Ford Mustang Research & Reviews

Overview & Reviews

Average Score

4.52/5 Average
3,414 Total Reviews
Model Overview:

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:

Showing 2711 through 2720 of 3,414.00
  • Love my GT even more daily - 2016 Ford Mustang
    By -

    This is my first Mustang ever as well as my first convertible. I never had a family member to own one or a close friend. I had "friends" in high school that did, but never rode in one. I rented this vehicle in August of this year and loved it from the start. The feeling of being in a convertible is like no other driving experience I have ever had. I also had never driven a V8 before either. It was a pure endorphin/adrenaline rush. During my car research I looked also looked at the Camaro 2SS, while it was truly a great car it was just too expensive. Another deciding factor in choosing the Mustang was that I had watched "A Faster Horse" on Netflix. For those who havent watched the documentary it is a great film on how they designed and made the new 2015 model as well as how the original come to be. I just felt more of a connection to the Mustang and honestly Chevy had burned me before on a 98 Malibu I bought new. Biggest piece of crap I have ever owned. So it was an uphill battle for them anyway. So the car itself....biggest pro to me is the look of the car. I just stare at it in my garage and when I walk up to it at the grocery store. It is a race red black top GT and it is gorgeous in my opinion. Some folks dont like the new design, but I would not have considered this car without the new design. The other biggest pro is the power. Why you would buy an Ecoboost or a V6 in a Mustang is beyond me. Yes the gas mileage sucks, but man that car rumbles and has sooooo much character that you just dont get in the other smaller engines. It makes me smile every time I push the start button. Finally, the other pluses is all the technology in the car. This thing has got it all....I wont list them here as you can check it out yourself, but a hidden gem I found is that you can program your key so that the car wont go over a certain speed and the radio wont go over a certain level. It also tracks the miles put on the car with that key. So if I want my son, who is 16 and gets giddy every time I let him drive it (Im in the car with him), to drive it without me at least it is the realm of a discussion to be considered. The biggest downside to this car is the ride. It is bumpy and I mean BUMPY. You feel every divot in the road. I know this isnt a luxury car....I got that and I wasnt expecting a BMW cloud feeling, but for the first time ever I got slightly car sick after a 5 hour drive to see my family for the holidays. We had to stop so I could get rid of the motion headache I had. So, that is a big bummer. I feel that if they could have made the "Normal" mode just a bit smoother on the suspension that they would have a perfect car. Now I own it and I am sure I will get used to it. It does not diminish how I feel about the car overall. I love driving it around town, but wont be taking it on any long trips without at least a half a Bonine in my system. I do look forward to taking it to the beach...I mean.....its a convertible...that is a requirement. The gas mileage is what you would expect from a V8....not very good. However, I was getting 27mpg on the interstate with cruise control on, but city is 18 to 19. A few other things to note before I close is that the feel of the steering wheel is great and adjustable with the steering mode. I keep it on Comfortable while driving around town, but kick it back to sport when I want to push it. The SYNC system is great, but I am still fighting the voice command a bit as she doesnt always understand me. A bit more work could go into that aspect of the software. The biggest thing here is that the car is just fun to drive. I didnt go for practical, I went for fun and if you want a fun car.... get the Mustang GT, and if you are feeling really spirited...make it a convertible.

  • FRONT END BAD - 1998 Ford Mustang
    By -

    I BOUGHT MY CAR NEW AND AFTER I GOT 20000 MILES ON MY CAR, I HAD A HARD TIME KEEPING IT ON THE ROAD. I TOOK IT IN AND HAD FRONT IN ALIMENT ,AND I BOUGHT NEW TIRES. THE PROBLEM WAS STILL THERE. NOW I HAVE 60000 MILES ON IT AND THE CAR WAS OUT TO KILL ME. TOOK IT BACK AND FOUND OUT THAT IT WAS THE RIGHT AND LEFT LOWER CONTROL ARMS WERE NEEDING TO BE REPLACE. ALSO FOUND I HAD A REAR MAIN SEAL TRANSMISSION LEAK. AND OIL LEAK TOO. I ALSO HAD TO HAVE AN IDLER PULLEY REPLASED. AFTER ALL HAVE BEEN DONE I STILL HAVE A LITTLE PROBLEM PULLING TO THE RIGHT. THANK GOD FOR EXTENED WARRANTIES YOU’RE GOING TO NEED IT.

  • Fun2Drive - 1999 Ford Mustang
    By -

    I like the way the car looks-inside and out. I like the way feels inside, and the way that it handles. The power drivers seat has so many adjustments that if my wife drives the car, it takes quite a while to get the seat readjusted properly. It has a nice suspension, where you dont feel every seam in the pavement-on local roads, or on the highway.PlentyOfPower. I bought the car with 39,000 miles on it. The power top works great. It would be nice if the cover for the top fit better. If you snap it in place, it pops back out. I scrapped the cheap material seat covers for new leather ones. Big improvement.

  • Will never buy a Ford again! - 1994 Ford Mustang
    By -

    This car has been nothing but a burden to me. Everything seems to go wrong with it! I thought that this car would be different from other Fords, but man was I ever wrong! This has got to be one of the most unreliable cars I have ever owned. It may look nice on the outside, but if you decide to buy one, be prepared to spend lots of money on repairs! Just in my first year of ownership, I have spent over $2000 in repairs!! My next car is DEFINITELY going to be Japanese (or at least GM)

  • Fun - 1998 Ford Mustang
    By -

    Hit the pedal to the metal. And hang on to your heart as the tourqe will make you smile.

  • AWESOME CAR! - 1994 Ford Mustang
    By -

    AWESOME CAR! I love how fun it is to drive and everyone compliments me on it

  • Mineral Grey GT - 2005 Ford Mustang
    By -

    The Mustang GT is a fantastic car as well as value for the price. It is also very difficult to obtain.

  • GOOD CAR BUT NOT WORTH THE PRICE - 2000 Ford Mustang
    By -

    It is a pretty good car but it has its good points and its bad points. There are some reasons that I am disappointed with this car. First of all the suspension has been terrible from day one. I can feel every bump in the road and thats no exaggeration. I didnt think it was going to be that big a deal when I bought it but over the years Ive grown to hate that about this vehicle. From a stop my Stang bogs down if I try to give it gas too fast. If someone is about to rear-end me I want to be able to get out of their way quickly. If I would have known what I know now about this car now I wouldnt have bought it.

  • The Last Muscle Car... - 2002 Ford Mustang
    By -

    With a V-8 and an exhaust that tells people that you are coming this is a really fun car to drive. Ford really did a good job of providing a car with a very nice power to dollar ratio.

  • Very nice car - 1996 Ford Mustang
    By -

    I bought my 1996 mustang Gt last summer and so far its great no problems at all. Its a very fun car to drive. Only problem for thoughs who live were theres snow, you cant drive them in the winter so be prepared to by a cheap winter car.

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