2008 Ford Mustang [ 2007 ]
Based on analysis of 44 Mustang reviews and test drives.
Ford Mustang - What the Auto Press Says
The 2008 Ford Mustang ranks 2 out of 10 Affordable Sports Cars. This ranking is based on our analysis of 44 published reviews and test drives of the Ford Mustang, and our analysis of reliability and safety data.
The Mustang ranks in the top half of its class because of its powerful engine, iconic exterior and interior design, and stellar performance in crash tests. The only muscle car within the affordable sports car class, the 2008 Mustang proves to be a smart buy for anyone wanting a car powerful enough to back its classic bad boy looks.
First introduced in 1964, the Ford Mustang has risen to become a true American icon. According to Forbes, "Few cars embody all-American rugged individualism like the Ford Mustang." World renowned for its brawny presence and threatening snarl, the Mustang receives accolades for its muscle car street performance, but loses points in overall refinement. With the era of large V8s quickly dying out, vehicles like the Mazda MX-5 Miata and Nissan 350Z easily outrank the Mustang in terms of performance. Still, it remains the primary choice of most classic car enthusiasts, and earns awards for both quality and ownership cost.
The 2008 Ford Mustang is available as a V6 and GT in both Deluxe and Premium trims. This year also marks the reintroduction of the Bullitt trim. Though this review only covers the Mustang coupe, it's also offered as a convertible. A high-performance Shelby GT 500 is also available.
- "Yes, yes, a thousand times yes! This car is one big hoot, and it's instructive to get into a rear-drive, V8-powered bad-ass every once in a while. It's a good reminder of how fun driving can be." -- AutoWeek
- "The current-generation Mustang came out for the 2005 model year, and Ford is keeping it fresh in 2008 with new paint colors, additional safety and convenience features and yet another two versions that trade on the name of legendary racer and car developer Carroll Shelby: the Shelby GT convertible and, in the spring, the Shelby GT500KR." -- Cars.com
- "The current version, which debuted in 2005, successfully captures the brawny coolness of the trendsetting 1967 original, thanks to retro design cues and gutsy engines." -- Forbes
- "The Ford Mustang looks and feels like an all-American car, and that's a good thing. It's quick and fun to drive and offers combination of style, performance, and handling that's hard to beat for the money." -- Automotive.com
Mustang Performance - 8.3 (Very Good)
Whether test-driving the V6, GT or Bullitt, auto writers are impressed with the 2008 Ford Mustang's road-ripping muscle car abilities. "It's everything a pony car is supposed to be, without the teeth-rattling stiffness of the muscle cars of another era," writes Automotive.com. Still, the Ford Mustang's performance is ranked only in the middle of its class because other affordable sports cars, like the Mazda MX-5 Miata and Honda S2000, offer a more refined road experience. Continue with our full Mustang Performance Review to learn why auto critics are impressed with its suspension configuration. continue
Mustang Exterior - 8.9 (Very Good)
In addition to its compelling iconic design, the 2008 Mustang features a "Warriors in Pink" edition and low-profile Bullitt trim. According to Road & Travel Magazine, "The new Mustang communicates simplicity in design emanating from earlier models built in the 60s." In the category of exterior design, the Mustang ranks in the top half of its class. Continue with our full Mustang Exterior Review to learn what's so special about the Bullitt trim's 18-inch wheels, or go to the 2008 Mustang Photo Gallery to browse pictures of this American street machine. continue
Mustang Interior - 7.2 (Good)
Despite inferior materials and a cramped backseat, the Mustang's classic style and large cargo hold earn it an interior ranking in the top half of its class. According to Automotive.com, "The back seat...isn't much more accommodating than in the old fastback 2+2 variant of 1965-68. It's not a place adults will want to spend any time." Continue with our full Mustang Interior Review to read about its color-changing illumination display system, or go to the 2008 Mustang Photo Gallery to see pictures of its retro design. continue
Mustang Safety - 9.7 (Excellent)
The 2008 Ford Mustang earns exceptionally high marks in federal government crash tests. In fact, it ranks in the top half of its class for safety. "For additional safety, all Mustangs come with ABS and front side airbags designed for front and torso protection," writes Road & Travel Magazine. "Side airbags are available as an option, and we highly recommend you get them." Continue with our full Mustang Safety Review to learn how traction control can help protect drivers in wet and icy conditions. continue
Mustang Reliability - 7.0 (Good)
The 2008 Ford Mustang reliability score shown is the Predicted Reliability rating provided by J.D. Power and Associates. This score is based on trending the past three years of historical initial quality and dependability data from J.D. Power's automotive studies, specifically the Vehicle Dependability Study (VDS) and the Initial Quality Study (IQS). The 2008 Ford Mustang comes with a three-year/36,000-mile basic warranty and five-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranty. Continue with our full Mustang Reliability Review. continue
