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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  great car! - 2004 Ford Mustang
  By CraigFred - December 14 - 2:00 am

  I looked and looked. Its a great value and a great car. I never thought of purchasing one till my teenage sons suggested it. I took it for a test drive and I was impressed.

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  2005 Mustang - 2005 Ford Mustang
  By Anthony - December 13 - 12:32 am

  I love the way this car performs and the gas mileage is decent but I hate how cheaply put together it is. I have already had 5 things go wrong with it and one of them still is not fixed and I have taken it in for the same problem 4 times with it still being unresolved. I wish it was made more solid.

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  Snakums - 2001 Ford Mustang
  By Avenging Angel - December 12 - 10:00 am

  I traded in my 99 Cobra for the 01 & I am happy with the results. The seats feel so much better than my 99 Cobra and they look great with the Cobra on the suede part. The power is there, but quality in fit & finish leaves a lot to be desired. Rattling & wind noises are just a standard option with Ford products to date. The 2001 Cobra definitely has the power, but lacks the suspension & drivetrain of a true performance car.

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  Screaming Yellow (A Lemon?) - 2005 Ford Mustang
  By Lorie - December 9 - 11:01 pm

  We waited patiently for our Mustang to arrive. Three other individuals waited behind us in case our purchase did not go through. We drove away the happy owners of the 2005 Mustang GT Premium in Screaming Yellow. We chose to add the racing stripe package to complete the look. We get lots of compliments,with most people saying the Screaming Yellow looks the best. After a few weeks of driving it, we began to notice a popping noise coming from the front wheel area. The noise was most noticeable when turning slowly or backing and turning. Service department adjusted steering but noise continued to increase. Problem turned out being the upper strut bearing assembly which the service department replaced.

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  Never buying a ford again - 2004 Ford Mustang
  By Bunny - December 9 - 10:00 am

  It is a fun car till you have owned it for 4 years. Even with continious maintenance I still have problems. Check engine light, shifting into 5th gear is a grinding experience and shakes when in the idle position. The top also leaks when washed or it rains.

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  Over 275,000 miles! - 1996 Ford Mustang
  By Down - December 7 - 12:38 am

  Over 275,000 miles on my 96 Mustang 6 cylinder and still going strong. Bought it used in 98 with 29,000 and have driven 135 miles daily round trip to work. The manual transmission went out at 185k and then the heater core started leaking at 225k. After they replaced the transmission, the speedometer cable burned into so for 3 months I didnt click off mileage so I have closer to 285k on this car and it is still going. This has been an overall excellent vehicle.

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  Dry Weather Car - 1997 Ford Mustang
  By Ian - December 6 - 6:19 pm

  If you want to drive this car in the snow or rain go slow! Traction is reduced due to the classic light Mustang rear end, and fish tail you will! Fun in dry weather, though. Low end torque is okay, dont try to pass anyone in 4th or 5th gear, the acceleration isnt there (very sluggish or non-existent, down shift -- or GET A GT!) Also, lightweight body means that you feel the gusty cross winds (at times, I felt like I was driving an Escort). Cornering is not very good, hydraulic assist steering gives feel of sports car, but still in the "not quite there" category. Ive been stranded 4 times in this car: clutch, transmission, radiator, thermostat all failed catastrophically.

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  I will never buy a ford again. - 2001 Ford Mustang
  By NoCobra - December 5 - 11:56 am

  I have had nothing but trouble with this car. Heres a summary... 0 miles: exact same squeaking sound coming from the plastic vent behind the hood that my 99 6cyl Mustang had and squealing brakes and rattling steering 5000: shift knob broke loose. 16000: the plastic handle on the inside of the drivers door broke off 18000: the keyless entry system has stopped working about half the time.

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  good car - 2004 Ford Mustang
  By Jewelz - December 3 - 10:00 am

  this is a really god car for me because im 16 and i need acar to get to school and back wich is 13 miles to get there and back.

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  The Pony Rides Again! - 2005 Ford Mustang
  By PonyXpress - December 2 - 8:31 pm

  2005 Roush GT Sonic Blue Convertible. Having spent much of my late teens and early 20s restoring 67 & 68 Mustangs, I was blown away when I first saw the 2005 retro Mustang. Naturally, I had to have one and bought myself a birthday present in June 05. I have about 2500 miles on the car and it has been flawless. Its great fun to drive and Roush has tweaked the car just right, from the exhaust to the ground effects. Its spooky, but I feel as if Im sitting in my 68 Fastback, albeit a greatly improved version. With the flood of after market products becoming available by the minute, it will no doubt keep me busy again. Cant wait to blow the doors off any retro Camaro or Cuda we may yet see!