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2012 Ford Mustang
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2012 Ford Mustang Review
Scorecard
| Overall: | 8.8 |
| Critics' Rating: | 9.3 |
| Performance: | 8.2 |
| Interior: | 7.7 |
| Safety: | 9.2 |
| Reliability: |
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The 2012 Ford Mustang continues to garner winning reviews for its performance and fuel economy, but gets critiqued for its cramped back seat and questionable interior quality in base models.
From a performance standpoint, it’s hard to go wrong with the 2012 Ford Mustang. Consumer Guide says, “Any Mustang offers an attractive blend of performance, swagger, value, and surprising usability.”
Most other reviewers also agree that with the Mustang, you get a lot for your money. A new V6 was introduced on the 2011 model, which not only offered substantially more power, but also excellent fuel economy. While the Mustang may not be the most agile when compared with smaller affordable sports cars like the Mazda Miata, it’s nimbler than competing muscle cars like the Chevrolet Camaro and Dodge Challenger.
However, that doesn’t mean there isn’t room for improvement. Although higher trim levels have decent interior quality, reviewers frequently note that base models make liberal use of exposed hard plastics. Many recommend opting for the premium trim, which corrects these issues, albeit at a higher price.
Like many rival affordable sports cars, the Mustang’s back seat is also on the small side, and the interior is not without a few minor ergonomic quirks. Still, with comparable power and better handling, the 2012 Ford Mustang makes a compelling argument for itself when compared with rival muscle cars. However, sports cars like the Nissan 370Z still trump the Mustang with better handling and a quality interior.
Other Cars to Consider
Most critics agree that the 2012 Ford Mustang is a better choice than the Chevrolet Camaro and Dodge Challenger. However, all three have unique attributes that may appeal to affordable sports car shoppers who want muscle-car looks and driving dynamics.
The Camaro might not be as agile as the Mustang, but its performance is a close match to Ford’s pony car. And while the Mustang is an attractive car, most critics agree that the Camaro’s retro-inspired styling turns more heads.
If you regularly have passengers in the back seat, the Dodge Challenger provides more comfortable accommodations than both the Camaro and the Mustang. Five people can sit in the Challenger’s roomy cabin, while the Mustang and Camaro only seat four, and although the Challenger is larger in size, the base model is just as powerful as the Mustang.
2012 Ford Mustang: The Details
The 2012 Ford Mustang V6 is available as either a coupe or convertible and comes in two trims: base and Premium. New for 2012 is a selectable steering mode with three settings, as well as illuminated dual vanity mirrors and a sun visor storage compartment. See the full 2012 Ford Mustang specs.
For more power, check out the 412-horsepower Mustang GT, the 444-horsepower Mustang Boss 302 and the 550-horsepower Mustang Shelby GT500.
- "The Dodge Challenger provides a more spacious interior, while the more dramatically styled Chevrolet Camaro will likely collect a lot more attention. The Mustang pulls away in the home stretch, however, as it presents the most complete package overall." -- Edmunds
- "The Mustang's iconic appeal accounts for its perennial popularity, and it will inspire you to compose vacation photos around it as if it were a portable landmark. But at $37,220 as equipped for our drive with the Pony appearance package and navigation … the value proposition seems off, making us wonder: Is the base car the sweetest deal?" -- Motor Trend
- "Given 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
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