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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  Fun to Drive - 2006 Ford Mustang
  By Doug Taylor - April 10 - 3:03 pm

  I have not been disappointed. This Mustang is Fun to Drive. It has get up and go, corners beautifully, and isnt bad at the pumps. The sound system is superb and easy to use. If you desire a head turner this is your car. For comfort I have enjoyed every mile Ive put on. It rides like a sports car and you will feel the bumps in the road but to me that is ok! This vehicle has my highest recommendation. Buy one and you will enjoy every minute in it

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  Back in a Mustang after 41 years - 2015 Ford Mustang
  By CharlesS. - April 9 - 3:28 pm

  My previous Mustangs were a 69 Shelby drag pack car, and a 70 Shelby GT-350. The 2015 GT Premium might as well be from another planet compared to those earlier cars. I bought this car used a few weeks back, and have zero complaints about the car itself. My plan was to order a 2017 model, however this car was offered at the right price for one pampered car. The quality, fit, and finish of the sixth generation Mustang is impressive! Being an old guy, it still seems strange to use the terms quality and plastic in the same sentence, however the quality, even the plastic pieces are very good! There is an abundant use of metal parts and the leather appears to be of good quality. I am a muscle car guy and have mostly owned Chevys. I have spent a considerable amount of time in the fifth and sixth generation Camaros which are some sweet rides in their own right. The Mustang has much better visibility and the interior of the GT Premium is refined compared to a top of the line Camaro. The previous owner of my car is the service manager for our local Ford dealership, and he took excellent care of the car. The car currently has 13K miles on it, and presents like a new car. A positive aspect of buying a car owned by a service manager is that he has likely worked out all of the bugs in the car during his ownership. Of course the negative is that he made some mods to the car. Some of the mods made the car better, and one mod did not improve it at all. The car has been lowered and leveled. This is a mod that I like, as the factory stance of these cars has the front slightly higher than the rear. It also has a BAMA tuner, and a cold air intake, both good for a few extra horses beyond the stock 435 HP. This is one wicked fast car. The car has so much power that it should be driven with lots of respect and a healthy dose of caution. We live near US 129 (the famous Tail of the Dragon) one of the most challenging mountain roads anywhere in the world. The 2015 GT Premium with the high performance package and a manual transmission is a whole bunch of fun, and this road brings out the cars touring capabilities! Of the two complaints that I have with the car one has to do with the previous owner and nothing to do with Ford Motor Company. The previous owner first removed the resonator and installed an H pipe in its place. Then he removed the mufflers and installed straight pipes. This car is loud! So loud that the neighbors probably hate me... Drone is so bad that it drowns out the Shaker Sync III stereo. Like I said this has nothing to do with Ford. I have ordered a S-Type cat back system from Borla Exhaust and will be installing this system in place of the straight pipe exhaust system as soon as it arrives. A friend owns the same model car except his GT has an automatic and mine is a manual. He is running the Borla S type exhaust and it makes these cars sound sweet! The stock exhaust is a little too quiet for the enthusiast. The other complaint is the overly complicated Shaker Sync III system. In order to connect via Blue Tooth to my Galaxy Note 4 smart phone the app has to be cleared and reinstalled each time the car is driven. This problem may be user error??? The other irritating thing about the Shaker system is the volume. Playing Sirius or the single CD and the volume is impressive! Playing Pandora from the phone through the Bluetooth or by direct connection and the volume is moderate at best. That is with the volume on the phone turned wide open. There are complaints about other makes of cars having the same issue, so this may not be a Ford issue. The last topic is about the six speed manual transmission. This is not a complaint, just an observation. The shifter has a very short throw and the ratios are close. The transmission shifts smoothly and really seems to make this car more of a blast to drive compared to an automatic version. It is taking me a while to get used to it. I have been driving two old F-series diesel powered trucks for several years with the typical long throw shifters. The precision of the Mustang shifter will take some practice. All things considered I am excited about ownership of a 2015 Mustang GT Premium.

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  I love this car! - 2005 Ford Mustang
  By AzBaseballmom - April 6 - 2:56 pm

  This car is a beauty in all ways. The style, the handling, the interior and the sporty exterior. We ordered our 05 V6 convertible exactly the way we wanted it, with all the bells and whistles. It took 2 months to get here but it was well worth the wait. My husband and I are both enjoying this car like no other we have every had. We ride with the top down everyday (and we live in AZ); we may be hot, but at least were styling and loving it!

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  King of the Road - 2001 Ford Mustang
  By chris523 - March 22 - 10:00 am

  This is a great car. The Mach stereo system is probably one of the best.

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  Mustang Rocks It - 2004 Ford Mustang
  By Abenny - March 18 - 10:00 am

  The car is absolutely awesome, it has power and stamina, cant touch it.

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  Retro to the Max - 2007 Ford Mustang
  By Allen Lussier - March 12 - 10:43 pm

  This car is awesome. I have to look under the hood periodically to believe its a V-6 and not a V-8. Great retro look. Adding the Pony Package looks great and says "This is a car that Im proud to drive". If you love Mustangs, as I do, youll love this model year.

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  03..... Year of the Mustang - 2003 Ford Mustang
  By Mr DJ - March 4 - 10:00 am

  The 2003 mustang has everything in one package: comfort, thretening POWER, and evil looks! The 5 speed manual shifts nicely, although the clutch travel is long. The car rides smoothly and quietly on the 17 rims and hugs the road. Convienience is OK with a few places to store change and so on, but the glove box is small even to store the owners manual in or CD cases for the 6 disk changer. The 4.6 liter V8 is awesome with great power and pick up.Anyone who thinks they can take it on with just a proformance muffler on a 4 banger is in for an embarassing suprise!! Care is easy, with not many places for the wash cloth to get stuck in when washing.

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  CLUNKY - 2006 Ford Mustang
  By jscott - March 2 - 9:30 am

  My 06 GT 5 speed transmission AND rear end clunk so bad, I hate to drive this car! Im a retired dealership auto technician, and cannot believe I cannot find other complaints on this particular problem. Yes, IÂ’m very coordinated when shifting, but itÂ’s impossible to even drive this car w/out this annoying issue. It makes me hate the car. When downshifting from 3rd to 2nd, it acts as if the clutch isnt completely disengaging ... the transmission dont grind, but it makes an awful noise. IÂ’ve never banged a gear, or been to the drag strip. IÂ’d be afraid the driveshaft would come through the floor! Very dissatisfied customer. This is my 4th Stang since 1994.

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  Back to the Roots - 2005 Ford Mustang
  By Shawn - March 1 - 5:20 am

  I have always wanted a Mustang, ever since my uncle came home one day with a fastback. I would look and look for a decent fastback but could never find one that was just right. Ford did it for me. The first time I saw the new 2005 I had to have one. I has the right mixture of old with new features that make this car a keeper, just like the 1966 fastback.

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  Race Car Feel, Great Value - 2002 Ford Mustang
  By Charles D. - February 24 - 10:03 pm

  Thinking about spending $40,000 for a "fast" new BMW 3 series? Well, if you do, please yield to the right when you are passed by the Mustang GT 5-speed. Ive owned several cars in my life (yes, including 2 BMWs) and no car brings a smile to my face like the FORD Mustang GT 5-speed does. Great styling, great value, neck snapping performance and handling, all for half the price.