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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  Love it - 2006 Ford Mustang
  By ed - December 15 - 6:33 pm

  I pick it up 2 weeks ago and Im loving it. I traded my 03 GT and have no regrets. The retro body style is way cool and the V8 3V engine is very nice. The only thing that Ford needs to improve on is the throttle response but that will be fixed as soon as I get the aftermarket upgrades.

• 

  Not so Little Pony! - 2016 Ford Mustang
  By Jay - December 15 - 12:56 pm

  I just took possession of a new 2016 Ford Mustang GT Ruby Red Convertible! Yea! The mighty Coyote V8 thunders and rumbles even when sitting at idle. Everyone loves it! It just oozes power and performance. Its a trip! Punch it and runs! At stops people can hear the powerful engine and they look over often giving a big thumbs up. Cruising through town or just on the local boulevards the car catches eyes and ears. You just have to look and listen.

• 

  hot red - 2004 Ford Mustang
  By aa1977 - December 15 - 8:01 am

  I love this car, too bad there isnt more hp, but its great! Its cute mine is red, people love it, they always want to race with me. I have a 5 speed, and I must say, its not bad on gas at all. I was thinking of buying another but I like the 2005 Infiniti G35, which will be my nice buy because its faster! Highly recommended.

• 

  Fun car! - 2003 Ford Mustang
  By Mikey444 - December 14 - 10:00 am

  Ive had my 2000 Mustang Convt for one year now. Its a fun car to drive. I love having a convertible. Great exterior design, but again interior design. Lots of aftermarket accessories available. The car itself gives me a mediocre driving impression. Strong V6 though. However, it has poor wet weather traction. I would recommend it to someone who like a an affordable, fun, nice looking couple/convertible.

• 

  good car for the money! - 2003 Ford Mustang
  By D V Clark - December 14 - 10:00 am

  went to trade 99 honda accord ex in on anouther accord ex v6 coupe dealer would not work at all on sale went next door got white v6 premium coupe auto.ride is better than 99 accord but not as good as 03.03 accord v6 auto has better pick up for sure.interior build quality of honda is better.but got 3000 rebate 500 cash back 1500 more trade in 1000 off sticker.sold!!

• 

  funnnnn - 2006 Ford Mustang
  By Gabrielle - December 14 - 2:43 am

  The car drives like a big heavy American car. Nostalgia like a Moms car but is hot and sharp at the same time. It feels very safe and is exciting the way it holds the road and has pick up like most V8s. The dash could be a little more Mercedes-ish but I like the chrome and design. Great speakers and upgraded music system. Pretty bad on fuel economy.

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  My Best Car in Twenty Years - 2006 Ford Mustang
  By Daisy - December 9 - 4:23 am

  What a great car! Tons of speed, a roomy interior, great sound system, and good mileage. The convertible top is a cinch to operate. And the car is a real head-turner! Expect to get a lot of attention when youre driving one of these.

• 

  SWWEEEEETT CAR - 2000 Ford Mustang
  By the speedster - December 8 - 10:00 am

  this is best car u could buy for the price, especially power wise.

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  03 Shaker - 2003 Ford Mustang
  By sadigirl - December 8 - 10:00 am

  I traded in a paid off 2003 V.W. 1.8 turbo for this. I have no regrets. It is so fun to drive and looks great. It has been to the shop a few times, but what new car does not have a problem.

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  4.5 years and still a great car. - 2013 Ford Mustang
  By Eric - December 2 - 5:54 pm

  I bought my 2013 Mustang GT M6 new in December of 2012. 4.5 years later I have very little in way of complaints. Ive put 40k miles on it and driven it from Dallas to Key West and from Dallas to Northern Montana, a trip that was 4600 miles. It has performed flawlessly and never broken down. Still has the original brakes, even. Only issues with it were an airbag module recall and a leaky rear diff gasket that were covered under warranty. Couple of things that have been minor issues for me are as follows. Im 63. A telescoping steering wheel would have been nice. The cabin isnt cramped to me at all, and I like the driver position. The ride quality could be a little more comfortable. I dont have the Brembo Package with the stiffer suspension. I have a bad back and extended drives can be a little wearing, though it never stopped me because I simply love to drive. That being said, this isnt a Cadillac, its a performance car. I dont think many other people would necessarily share that complaint. The Shaker 500 audio system is okay. The voice activation for Sync is hit or miss, and the USB port sometimes doesnt recognize that anything is plugged in. I would have liked a higher end more refined stereo system option. Simply adding the sub with the Shaker 1000 wouldnt have been enough. Now the positives. Air Conditioning is cold on demand immediately. The car simply looks fantastic. I like both the Camaro and Challenger, but I think the Mustang has them both beat and is the better value. You will never ever get tired of the 420 horsepower. It is intoxicating. Coupled with the 6 speed manual and youre in for lots of fun. I have never had the wheel hop issue another reviewer posted about, and I am not a gentle driver. This has been a great car that gets a lot of attention. Very few minor issues that could happen with any car, although the Sync System can be irritating. I wouldnt hesitate to recommend one to anyone who was in the market, and Id drive this thing from Panama to Northern Alaska tomorrow if I had the time or inclination.