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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  Custom Mustang goes wrong! - 2015 Ford Mustang
  By NoMoreStang - December 11 - 3:25 pm

  I purchased this car, built to order in Sept. 2014. Dealership made an error on order and actually received the car nearly 6 months later. Got the car and it was BEAUTIFUL. Had a great time driving in the first few months. Then the problems started. Brakes started squeaking at 3 months and had to be replaced. Its a black car so the swirls started arising after 3 months. Although, I was promised that this paint was such a great quality that it wouldnt swirl for years. Had to replace the front two tires after 5 months. The tire center said they were defective but of course Im responsible for it. Then at 8 months, the car is in the shop for huge white smoke coming from the rear. A lot of problems for a brand spanking new car. Again, the car is a beauty but it has been consistent issues for me.

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  RECALL**ALL Mustang Airbags could kill if deployed - 2014 Ford Mustang
  By Unimpressed with Ford Safety Recall - October 29 - 4:02 pm

  Ford informed all Mustang (and potentially other makes and models) owners in June 2015 that the airbags need to be replaced. Since, I have been calling to see where they are at on this situation as I do not want my children in the car, let alone myself, where the very function that is supposed to help you in an accident, "could result in serious injury or death" (as stated directly in the 2nd recall letter I received last week. I called Fords service division to discuss what they will be doing for their customers, and they said nothing but simply having us "wait another 6 months for the part to slowly come in." As the service lady stated on the phone to me. I think this is very irresponsible on Fords part. Having their customers drive around a car that could put them at greater risk in an accident than the very accident itself. I feel it is unfair as a customer to be forced to drive under these conditions, or choose to sell or leave the car in the garage knowing the risks of driving it. Ford should allow customers who bought cars to return them or provide us with safer vehicles in the meantime until these issues are fixed.

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  Engine failed at only 1300 miles - 2016 Ford Mustang
  By Shahnaz ali - May 9 - 7:35 pm

  2016 Ford Mustang brand new 3 months old only 1300 miles engine failed. They replace the engine but my car value is going down. After purchasing a car I stop 2 more times to dealership for coolant leak also. Engine failure is not related to the coolant leak that is the manufacturer issue.now ford not help me out for extra warranty.

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  DONT BUY FORD - 2008 Ford Mustang
  By Dustang - March 3 - 8:25 am

  First and last FORD Ill never buy a Ford again! I agree with everything the editor said in his review about the mustang, its a really nice car for the first 5,000 miles or so. Check out the TSB service bulletins for the mustang before you buy one! Many problems, engine misfire, water leaks by the buckets from dashboard, auto tranny failures,cant fill gas tank,and Ford is the worst at fixing the problems. They give it the sunshine treatment for the expensive problems until your warranty is up. I have replaced the trans, a/c comp, alternator, 3-batteries, power steering pump, and more!

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  Reliable as an 85 Hyundai - 2003 Ford Mustang
  By Justin B. - February 7 - 2:00 am

  I have owned 2 Mustangs, a 00 V6 which had no problems, and a 01 GT which was towed 7 times (in 1.5 years), had the T45 trans replaced (trans seized at 50, which shattered the clutch. It felt like Id jammed the brakes on at max strength, Im lucky I wasnt in traffic. Warranty was denied cost me 4500), the car refused to start 5 times (in 4 of the cases the engine wasnt turning over, battery only died once), torque converter failed, a fuel pump gave out, brakes (disks) needed to be replaced. Also note the steering wheel can lock in such a way that a pin blocks the key from turning, if this happens to you try turning the steering wheel until it lets you turn the key.

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  No Navigation - 2016 Ford Mustang
  By william munn - April 17 - 2:54 pm

  This mustang is the perfect v6 version of the car except that Ford was too cheap to put the sync 3 into this model. Build the ultimate v6 mustang that is great in every respect, and then put an outdated piece of crap like sync that has no navigation instead of the new model sync3. 2016 mustang is a great car. 2016 Ford motor company not so much.

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  crappola - 2003 Ford Mustang
  By romulus - June 8 - 10:00 am

  in shop 4 times in first two months

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  Regret Buying it!!!! - 2000 Ford Mustang
  By SIX - April 7 - 10:00 am

  The good looks of this car make it a big seller. Thats what suckered me into it. Two years later: Every piece of plastic on the interior rattles, all a/c vents are broke, the transmission shutters on take off and "pops" when downshifting. But I am told by Ford and their little computer that this is normal and nothing is wrong with the car. But I wonder why it did not do that the first few months. The car also holds NO VALUE... Which is making it difficult to trade. From my experience with this car I will never buy another Mustang, possibly not even another Ford.

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  on GTs GT Convertible - 2006 Ford Mustang
  By by GT - April 3 - 2:00 am

  I picked this car in October of 05 after waiting 4.5 months for delivery. It was worth the wait. Ford hit not just a home run but a grand slam. Exceptionally powerful and comfortable cruiser. The world seems a better place when you are cruising in this future collectible with the top down. All of 65-69 Mustang styling cues in one package!

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  Its a very expensive pile - 2002 Ford Mustang
  By abstrakt101 - June 6 - 4:36 pm

  Who would pay $30,000 for an underpowered piece of junk? Sure, theyre pretty, but where does the $30,000 come into place? You can get a BMW for the price of a Mustang. Come on people, stop wasting your money