Ford mustang

Ford mustang

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 Mustang is offered in coupe and convertible body styles. The Mustang V6 model comes standard with a new 3.7-liter V6 that produces 305 horsepower and 280 pound-feet of torque. The Mustang GT trim level comes with a new 5.0-liter V8 that makes a substantial 412 hp and 390 lb-ft of torque. Both are coupled to a standard six-speed manual or an optional six-speed automatic transmission. 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 high-tech and performance upgrades.

The Mustang continues to be one of the best bang-for-your-buck performance buys. This year’s new V6 has brought renewed vigor to the entry-level Mustang while the 5.0-liter V8 GT has more power than even the old SVT Cobra model of a few years ago. The current car’s interior is fairly refined, with a soft-touch dash, attractive metallic trim and optional features like the glass roof and Sync system. It is true that 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 to defeat the original muscle car in the hearts and minds of the American car buyer.