2011 Ford Mustang
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in Muscle Cars
Based on analysis of 9 Mustang reviews and test drives.
Ford Mustang - What the Auto Press Says
The 2011 Ford Mustang ranks 1 out of 4 Muscle Cars. This ranking is based on our analysis of 9 published reviews and test drives of the Ford Mustang, and our analysis of reliability and safety data.
The 2011 Ford Mustang may look like last year’s model, but under the hood it’s all new and far better. In fact, many critics assert that its recent performance upgrades, including a 305-horsepower V6 engine, crown it king of American muscle cars.
If Chevrolet was looking for a fight, it got one. Still hot off a complete redesign, Ford has tweaked the Mustang once more to give it an edge over the sultry Camaro. The result is nothing short of spectacular.
For 2011, the Ford Mustang gets a power increase of 95 ponies and 40 pound-feet of torque. Plus, its steering and suspension settings have been tweaked for optimal performance. Taken as a whole, test drivers say that the changes make a world of difference -- leaving the Mustang a more capable performer than ever before, and definitely more agile than its class rivals. Add to that an EPA-estimated highway fuel economy as high as 31 mpg and it’s easy to see why the Mustang is a winner. "The Chevrolet Camaro still takes top honors for dramatic styling, and the Dodge Challenger is surprisingly lovable in an old-school muscle car sort of way,” writes Edmunds. “But if you're looking for the best all-around pony car of 2011, you need not look any further than the holistically improved 2011 Ford Mustang."
Other Muscle Cars to Consider
While most critics agree that the 2011 Ford Mustang is the best muscle car overall, the 2011 Chevrolet Camaro is still definitely worth a look. In addition to its eye-catching retro styling, the Camaro features a 312-horsepower V6 engine and six-speed manual or automatic transmission. It might not be as agile as the Mustang, but its superb performance abilities leave little to be desired.
Details: Ford Mustang
The 2011 Ford Mustang V6 is available in two trims, base and Premium; and two body styles, coupe and convertible. Both are equipped with a 305-horsepower, 3.7-liter V6 engine and a standard six-speed manual transmission. An optional six-speed automatic is also available.
For more power, check out the 412-horsepower Mustang GT and 550-horsepower Mustang Shelby GT500.
- "[G]iven this car's status as the volume model, we guarantee legions of buyers are going to be plenty pleased with the Mustang V-6." -- Car and Driver
- "Any Mustang offers an attractive blend of performance, swagger, value, and surprising usability for a sporty coupe or convertible. The V6 delivers performance similar to last year's V8-powered Mustang GT combined with improved EPA fuel economy estimates. V6 Mustangs are no longer a car people who would have rather had a V8 need to settle for. They are very attractive on their merits." -- Consumer Guide
- "Even with performance that rivals last year's GT, it's hard to take Mustang's V6 seriously after driving the V8. If you want decent mileage, buy a Ford Focus, Honda Insight or Toyota Prius. But if you are in the market for a serious muscle car, life begins at 5.0." -- Popular Mechanics
- "Ford rewrote the code when it rolled out the 2011 Mustang -- a V-6 pony car that rumbles with power, bites through corners and hits 31 miles per gallon on the highway. Ford, with this stunning new car, has done something even President Barack Obama has failed to do: Provide power to the poseur." -- Detroit News
Mustang Performance - 9.2 (Excellent)
Test drivers are happy with the 2011 Ford Mustang’s performance upgrades -- which, among other things, include a more-powerful 305-horsepower V6 engine and fuel economy as high as 31 mpg (highway). "In a word, wow,” writes Edmunds. "The engine upgrades for the 2011 Ford Mustang have revitalized the car's performance. The V6 model is no longer the butt of rental-fleet jokes, as it now quite quick, particularly when fitted to the slick-shifting manual transmission." Read More
Mustang Exterior - NA
Redesigned in 2010, the Ford Mustang carries into the new model year mostly unchanged. "We still think it looks great and embodies what a Mustang should be with its long hood, short deck proportion, forward leaning grille and deeply set headlights," writes Autoblog. The 2011 Ford Mustang is available in both coupe and convertible body styles. Read More
Mustang Interior - 8.3 (Very Good)
Overall, reviewers are satisfied with the 2011 Ford Mustang's retro-styled interior cabin. It could use more backseat room, but that’s a common complaint in this class. Besides, critics don’t seem to mind, given its long list of standard and optional features -- including Ford’s highly-acclaimed Sync infotainment system. Edmunds explains, "The optional Sync system provides useful voice-integration technology for music and Bluetooth functions." Read More
Mustang Safety - NA
The 2011 Ford Mustang has not been crash tested. However, it comes equipped with a long list of standard safety features -- including dual-stage front airbags and AdvanceTrac electronic stability control. The 2011 Mustang also features Ford’s highly-acclaimed MyKey system, which makes handing the keys over to your teen driver a lot less stressful. Read More
Mustang Reliability - NA
The 2011 Ford Mustang features a three-year/36,000-mile basic warranty and five-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranty. It also comes with an impressive roadside assistance program. Read More
