2018 Ford Mustang Review
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Edmunds' Expert Review
byJason Kavanagh
Senior Vehicle Test Engineer
Jason joined Edmunds' testing team in 2006 as a vehicle testing engineer. Jason believes true appreciation of modern cars stems from owning really, really bad old ones.Pros
- Strong power from both the four-cylinder and V8 engines
- Civilized ride quality and low noise levels
- Cabin blends modern convenience with retro style
Cons
- Cramped back seat
- Long, heavy doors and mediocre cabin access
- Performance package ride quality can be bouncy
What's new
- Revised front- and rear-end styling
- The V6 engine has been discontinued
- Four-cylinder and V8 engines are more powerful
- Newly available adaptive suspension dampers
- Part of the sixth Mustang generation introduced for 2015
If you've been away from the pony car segment for a while, prepare yourself for a shock: The modern Mustang is refined, rapid and rewarding. This generation's road manners took a big leap forward when the entire 2015 Mustang lineup received — for the first time in 50 years — an independent rear suspension. This change facilitated the Mustang's transformation into a more sophisticated and comfortable car while its performance capabilities reached new heights.
For 2018, Ford gives this generation of Mustang a significant refresh. Some changes should help address prior complaints we had about the car (a retuned suspension plus newly available adaptive suspension dampers for a claimed improvement in ride quality), while others are proverbial icing on the cake (more power for the Mustang's 5.0-liter V8). The Mustang's new automatic transmission has an eyebrow-raising 10 speeds. It might seem like overkill, but we've found this transmission in other vehicles to be quick-shifting and very smooth.
These changes should keep the Mustang a highly desirable pick for a pony car. Of course, it still has some primary competition: the Chevrolet Camaro and Dodge Challenger. All three are genuinely great cars, especially considering the price. If you're looking for the most well-rounded one, though, the Mustang is the way to go.
What's it like to live with?
For more insight into the Ford Mustang, check out our extended test of a Mustang GT. We covered everything from fuel economy to infotainment technology and interior quality. Even though our time was spent in a GT convertible, most of our observations are applicable to all Mustangs regardless of body style or engine configuration.
Edmunds' Expert Rating
7.9 / 10Edging its chief rival in day-to-day usability, the 2018 Mustang has an array of enhancements that should broaden its appeal while expanding its performance. Base Mustangs are accessible, and V8 models deliver pulse-quickening performance yet maintain enough civility for daily use.
Trim tested
Each vehicle typically comes in multiple versions that are fundamentally similar. The ratings in this review are based on our full test of the 2015 Ford Mustang GT Premium Coupe (5.0L V8 | 6-speed manual | RWD).
NOTE: Since this test was conducted, the current Mustang has received some revisions for 2018, including a retuned suspension, a new 10-speed automatic transmission, a more powerful V8 and the deletion of the V6 model. Our findings remain broadly applicable to this year's Mustang, however.
Scorecard
| Overall | 7.9 / 10 |
| Driving | 8.5 |
| Comfort | 8.0 |
| Interior | 8.0 |
| Utility | 6.5 |
| Technology | 8.0 |
Driving
8.5The 5.0-liter V8 is a gem. It's powerful and remarkably docile. Maybe too much — the exhaust note is rather meek. Although the standard suspension feels less planted than the Performance Pack's, the car's limits are roughly the same. It's softer, but hardly dumbed down.
Comfort
8.0The standard GT suspension is certainly more supple than the Performance Pack's firmed-up version, though the former amplifies the latter's bouncy feel on some surfaces. If you're drawn to this car for its performance, you'll likely find its everyday comfort more than adequate.
Interior
8.0The Mustang's interior is an impressive effort, featuring good quality materials and fun pony-car flourishes without going over the top. The dual-cowl dashboard looks cool.
Utility
6.5The Mustang's a notably more practical car than its chief rival, the Camaro. Easier trunk access, more cargo volume and a friendlier cabin. Still, any decent compact hatchback will at least match the Mustang's utility.
Which Mustang does Edmunds recommend?
The Mustang's V8 is irresistible, so go for the gusto and get the GT model. Be an American hero and stick with the standard six-speed manual. Add useful day-to-day civility at a reasonable cost by choosing the optional active valve exhaust and dual-zone automatic climate control. The Performance package is totally livable on a day-to-day basis and sharpens up the Mustang's responses, so go ahead and tick that box, too. Make sure to get it in a wild color such as Orange Fury because you only live once.
2018 Ford Mustang models
The 2018 Ford Mustang is available in EcoBoost, EcoBoost Premium, GT and GT Premium trim levels for coupe (fastback) body styles. Convertibles are available in all but the GT trim (the GT Premium is offered). Say goodbye to the V6-powered Mustang — it has been dropped for 2018 — while a new 10-speed automatic transmission is optional on all models and includes a remote-start function.
