Ford Mustang Review

2010 Ford Mustang GT Premium Coupe Shown

As household a name as Folgers, Marlboro or Kraft Mac 'n Cheese, 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 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 has seen it through.

There have been many great Mustangs over the decades: Most revered as collector cars are the 1965-'70 Shelby Mustangs, the '69 and '70 Boss 302 and 429 and the '69 and '70 Mach 1. Even newer versions are revered, such as the 1984-'86 turbocharged SVOs, 2000 Cobra R and 2003 and '04 supercharged SVT Cobra. Most Mustangs have had far more pedestrian credentials, of course, but the Mustang has long been the choice of consumers seeking power and style in a rear-wheel-drive coupe, fastback or convertible. The current-generation Ford Mustang is easily the best ever from the standpoints of performance, refinement and day-to-day livability.

Current Ford Mustang

The Ford Mustang was significantly upgraded for 2010. Exterior changes are subtle, but result in a slight modernization of the current retro Mustang bodywork. The interior is a more night-and-day difference. The overall design is familiar, but the materials are richer, the panel fits are tighter and the switchgear is now more ergonomically and aesthetically pleasing.

As before, the Mustang is offered in coupe and convertible body styles. Each comes standard with a 4.0-liter V6 that produces 210 horsepower and 240 pound-feet of torque. It's coupled to a standard five-speed manual or optional five-speed automatic transmission. The more desirable GT trim level comes with a 4.6-liter V8 that makes a substantial 315 hp and 325 lb-ft of torque. Standard equipment on all models includes a CD player with an auxiliary audio jack, full power accessories, antilock brakes and stability control. The Mustang V6 and GT Premium trim levels can be fitted with upgrades like a navigation system and performance upgrades.

The Mustang continues to be one of the best bang-for-your-buck performance buys. The current car's more posh interior lends an air of refinement that no Mustang in recent memory has possessed, but that rough-around-the-edges nature remains. That, along with its significant dynamic improvements, makes this the best Mustang yet. However, new muscle car competitors from Chevy and Dodge mean that the Mustang isn't the only pony in town. If history proves anything, though, no competition will be able defeat the original muscle car in the hearts and minds of the American car buyer.

Used Ford Mustang Models

Completely redesigned for 2005, the 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 with its big grille, round headlights, high-mounted foglights and fastback roof line. The classic motif continued inside where an old-school dash, steering wheel and instrumentation were integrated into a more modern design. Many materials were low in quality, however, as Ford sought to keep the price tag low as well.

Both coupe and convertible body styles were offered in V6 and GT form. The V6 was the same unappealing one that is presently offered, while the GT's V8 then made 300 hp and 320 lb-ft of torque. A five-speed manual transmission was standard, while a five-speed automatic was optional.

Key updates included the availability of an auxiliary audio jack, satellite radio and a navigation system for '07. The following year marked the introduction of the Mustang Bullitt, which added a cold-air induction setup, unique exhaust tuning, firmer suspension calibrations, high-performance brake pads, strut tower brace, 18-inch alloy wheels, the deletion of the foglamps and pony symbol from the grille, metallic interior accents and Highland Green or black paint. Its V8 produced 315 hp. Many of the Bullitt's mechanical improvements would make their way into the current, revised Mustang. Other changes for '08 included standard side airbags, while in 2009 it 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. Still, most specimens you're likely to find will be from the eighth generation, sold from 1999-2004. This is the best of the Fox-body-based Mustangs, and like the current car, it offered a good blend of performance, fun and affordability. Downsides included 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.

You'll also encounter plenty of 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.

SELECT A SPECIFIC FORD MUSTANG MODEL YEAR*

* Edmunds.com maintains vehicle data as far back as 1990.