2019 Ford Mustang Review

The modern Mustang'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, along with a higher-quality cabin and new styling, facilitated the Mustang's transformation into a more sophisticated and comfortable car. The car's performance capabilities have reached new heights, too.

This year, the 2019 Ford Mustang gains an added element of cool. The Bullitt is back (read more in our Bullitt First Look) as well as a California Special trim. Ford is also teasing us with rumors of an upcoming GT500 that is said to make more than 700 horsepower.

Yet there's still a lot to like in 2019 even if you're buying a base Mustang. Ford has made a dual-mode active-valve exhaust optional on the EcoBoost-powered Mustang, which should make the car's four-cylinder engine sound a bit more aggressive (and less like a Focus' four-banger). A rev-matching feature has also been added to GTs equipped with a manual transmission — now everyone can downshift like a pro.

These changes should keep the 2019 Mustang a highly desirable pick for a pony car. Of course, it still has some primary competition: the Chevrolet Camaro and the 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.

The 2019 Ford Mustang is available in EcoBoost, EcoBoost Premium, GT, GT Premium and Bullitt trim levels for coupe body styles. Convertibles are available in all but the base GT and Bullitt trims. (The GT Premium is offered.)

The Mustang EcoBoost is powered by a turbocharged 2.3-liter four-cylinder engine that makes 310 horsepower and 350 pound-feet of torque. A six-speed manual transmission is standard, and a 10-speed automatic is optional.

Despite representing the bottom rung of Mustangdom, EcoBoost models are equipped with a surprising amount of racy hardware as standard: a limited-slip rear differential, launch control (only with the manual gearbox) and an electronic line-lock to facilitate burnouts (at the track only, of course). Standard creature comforts are more pedestrian and include 17-inch wheels, manual cloth seats, keyless entry and ignition, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, a 4.2-inch center display screen, a rearview camera, Bluetooth, two USB ports and a six-speaker sound system.

The EcoBoost Premium keeps all the same hardware but adds 18-inch wheels, leather upholstery, revised cabin trim, power-adjustable front seats, a nine-speaker audio system, dual-zone automatic climate control, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and an 8-inch touchscreen with the Sync 3 infotainment system.

GT models really step up the Mustang's performance game. They come with 18-inch wheels, a 5.0-liter V8 (460 hp, 420 lb-ft), the power-adjustable front seats and rear parking sensors. The manual transmission is standard and the automatic is optional. The GT Premium adds the creature comforts of the EcoBoost Premium trim.

The Bullitt differentiates itself from the GT largely through aesthetics. Changes include a Dark Bullitt-specific Highland Green paint option, special wheels, various Bullitt logos and deletion of the rear spoiler. The Performance package (see below) is standard on the Bullitt. And thanks to a modified intake manifold, the Bullitt's V8 sees a 20-hp bump to 480 hp. Torque stays the same at 420 lb-ft.

Some of the features of the Premium trims are available on the regular EcoBoost and the GT. A Performance package is available for EcoBoost and GT models. This includes larger brakes, 19-inch wheels and summer tires, a shorter differential ratio, a bigger radiator, stiffer front springs and a larger rear stabilizer bar. This package additionally allows access to getting the MagneRide adaptive suspension dampers. A Level 2 Performance package (coupe with manual transmission only) includes the adaptive dampers and also has wider wheels with Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tires, a special front air splitter and rear wing, and specialized track-oriented suspension tuning for the suspension, steering, stability control and ABS system.

Other notable optional features for the Mustang include adaptive suspension dampers, an active valve exhaust, 19- or 20-inch wheels, a digital gauge cluster, a heated steering wheel, a navigation system, various exterior and interior styling packages (including the California Special package for the GT Premium), Recaro front sport seats, a 12-speaker Bang & Olufsen sound system, blind-spot monitoring, adaptive cruise control, and forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking.