Review
Introduction
The Ford Mustang is a sporty coupe that can trace its lineage and basic formula back 45 years.
The 2009 Mustang will be short-lived, as a refreshed 2010 Mustang will go on sale in early 2009 to take on the recently introduced Chevrolet Camaro. The ’10 Mustang will get a new look and a more powerful V-8.
Even so, the 2009 Mustang remains an entertaining and satisfying car. Equipped with the 300-hp V-8 engine, the Mustang GT accelerates with a sound and fury that imported sports coupes cannot match. For those more interested in showing than going, the 210-hp V-6 is available, but it’s underpowered and not that fun to drive; next to the magnificent burble of the V-8, the V-6 sounds strained and unpleasant. The rear-drive chassis may have an old-fashioned solid rear axle, but it is more than up to the task of keeping the powerful V-8 in check. And unlike some sports coupes, the Mustang has a supple and compliant ride that proves satisfying on a daily basis.
Convertible versions of the Mustang feature an easy-to-use power top, but some shakiness is introduced in the structure in the transformation from coupe to convertible. Back-seat space and trunk capacity are sacrificed slightly for the top, but there is still enough room in the back seat for two occupants.
Inside, the Mustang features a handsome retro-styled interior that recalls the Mustangs of the 1960s. In base versions, the monochromatic interior can seem a bit dour, but an available Premium package spices up the interior with aluminum trim, special interior lighting, and multicolored accents.
Two engines are offered in the Mustang. Base versions are powered by a 4.0-liter SOHC V-6 with 210 hp. GT models get the sonorous 4.6-liter V-8 with 300 hp. Both engines come standard with a five-speed manual transmission; a five-speed automatic is optional.
Major competitors to the Ford Mustang include the Chevrolet Camaro, Dodge Challenger, Mitsubishi Eclipse, and Nissan 350Z.
Verdict
Even with new competition from the Chevy Camaro and Dodge Challenger, the 2009 Mustang remains an appealing and attractive sports coupe. A fetching body, optional V-8 power, rear-wheel drive, and an attractive price are the qualities that made classic Mustangs great and are still present for 2009. Buyers who want the latest and greatest might want to wait for the 2010 Mustang, which was recently unveiled at the 2008 L.A. auto show.
Click here to read our full review of the Ford Mustang coupe.
Click here to read our full review of the Ford Mustang convertible.
Click here to read our latest comparison test involving the Ford Mustang coupe.
Click here to read our latest comparison test involving the Ford Mustang convertible.
What’s New for 2009
The Mustang gets an optional glass roof and a revised Premium package that brings ambient lighting, aluminum interior trim, interior upgrades, and Sirius satellite radio. A refreshed 2010 Mustang with more power and revised styling will go on sale in early 2009.
Highlights and Recommendations
The bottom of the Mustang hierarchy is the V-6 version. The Mustang V-6 might look the part, but the 210-hp V-6 is an unpleasant engine that barely gets better fuel economy than the V-8. Only opt for the V-6 if you have to have a Mustang and can’t afford to step up to the V-8.
Moving up to the GT is highly recommended if you have the means. The 4.6-liter V-8 brings the Mustang alive in both performance and sound and changes its personality from rental car to sports car.
For classic Mustang enthusiasts, the Bullitt package will likely prove tempting. An homage to the 1968 Mustang that appeared in the Steve McQueen film Bullitt , the limited-edition Bullitt Mustang comes in Highland Green or black and has unique trim inside and out to mimic the ’68 Mustang. Bullitt Mustangs also get an additional 15 hp from the 4.6-liter V-8, for a total of 315, and a special exhaust system.
Safety
Dual front airbags, front-seat-mounted side-impact airbags, front-seatbelt pretensioners, tire-pressure monitoring, and anti-lock brakes are standard on all Ford Mustangs. Traction control is optional, and electronic stability control is unavailable.
