The Ford Mustang is an American icon that has been the world’s best-selling sports car for seven years in a row. It is big and brash, but offers a distinct appeal compared to alternatives such as the Toyota GR Supra, the more svelte Audi TT and the superb Porsche Cayman.
Given its performance and the V8 power, the Ford Mustang is in a unique position – in the UK, at least. The brawny engine arguably gives it more character than smaller sports cars.
The Ford Mustang is also something of a bargain against ‘premium’ coupes such as the Lexus RC F or BMW M4.
If you are considering buying a Ford Mustang, here is all the important information you need to know.
The Ford Mustang is an icon of American automotive culture for good reason. It delivers big muscle-car thrills, but without a huge price tag. If you want to grab a large slice of Americana, it really is a great choice.
With its long bonnet and short boot, the Ford Mustang has classic sports car proportions. Buyers have the choice of the Fastback coupe version, or a Convertible model with a folding soft-top roof. For those who want the best driving experience, the Fastback is our top choice. However, it is hard to ignore the lure of cruising along roof-down in a V8-powered muscle car.
The 5.0-litre V8 engine ensures the Ford Mustang feels as swift as its styling suggests, accompanied by a tremendous noise from the four exhaust tailpipes. These can be made quieter at the touch of a button to avoid upsetting your neighbours too much. Such a large engine does mean a thirst for petrol, but the sound and spectacle make this a relatively small price to pay.
On the road, the Ford Mustang is relatively easy to drive at normal speeds, although its sheer size is noticeable in the UK. Despite those large dimensions, however, it can feel a little cramped inside. Although it is technically a four-seater, the back bench is best used for extra storage space. At least the boot is reasonably large.
The quality of the Ford Mustang’s interior does show how it is built to a cost. Yet Ford fits plenty of technology as standard, and it all works with an assured simplicity. It makes for a usable and charming sports car.
The Ford Mustang really is like nothing else on sale. With its striking looks, big engine and brawny performance, buying or leasing one will appeal to those who want to live the American dream.
It may not be perfect, with a thirst for petrol and a below-average crash-test score, but it packs a charm and soul that’s hard to find in other sports cars – new or used.
The Ford Mustang has the performance to match the Toyota Supra or Audi TT, and undercuts more expensive alternatives such as the BMW M4. Getting behind the wheel, pressing the starter button, and hearing the big V8 roar into life is an experience like few others.
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The most affordable Ford Mustang is the 2.3-litre EcoBoost, but having a four-cylinder engine in a muscle car is like dressing a sheep in wolf's clothing. It'll cost a bit less to run, but really, you'll be missing the whole point.
To really deliver on the muscle car dream, we'd go for the 5.0 V8 GT with a six-speed manual gearbox and the attractive Fastback coupe body style. In this spec it's brilliant fun to drive, usefully cheaper than both the Bullitt special edition and softer convertible, and relatively practical too (at least for a two-door sports car).
Choosing this trim also saves you enough money for the excellent adaptive dampers, and if you want them, a nice set of Recaro seats. We'd argue that if you're worried about its running costs, this isn't the car for you.
The Cabriolet is softer sprung and heavier, blunting the steering response and body control. This makes it a lot less engaging on a twisty road, and the same is true of the automatic gearbox, it's quicker but not as fun.
Ford Mustang 2.3 Ecoboost: Introduced as a less fuel-thirsty alternative for would-be Mustang owners, this 2.3-litre four-cylinder engine boasted 317PS (detuned to 290PS after 2018), could hit 62mph in 5.8 seconds and claimed 35.3mpg. But it didn't really win over customers and was later dropped from sale.
Ford Mustang 5.0 V8: The standard 5.0-litre V8 engine powers the GT and California Special models. It produces an impressive 450PS after 2018 (418PS before), and makes all the noises you would expect from a big American V8. It does have the fuel economy to match, unfortunately, but being able to hit 60mph in less than five seconds makes up for this.
Ford Mustang Mach 1 5.0 V8: Ford fits an upgraded version of the 5.0-litre V8 to the high-performance Mach 1 model. It generates more revs, and produces more power as a result. The 460PS output means a 0-60mph time of just 4.4 seconds for the automatic version. Manual transmission cars do get a special cue ball-style gear knob, though.
The Ford Mustang is offered in three trim levels, with a choice of coupe Fastback or Convertible body styles. Instead of individual options, Ford relies on additional Custom Packs that can provide more equipment for your Ford Mustang.
Ford Mustang GT: As the basic Ford Mustang model, the GT is offered in both Fastback and Convertible guises. It is well-equipped, with 19-inch alloy wheels, dual-zone climate control and leather seats. A digital dashboard and touchscreen media system are included, too. Various custom packs add features like satnav, a B&O sound system and different alloy wheel designs.
Ford Mustang GT Shadow Edition: Launched in 2017, the Shadow Edition model was available in four colours and rode on black 190inch alloy wheels, with black elements on the exterior including the grille badge, side strips and front-wing badges. It also featuyres a Shaker Pro sound system.
Ford Mustang Bullitt: Offered from 2018, this special edition model references the classic Steve McQueen movie car, with dark green paint, some chrome trim and new alloy wheels. It also boasted a new induction system and exhaust, which boosted power to 464PS, upgraded Brembo brakes and a cool white cue ball gear knob.
Ford Mustang55: A special edition that celebrated the Mustang's 55th anniversary in 2019, the V8-powered 55 boasts a one-off bodykit, a new black grille, optional rear spoiler and a black roof, as well as 19-inch alloy wheels and a B&O sound system.
Ford Mustang GT California Special Convertible: As a limited-edition model that pays tribute to the Mustang’s past, the California Special is only offered as a convertible. It includes the same equipment as the regular GT, but adds new 19-inch wheels, climate-controlled seats, bespoke badging and suede inserts for the interior.
Ford Mustang Mach 1 Fastback: The ultimate performance Ford Mustang for the UK includes the more powerful V8 engine, along with a new bodykit and a unique front grille. Ford adds MagneRide adjustable suspension and upgraded Brembo brakes, too. On the inside, the leather sports seats feature a grey stripe design.
Ford Mustang Mach Fastback Appearance: To truly make your Ford Mustang Mach 1 stand out, Ford also offers an optional Appearance package. This sees the bodywork finished in Fighter Jet Grey, with satin-black bonnet stripes and orange accents. Orange is also used for the Brembo brake calipers and interior trim accents.
The Ford Mustang’s exterior dimensions are:
Length: 4789mm
Width: 1985mm
Height: 1382mm
Ground clearance: 137mm
The Ford Mustang’s boot size is:
408 litres for the Fastback
332 litres for the Convertible
Most Ford Mustang owners will pay the flat rate of Vehicle Excise Duty (road tax) for cars sold new from April 2017. Cars with the high-polluting V8 engine registered before these rules came into force have to stump up a hefty £695 a year to keep their cars on the road, while the 2.3-litre four-cylinder was less than half that at £320.
Newer models are required to pay a set tax – currently £180 for petrol cars – but since the Ford's price has risen steeply in the revised version, most attract the 'premium' luxury rate. It applies to all cars that cost over £40,000 (including options) when new, requiring an additional £390 over the first five years of ownership.
Still, there is a sting in the tail for new buyers, as the lack of start-stop or any fuel-saving technology means the first-year VED on Mustang is an eye-watering £2605, added to the on-the-road purchase price.
Given the size and performance of the Ford Mustang, insurance costs are predictably higher than average. The GT Fastback with a manual gearbox is the lowest at group 42 (out of 50), and this increases to group 45 for the GT Convertible. With more performance, the Ford Mustang Mach 1 starts at group 44. This is still lower than premium-badged rivals, however, and reinforces the Ford Mustang’s position as a more affordable sports car.
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