2007 Ford Mustang Safety Review [ 2009 , 2008 ]
Ford Mustang Safety Review
Safety - 9.1 (Excellent)
The Ford Mustang includes standard and optional safety features similar to its competitors. It performs well in government crash tests, receiving 5 of 5 stars in frontal crashes. In side impact crash tests, it earns 4 of 5 stars for front-seat protection, but wasn't tested for back-seat protection. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) gives the Mustang an "Acceptable" rating for frontal crash tests and a "Good" rating -- the highest possible -- for side crash tests.
Accident Avoidance
Anti-lock brakes and traction control are standard on the GT and Shelby GT500 and optional on the V6. Forbes explains that the traction control system "allows a bit more wheel slippage than you might otherwise find in a family car for the benefit of more-enthusiastic drivers, yet it will engage more aggressively in icy, snowy or wet-road conditions." The Detroit Free Press says this balancing of "safety with the car's sporting character" is attributable to "very effective programming" that allows "some wheelspin accelerating through fast turns" but "intervenes before the car can spin out of control."
Crash Protection
The Mustang comes standard with dual-stage front air bags. Also, front-seat side air bags are available. "We highly recommend you get them," says Road & Travel Magazine. In government crash tests, the Mustang earns 5 of 5 stars for frontal impact protection and 4 of 5 stars for front-seat protection in side impacts. Results of tests conducted by the IIHS are more of a mixed bag, with the Mustang receiving a rating of "Acceptable" for frontal crashes and a rating of "Good" -- the highest possible -- for side crashes.
