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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  Turned a lifetime GM guy into a Ford guy - 2009 Ford Mustang
  By Mike S. - January 22 - 9:59 pm

  I have owned nothing but GM vehicles all my life. I dont know what GM was thinking with the new Camaro (yuk!) When Ford redesigned the Mustang in 2005, they had my attention. I finally "flipped" to Ford after comparing GM and Mopar offerings (I only purchase domestic vehicles - no imports for this guy!)and I could not be more pleased with my decision. I have the best of both worlds. The retro stlying of the sixties classics, but also the outstanding performance, handling, comfort, and reliability of a modern day vehicle. Not to mention, where else can you get this kind of car, brand new, with a V8, for 25K? Yes, the interior has a lot of plastic, but what car does not nowadays?

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  Nothing Id rather drive - 2004 Ford Mustang
  By Mike - January 22 - 7:44 am

  Ford got it right 7 years ago with the 03-04 Terminator Cobra. Ive owned several pony cars before finally finding the right Cobra last year. All I can say is wow. Great looks, I love the heat extractors and the SVT wheels. Great sound, from the low growl of the exhaust to the turbine scream of the Eaton supercharger. Great drive, the car puts its power down nicley, handles much better than a 3600 lb nose heavy car should. After a new supercharger pulley and an exhaust, these will truly terminate almost anything else on the road. Im making 460hp to the wheels. 2010 Camaro? Ha!

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  Off the HOOK!!! - 2010 Ford Mustang
  By Dave in Buffalo - January 20 - 10:15 am

  Fantastic machine! I have been a Ford fan for a while now, and have been patiently waiting for my chance to buy a Mustang I am NOT dissapointed. Oh - and do not listen to the folks that say to wait for the 11s - this car has more power than a normal human being requires on todays roads!!! The car handles extremely well, and the five-speed is a dream to operate. Ford has also executed the redesigned and upgraded interior in such a way as to put most luxury cars to shame! I liked the new 2005 Mustang, but this car is off the charts in execution, fun, and excitement. Heads are turning wherever I go - a very cool feeling. Rock on, Ford!!!

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  Little Engine that Does - 2007 Ford Mustang
  By Dr. Scott - January 19 - 8:45 pm

  My 1997 Lincoln Town Car with just under 200,000 miles has the same engine as our new "used" 2007 GT. The Lincoln is infinitely better than my wifes 1998 Cadillac de Ville dElegance with barely 104,000. The Cadillac is up for sale and good ridance too. Again my 57 year old wife drives like she did our 75 Corvette.

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  My 09 - 2009 Ford Mustang
  By Nate - January 18 - 6:18 pm

  Very reliable car, Gas mileage isnt perect, but its a very stylish car and im really glad to have it.

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  Worst Mustang ever, Dont buy Ford !!! - 2006 Ford Mustang
  By ilcoolj - January 18 - 10:51 am

  09/23/06 I financed a 06 Mustang GT, my 1st new car. Previously my family and I have had about 10 Fords. after 6 mos. the car stalled out, I didnt think anything of it. In07 the problem became more noticeable I also had the battery replace twice. The alternator and L/F headlight (water). In08 the problem became more frequent stalling between 30-40mph. The dealer couldnt find thr problem after frequent visits. In Feb.09 I was going to trade it in for a used 08 Shelby GT500. The deal fell apart when the belt kept tearing. Took it to another dealer and was told crank was bad, waited 2 mos. to have engine rebuilt. called cust.service theyre very nasty. Lemon law,govt agencies,legal no help

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  FUN! - 2000 Ford Mustang
  By josh37 - January 12 - 9:28 pm

  I love this car.. Its My first car and Im proud of it. I have the 5 spd. It has plenty of power and i use it. It is comfortable to drive and to ride in, but the backseat is cramped. but its a sports car so its not suppose to be big. The sound system is pretty good and i love the cd player, it plays homemade cds and it sounds good. I love to hear the roar of that engine when the rpms get up to about 3000. I havent had it long but so far i have to get the front right brake calapaer cleaned out, i need to plugs, and my clicker doesnt work but i can live without that. This car is SEXY i think, Mine is all black with Cobra rims on it. I totally recommend this car.

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  ONE HOT RIDE - 2001 Ford Mustang
  By Hot Ride - January 5 - 3:37 am

  Ive been driving this Stand for 1 month now and I get compliments from everyone. Comming from 2008 CIVIC si, This GT got lot muscle under the hood. I love the interior, which is not cheap quality. Exterior Chassis and paint is still in excellent condition. So far Car is running like new. So far I havent spend single dime except oil change.

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  Old Reliable. - 2000 Ford Mustang
  By Truz - January 1 - 7:04 pm

  I commuted 160 miles a day in this and have 202000 on it. Engine still running great. Top is now ready to be replaced last much longer than I thought.

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  Another stang to the corral - 2009 Ford Mustang
  By stang68cs - December 31 - 10:32 pm

  Opted for a basic model so I can build it the way I want. Great gas mileage-- been averaging 27mpg on highway! Very cheap interior--too much plastic and broken parts already!!! But you get what you paid for. Great acceleration for a V6.