New 2009 Ford Mustang Interior Review [ 2008 , 2007 ]

• Overall
• Performance
• Exterior
• Interior
• Safety
• Reliability
• Specs
• Photo Gallery

Interior - What the Auto Press Says

Though critics love the retro style of the Mustang's interior cabin, many complain that it's composed of sub-par materials and features a cramped backseat. Still, critics appreciate its large rear seat and sizeable trunk.

• "The Mustang interior is as blatantly throwback as the exterior, and nearly as well done. It's sporty and crisp in appearance and straightforward in function." -- Automotive.com

• "[T]he interior is stellar, with a real cockpit feel, full of wonderfully varied textures and shapes. The swoopy A-pillars and the wide, wide dash are pieces of retro fun." -- AutoWeek

• "Disappointing. While Mustang's cabin has eye appeal, it's trimmed in a vast quantity of cheap looking hard plastic. Most switchgear feels cut-rate, and padded surfaces are almost non-existent. Several test models suffered from squeaks and rattles." -- Consumer Guide

• "Though fit and finish are generally good, the interior has an abundance of hard, monotone plastics that would be disappointing at any price point." -- Edmunds

• In regards to the Bullitt, "The interior is simple and clean. A hand-machined aluminum dash and instrument panel is what strikes you first. Aluminum rings outline the air vents and silver gear shifter replaces the typical leather knob." -- Detroit News

Seating

Critics agree the Mustang's four-passenger cabin affords good head and legroom up front, but its seats could be more supportive. The back seat, however, is cramped.

• "Good head and leg room, but the cabin feels cozy due to low seats, a high dashtop, and tall windowsills. The seats are comfortable with a nicely contoured backrest, though knees collide easily with hard door panels and the center console. ...  [The backseat is] inhospitable for adults with little room, an uncomfortable seat, and back-straining entry/exit." -- Consumer Guide

• "For longer drives, the seats are accommodating, but could use more lumbar support." -- Road & Travel Magazine

• "Although the 2008 Ford Mustang is noticeably larger than the previous generation, it still lacks much of the practicality -- like a roomy rear seat -- some people may need." -- Kelley Blue Book

• "[T]ruth be told, even with the additional 0.4 inch of legroom in the back seat, the rear seat isn't a very comfortable ride for adults. There's a closed-in feeling back there because of the sloping roofline, the smallish, triangle-sized rear windows and the thick window pillars at the back." -- MSN

• "The back seat is cramped..." -- Detroit News

Interior Features

Despite some minor ergonomic concerns, auto writers are generally pleased with the Mustang's retro-styled interior features -- especially its color-changing illumination system.

• "With its dual-hooded dash, three-spoke steering wheel and old-school gauges, the cabin of the 2008 Mustang gives more than a nod to the past. Yet this is not an outdated, ergonomic mess -- controls are simple..." -- Edmunds

• "A steering wheel with three metal-look spokes teams up with a speedometer and tachometer that rest deep in their own chrome-ringed wells to deliver a driver's-seat view as retro as any. On the flip side, this throwback's instrument panel features a modern illumination system, color-configurable with 125 different lighting combinations." -- Kelley Blue Book

• "Mustang's main gauges are located in chrome-ringed tunnels that can render them hard to read by day. Manual shifting is awkward when the console cupholders are in use. The transmission shifter interferes with the climate controls as well." -- Consumer Guide

• "The [Bullitt's] clean lines and comfortable charcoal black leather seats add sophistication without being flashy." -- Detroit News

Cargo

While the 2009 Mustang coupe affords 13.1 cubic feet of cargo space, the convertible offers 9.7 cubic feet. Though this is impressive, critics still complain that the trunk's design makes loading cargo difficult.

• "[E]ven without folding the back seat, the Mustang's trunk is as large as those in some more overtly practical sedans." -- Automotive.com

• "Coupe cargo space is good for the class. Trunklids open wide on nonintruding hinges, but the size and shape of the opening makes loading even moderately sized cargo a challenge." -- Consumer Guide

• "Cupholder lights are an unnecessary but nice touch." -- AutoWeek