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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  Ford did Amazing with this - 2005 Ford Mustang
  By Mystics7 - October 23 - 10:00 am

  I have my GT on order but drove a 6cyl. Amazing for only 210 HP the car moved. Being a lover of stangs since I was little I really bit a lot of blood and swet into this car. Ive driven Camaros TAs Vettes but nothing feels more pleasing then a STANG!!!!!!!!!!!

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  Canyon carver - 2013 Ford Mustang
  By Otto Wyse - October 23 - 12:28 am

  I special ordered this car with the Trac Pack, Recaro leather seats, side scoops, and rear quarter window louvers in Sterling Metallic Gray. The car looks brand new this day. I was unsatisfied with the suspension so replaced the springs, struts, shocks, and sway bars with Eibach parts. Added a Whiteline Watts link to the rear end in order to keep the differential centered and improve road handling. The car has Magna flow performance mufflers and exhaust tubing has been changed to 3” diameter. K&N air filter with cold air intake and Bama Tune complete mods to this date. I don’t know the hp rating, but floor the throttle in second gear at any speed or rpm, with traction control on, and the rear end wants to come around ad tires spin for at least four car lengths. Acceleration is brisk in 5th gear! I love it. Caution is advisable when passing as 70-130 happens very quickly in 4th gear. Rev limit occurs at 7500rpm, enabling 60+ in second. Road hold greatly improved, playing tag with motorcycles on Mulholland drive is fun. Gas mileage sucks if not prudent with go fast pedal, but giggles and grins rise exponentially!

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  Awesome Pony! - 2005 Ford Mustang
  By Scott Thomas - October 21 - 2:43 pm

  This car is tight, has outstanding handling, awesome perfomance and torque. The style is Old-school muscle car. Comfortable and stylish interior. Take off is like a rocket.

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  Bullitt #416 - 2001 Ford Mustang
  By fastback - October 21 - 2:00 am

  Most people are unaware that there even is such a vehicle, and if they are aware most still dont "get it." Well I got it, I "get it" and I love it. No its not a Cobra but it handles superbly, it looks and sounds great. Its not necessarily a performance statement but more of an era statement. The subtle, no spoiler, no stripes, no unnecessary frills looks are excellent.

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  1996 Mustang Cobra (they didnt list it) - 1996 Ford Mustang
  By Mustang Lover - October 20 - 10:50 pm

  Wonderful car to own. I have had several Mustangs in the past 8 years. I have had V-8s and 1 V-6. All have been a pleasure to own. If you are looking for a V-6 spend the extra money for the extra HP you will happy that you did. The back seat is for looks basically, handling is wonderful, & speed is great!

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  DONT BUY A MUSTANG! - 2006 Ford Mustang
  By stnghot - October 19 - 12:41 am

  I made the mistake of buying one of these 2006 lemons. It is sitting in the shop w 46000 miles on it..the bill? $3000. Entire rear diff has to be replaced including the axles are shot. Theres a service bulletin so get yours checked! Ford offered to pay 750..I drive it like a baby and a rear diff should not go out that early. Research and you will find Im not the only one. Im not fixing this lemon. Its going to its grave and Im buying a foreign car. Called Ford..they said thanks for calling...they dont stand behind their cars so why would I put myself in one? Perfect personalized plate would be FORDLMN if I was gonna keep it. Save yourself the hassle and heartache....dont buy one.

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  Who said not to buy American? - 1998 Ford Mustang
  By jared - October 18 - 8:45 pm

  I absolutely love my Mustang. Although it isnt the V8 it still has decent power. The best oart about it is the styling inside and especially out, it makes the car so fun to drive. Ford did something right with this car too becuase I havent had to fix it once. All my friends and family love it.

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  Best Conv/Racer out there!! - 2003 Ford Mustang
  By John Reid - October 15 - 10:00 am

  Smoking my tires as I left the dealership I felt no regret whatsoever purchasing the dream car. It comes stock with a beautiful body but the exhaust did need some help so I put flowmasters on it. The sound system was great and the MP3 was very nice :o)~ I do encourage SVT to make it standard or an option to have the Mach 1000 in the Cobra as opposed to standard Mach 460 (which is still very nice).

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  Can it possibly get any better? - 2005 Ford Mustang
  By graphicguy - October 15 - 1:46 am

  Having been a "hard core" sports car fan, this is the first "American Sports Car" Ive owned. It would be an understatement to say how impressed I am. Its got it all; the style, the muscle, the refinement, the "growl" and the attitude. Aside from the startlingly great straight line performance, the suspension strikes a surprisingly good balance between handling and ride comfort. The seats are comfy while holding you in place. The Interior Upgrade Package with real aluminum dash is quite the looker. Shift feel is positive and quick. Brakes haul you down with "right now" stopping power. Build quality is among the best Ive experienced in any car. Its tight and solid

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  3rd Mustang, The Best So Far - 2002 Ford Mustang
  By Robert Clarke - October 15 - 1:45 am

  I had an attack of patriotism so I had to buy American, also 3rd mid-life crisis! More comfortable than I would have imagined, corners great and I love the sound. A little clunky, but hey, its a Ford. Fast enough that you have to watch the speedometer. I drove from Idaho to NY and averaged 70 MPH, I got 24 MPG on regular gas! Whats not to like? A lot of fun for the money!