MSRP: $20,430 - $33,985
Invoice: $18,877 - $31,077
MPG: 17 City / 26 Hwy
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U.S.News Scores

Overall:8.2
Performance:8.3
Exterior:8.8
Interior:7.7
Safety:7.4
Reliability:6.0
Research we analyzed for this review
Pros and Cons
  • GT trim boasts a powerful V8 engine
  • Attractive retro exterior design
  • Exceptional steering feel
  • Low-grade interior materials
  • Uncomfortable backseat

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Ford Mustang - What the Auto Press Says

Test drivers favor the Mustang for its powerful engine, retro design, and stellar crash test results. The Mustang proves to be a smart buy for anyone wanting a car powerful enough to back its bad boy looks.

Introduced in 1964, the Ford Mustang has become a true American icon. "Having weathered oil crises, ugly styling crises, increasing emissions standards, corporate turmoil and unending penny-pinching over the years, the Mustang is a true survivor," writes Edmunds. "While rival pony cars have been sent to the glue factory, the original has only grown stronger and more popular." 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. Still, it earns awards for both quality and ownership cost.

If you're in the market for a muscle car, be sure to also test drive the Dodge Charger. Like the Mustang, its throwback design garners a lot of praise and it's criticized for subpar cabin materials. However, its optional 425-horsepower V8 HEMI engine really makes it stand out. To get that kind of power in a Mustang, you'd have to dish out a lot more money for a Shelby GT500. If you do decide to buy a Charger, be sure to opt for the powerful SRT8 trim -- as it's the only Charger worthy of being called a true muscle car.

Though 2009 marks the 45th anniversary of the Mustang, this year's model is largely a carryover from 2008. In addition to an anniversary badge, V6 and GT models now offer an optional glass roof. Little else has changed. A redesign, however, is expected for 2010 -- which is good news for Mustang enthusiasts, as the reemergence of other muscle cars, like the Dodge Charger and Chevy Camaro, threaten to put the Pony's popularity at risk.

The 2009 Ford Mustang is available as a V6 and GT in both Deluxe and Premium trims. Also available are the Bullitt and Shelby GT 500 models. The Mustang comes as a coupe and convertible. Whichever you choose, be sure to check for current Ford deals that may be available on a new Mustang.

  • "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
  • "Few cars embody all-American rugged individualism like the Ford Mustang." -- 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
  • "To its credit, the Mustang is blessed with iconic good looks, a choice of V6 or V8 engines and, most importantly, a really affordable sticker price. Make no mistake, serious competition is on the way but, for now, look for Ford to continue to build on the Mustang's success as one of America's most loved performance coupes." -- Kelley Blue Book
  • "In the three-way muscle-car battle royale, the Ford Mustang has continuously reigned since its update in 2005. How long it will hold that mantle (especially with a new Camaro on the way next year) will depend on Ford's 2010 redesign." -- Cars.com

Mustang Performance - 8.3 (Very Good)

Test drivers are impressed with the 2009 Ford Mustang's road-ripping muscle car abilities -- regardless of trim. According to Kelley Blue Book, "The 2009 Ford Mustang fires up with the satisfying snarl every red-blooded American expects from one of the country's most identifiable vehicles (although the growl is more pronounced with the V8)." Test drivers are especially impressed with its suspension configuration. Read More

Mustang Exterior - 8.8 (Very Good)

In addition to its 1960's retro design, the '09 Pony features a "Warriors in Pink" edition and low-profile Bullitt trim. AutoWeek reports, "The 2009 Mustang will get a snazzy new badge, a galloping pony set in a horseshoe with a 45th anniversary logo, to mark the car's milestone." The new badge, however, won't adorn the Bullitt. Read More

Mustang Interior - 7.7 (Good)

Despite its retro style and large cargo hold, reviewers criticize the Mustang for its inferior materials and cramped backseat. "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," writes Consumer Guide. Still, critics like its color-changing illumination display system. Read More

Mustang Safety - 7.4 (Good)

In crash tests conducted by the federal government, the 2009 Ford Mustang performs exceptionally well. "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." Read More

Mustang Reliability - 6.0 (Mediocre)

The 2009 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 Ford Mustang comes with a three-year/36,000-mile basic warranty and five-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranty. Read More

Review Last Updated: 6/12/09