Ford Mustang Review



See also the main fact sheets for the Ford Mustang.

High Points

 * Relatively inexpensive
 * Powerful
 * Improved suspension leading to smoother ride
 * High safety ratings
 * Roomier front seats
 * Classic design

Low Points

 * No side curtain airbags
 * Very little rear legroom
 * Stereo controls almost too plain
 * Disappointing fuel economy
 * Dashboard and hood are high; front seating is low

Performance and Handling
As one might expect, the Mustang delivers a good deal of power, as well as a tight suspension and anti-lock brakes to help handle that power. The base model is a 210hp V6, but a 300hp V8 is also available. The ride was improved not only by the addition of new struts, but also by an increase in the width of the car, a much more solidly built frame, and 16" wheels (or 17", depending on trim). Acceleration is top-notch, as its engines would suggest, and handling is crisp around corners. With this latest model, Ford seems to have come up with a combination sure to ignite the imaginations of Mustang enthusiasts again.

Gas Mileage
With only V6 and V8 engines available for the Mustang, it's no surprise that gas mileage is less than optimal. However, the base V6 model still squeezes out a respectable 19mpg in the city and 28mpg on the highway. This is good enough to earn it a 6th place spot on Autos.com, but the 1st place finisher cranks out 25/30mpg.

Safety
In crash tests carried out by the NHTSA, the Mustang performed well, receiving 5/5 stars for front impact and rollover and receiving 4/5 stars for side impact.

Autos.com ranks the Mustang tied for 4th in its class in safety, behind the Chevrolet Corvette, Volkswagen GTI, and Mazda RX-8.

Reliability and Maintenance
Because the latest incarnation of the Mustang was unveiled in 2005, reliability information is not yet available for it. The Mustang has, however, not had the most pristine of track records in regards to maintenance, and while all first impressions seem to indicate a well put-together automobile, buyers may want to be wary of the long-term maintenance costs the Mustang may incur.

Interior and Comforts
The interior of the Mustang is clean and surprisingly simple. This is not to say that it lacks in features; amenities such as a 4-speaker CD stereo, tilt steering wheel, front and rear headrests, and power locks and windows all come standard. However, the dashboard layout, climate controls, and stereo interface are all clearly displayed, easily accessible, and, aside from the available leather/chrome trim, retain a relatively simple look. The spedometer and tachometer are large, contained within deep inset moldings, and, along with the three-spoke steering wheel, maintain the new Mustang's retro sensibilities as a bit of a throwback to earlier models. A nice extra touch is a customizable color configuration for guages displayed on the dashboard, adding a personal flair to the package.

Cabin noise is minimal, although the unmistakable roar of the V8 engine may find its way inside. Cloth stitching is the standard, but leather is available, and as with many sports coupes, rear seating is limited in legroom.

Some optional comoforts and conveniences include a Shaker 1000 stereo system with MP3 capability, oil pressure and voltmeter guages, a trip computer, aluminum and leatherette accents, and a systems monitor.

Exterior
With the 2005 redesign of the Mustang, Ford sought to return to its most famous model's muscle car origins while at the same time maintaining a fresh, contemporary look. Several of the current generation's features echo the designs of the 60s, from the round headlights and inset fog lamps to the fastback and remarkably reminiscent taillights. The convertible, however, while also reflecting the influence of earlier models, slopes more aggressively forward than its ancestors.

Styles and Options
The 2006 Mustang is available in either a coupe or a convertible, and both of these are available in varying combinations of either a V6 or V8 engine and a standard, deluxe, or premium trim.

Main Competitors

 * Mazda RX-8
 * Honda S2000
 * Nissan 350Z
 * Pontiac GTO
 * Subaru Impreza WRX