumps in the car and insists on going for multiple rides every day )

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  Just plain fun! - 2003 Ford Mustang
  By Steve Dugay - October 4 - 8:30 am

  We have had this Torch Red ragtop about a month and driving it is so much fun. It turns on a dime,rides great, and the sound system rocks.

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  Best Mustang Ive owned so far! - 2015 Ford Mustang
  By laredotech1@hotmail.com - September 30 - 7:17 am

  I got rid of my 2011 Mustang GT. Premium to get the 2015 Mustang GT. Premium with Performance Package and I can honestly say that Im not disappointed. This car handles way better than my old one did, looks sharper and the interior feels like a luxury vehicle until you downshift and hit 3500 rpms and hear the sweat exhaust rumble. Of course, Im not leaving my car stock but the beauty of this one is that it doesnt need much tweaking. Tires are staggered, suspension is lower and sound system is great. About the only things Im tweaking is adding a cold air intake, exhaust and tune. Over all this is a great car as is! I would definitely recommend this car.