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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  A classic - 2006 Ford Mustang
  By mike - March 27 - 2:40 am

  I am 37 and have never owned anything but GM cars or trucks. I have always bought REAR-wheel drive automobiles and the 2006 Ford Mustang was the best bang for the buck. I purchased the V-6 (my first - always have owned v-8s) due to the rising fuel costs. The Mustang handles well and accelerates nearly as well as my 95 Formula Firebird. Ford really did their homework well in putting together a car that captures what sports cars should look and handle like. GM - you better wake up and get the Camaro back out before you lose all your sports car followers. Lets face it, the Corvette is just too highly priced. Long live the Mustang.

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  LOVE THIS CAR! - 2016 Ford Mustang
  By Rebob59 - March 26 - 12:30 pm

  Im a little bit biased here since I am a FORD employee. I love this car! I have wanted to have either a Camaro or Mustang since I was a teenager just starting to drive. Now I finally have one! The dealer I worked with was fantastic. I told the sales person that contacted me what model I wanted and the colors I was interested in and in a couple of hours they sent me window stickers of several cars that meet my wants. I picked the one that most appealed to me, since it was at another dealer my dealer had to make a swap to get the one I wanted. My wife drives a Camaro and the one thing I really like about my Mustang is that I have more head room in it than the Camaro. The Mustang also has a better visibility than the Camaro. I have the ecoboost model and love it. It has the perfect blend of performance and gas mileage. I drive 70+ miles a day and usually drive at about 80 Mph and I have gotten as high as 30 Mpg the average is usually about 28 Mpg. I would highly recommend this car to any one that wants a sporty car. Its fun to drive and well worth the money

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  This is "the" Mustang to have! - 2016 Ford Mustang
  By Kevin Ray - March 26 - 5:23 am

  Yes, there are some Mustang enthusiasts that do not like the new design. It is quite different from previous years models. My opinion, the new body design is beautiful and even if you dont like the new design just drive the car and you will be hooked. There is nothing that I dont like about my 2016 Mustang GT. The car is awesome. The interior is made of high quality parts and materials. The previous years Mustangs did not have this kind of quality in the interior. This is why I never bought a prior generation Mustang. The car is a joy to drive. I was back and forth on the question of automatic vs. manual transmission and I opted for the automatic. Now days I believe there is more emphasis on quality automatics than manuals. I just dont want to deal with clutches in the future. I drove a 2015 Camaro on the same day that I drove the 2016 Mustang. The Mustang was the hands down winner in my opinion. Ford did a great job on this car.

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  great car - 2003 Ford Mustang
  By gpdorward - March 25 - 10:00 am

  so far an excellent machine

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  My review - 2004 Ford Mustang
  By car watcher - March 18 - 10:00 am

  I bought this car not too long ago, and it has proved to be a pretty good car. It has a good design, its comfortable, it is a good car to ride around in,and it seems to be reliable.

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  My Mach 1 - 2004 Ford Mustang
  By Al Sautner - March 18 - 10:00 am

  I love the car. I traded a Chevy Corvette for this and love it. It is much better to drive then the Corvette and feels like a real muscle car. It is simple and I love the car.

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  Best Mustang Ever - 2005 Ford Mustang
  By Bob - March 17 - 1:33 pm

  My new Mustang is the GT with an automatic tranny. It is a great looker and an even better performer. The back seat is too small for anyone to sit in except for children, but the front seats are very comfortable. I only have a few hundred miles on my Mustang and everything was and is working just fine. No complaints. There was a long wait for the car (3 1/2 months). It was worth the wait!

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  Bills 2006 GT - 2006 Ford Mustang
  By Bill - March 15 - 8:30 pm

  I am 58 years old and I recently purchased my first ever Ford Mustang. I built my GT on Ford Direct online with the exact options that I had to have. My local Ford dealer located my GT at another dealer with my options and we made a deal, below MSRP I might add. My absolute beauty is tungsten grey, black leather seats, 5 speed manual, 18" polished aluminum wheels, interior upgrade package with the anti-theft kit. My friends cant stop talking about how beautiful it is. Imagine, a 300 HP muscle car for under $30K. You will not find a better combination of style, power, handling & value anywhere. This GT reminds me of the 65 Fastback I dreamed of in high school but could not afford.

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  Love my car - 2003 Ford Mustang
  By Rockends - March 12 - 2:00 am

  Plain and simple it rocks, built with quality parts and is a pure joy to drive.

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  Fun Muscle Car - 2004 Ford Mustang
  By thedutt - March 12 - 2:00 am

  I have had this car for over a year now, and absolutely love it. There is no feeling like watching the expressions on the faces of your passengers when you step on the gas for the first time. Do you research, as with any high performance car, dont expect it to be as easy to maintain as a Honda. As well, take into account the cost of Gas and Insurance (this car is rated higher that a 911 by insurance companies!)