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2011 Ford Mustang Convertible

Base MSRP: $27,145 to $37,845
Reviewed
February 2011
2011 Ford Mustang Convertible

Bargain four-seat convertible

Pros
  • Efficient, powerful engines
  • Crisp-shifting manual transmission
  • Impressive crash-test results
  • Nimble handling
  • Low base price
  • Better-than-average expected reliability
Cons
  • No telescope functionality for steering wheel
  • Little room for rear passengers
  • No manual shifting feature for automatic
  • Some reports of cowl shake
Where to Buy
 
 

Though the Ford Mustang was thoroughly updated for the 2010 model year, the 2011 Ford Mustang Convertible (Base MSRP: $27,145 to $37,845) includes further (and substantial) updates that make it the best reviewed bargain four-seat convertible.

New V6 and V8 engines, a six-speed manual transmission, improved suspension calibration and extra body stiffening fill in the gaps that were most noticeable in the 2010 Mustang convertible. While the 2011 Mini Cooper Convertible (Base MSRP: $24,850 to $34,300) is a solid sporty alternative, it still falls short in terms of bang for the buck. The revamped Mustang convertible represents the most compelling value for affordable four-seat convertibles.

The new engine options in the 2011 Ford Mustang convertible are universally applauded by expert reviewers, with Edmunds.com editors saying, "in a word, wow" and that the upgrades have "revitalized the car's performance." The 3.7-liter V6 in the base Ford Mustang convertible replaces an ancient design and does so with authority, producing 305 horsepower and 280 pound-feet of torque. This new V6 engine also delivers excellent fuel economy; the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) estimates it will achieve 19 mpg city/30 mpg highway/23 mpg combined with the six-speed automatic and slightly less on the highway when paired with the new six-speed manual gearbox. 

The new 5-liter V8 in the muscular 2011 Ford Mustang GT Convertible produces a tire-shredding 412 horsepower and 390 pound-feet of torque while returning an EPA-estimated 18 mpg city/25 mpg highway/21 mpg combined with the six-speed automatic and 17 mpg city/26 mpg highway/20 mpg combined with the new six-speed manual. Both engines use regular-grade gasoline.

Driving impressions from experts are favorable because of the comfortable ride, slick-shifting six-speed manual, and relatively nimble handling. The Mustang's archaic solid rear-axle suspension design is noted as a drawback by some though most agree with Autoblog.com's assessment that "live axle or not, this is one great-handling car." Road & Track tests the Mustang V6 and calls its handling a "stable, well balanced package" and experts found the ride to be quite comfortable. In reviewing the Mustang GT with more aggressive suspension tuning, Edmunds' Inside Line blog appreciates that "you know you're driving a high-performance muscle car, but it's not uncomfortable." Furthermore, the six-speed manual transmission "begs you to flick it as fast as you can from gear to gear" according to Eric Tingwall, Associate Editor at Automobile Magazine, and its short-throw, low-effort action is a "significant improvement for the car" according to MSNBC.com. The six-speed automatic, however, especially in the faster Mustang GT, is a disappointment to some for its lack of manual-shifting abilities that limit driver involvement. (Note that many of the above observations are gleaned from tests of the hard-top Mustang coupes, but since the powertrains in the coupes and convertibles are the same, they apply to both cars.)

While feedback is overwhelmingly positive, experts still note a few concerns in their driving impressions. One downside is that the Mustang convertible suffers from some cowl shake, a result of reduced structural rigidity from lack of a fixed roof. Reviewer assessments of its severity differ. Autoblog.com mentions "only some occasional cowl shake" as opposed to Car and Driver reporting "a pronounced cowl quiver." Reviewers are mixed on the electric steering unit that is new for 2011, with some sources like Car and Driver extolling its "surprising amount of feedback" and Edmunds.com praising it as "natural and responsive," while others like Jalopnik.com opine that it "is direct and linear, but lacks communication."

The design -- new inside and out as of the 2010 model -- is well-received overall, even though a few experts express concern over interior fit and finish. The interior "stands out with excellent sight lines, soft touch materials on the dash and metal trim parts that feel cool the touch" according to Scott Burgess at The Detroit News, though other experts point out panel gaps that are larger than they ought to be as well as lower-quality materials on the doors. Drivers are able to reach a comfortable seating position for the most part, but there's no telescoping function for the steering wheel. While the power soft top is a relatively simple affair, it does afford good isolation from outside noise and appears to be of good quality, according to multiple reviewers.

The Mustang has plenty of optional technology, the most impressive of which is the Ford Sync system. Since its introduction, Sync has been one of the most reviewer-acclaimed infotainment products on the market as it allows easy-to-use voice commands for mobile phone control, music playback and (when you opt for it) navigation.

An array of standard safety equipment is included as well, with standard front and side airbags, stability control and antilock brakes. After crash tests, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration gives the 2011 Mustang convertible the highest 5-star rating for front driver and passenger impacts, as well as side impacts for rear passengers. But NHTSA notes that in crashes it is possible that rear passengers can hit their heads against the roof linkage mechanism, thus increasing the likelihood of head injuries. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety has also tested the 2011 Mustang convertible, and gives it their highest rating of "Good" for front-, side-, and rear-impact protection.

The 2011 Ford Mustang convertible is also expected to have better-than-average reliability as predicted by a major consumer organization.

Powerful engines, impressive fuel economy, good crash-test results and an engaging driving experience make the 2011 Mustang convertible the most complete package in its price range. Performance and amenities are on par with some convertibles that are far more expensive, and similarly priced competition struggles to match the Mustang's content and performance. The upcoming launch of the 2011 Chevrolet Camaro convertible (Base MSRP: $30,000) will introduce the Mustang convertible's first true competitor in terms of pricing and anticipated performance. 

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Our Sources

1. ConsumerReports.org

ConsumerReports.org purchases and reviews the 2011 Ford Mustang V6 coupe with the manual transmission. Editors report their findings on the driving experience, interior quality and overall expected reliability. While this article covers a Mustang coupe, the vast majority of the observations will also apply to the convertible.

Review: 2011 Ford Mustang, Editors of ConsumerReports.org, Oct. 2010

2. ConsumerReports.org

This press release from ConsumerReports.org summarizes their findings in a comparison between the 2011 Ford Mustang and the 2011 Chevrolet Camaro. ConsumerReports.org gives the Mustang its coveted "Recommended" rating for its fuel-efficient and powerful engine, nimble handling and a well-finished interior.

Review: Ford Mustang V6 Outperforms Chevrolet Camaro in V6 Face-Off, Editors of ConsumerReports.org, Sept. 7, 2010

3. FuelEconomy.gov

Fuel economy for the Mustang convertible with the base V6 engine is an EPA estimated 19 mpg city/30 mpg highway/23 mpg combined with the automatic. The manual transmission delivers one less mpg on the highway and combined cycle. The powerful Mustang GT with the 5-liter V8 is rated by the EPA to deliver 21 mpg combined with the automatic and 20 mpg combined with the manual transmission.

Review: 2011 Ford Mustang Convertible, Editors of FuelEconomy.gov

4. SaferCar.gov

The most recently tested version of the 2010 Mustang convertible, which is structurally the same as the 2011 model, receives the highest 5-star rating for driver and passenger protection in frontal impacts and for side impacts for rear passengers. During the side impact test however, the left rear passenger dummy struck the convertible roof linkage mechanism, which testers note could increase the likelihood of head injuries for that individual.

Review: 5-Star Safety Ratings: 2010 Ford Mustang Convertible, Editors of SaferCar.gov

5. Insurance Institute for Highway Safety

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety gives the 2011 Mustang convertible the highest possible rating of "Good" for frontal-, side- and rear-impact protection following an independent battery of tests.

Review: Midsize Convertibles, Editors of the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety

6. Car and Driver

Car and Driver finds the Mustang GT convertible at odds with itself, with this particular trim being geared toward performance while the convertible body style adds a little weight and compromises handling to some extent. Noticeable cowl shake and a slight disconnect between driver input and vehicle reaction mark the convertible body style's toll on performance. The author says the transmission and brakes need some improvement, but he ends by pointing out that the typical convertible buyer isn't likely to be discouraged by any of these shortcomings.

Review: 2011 Ford Mustang GT 5.0 Convertible -- Short Take Road Test, Jared Gall, May 2010

7. Edmunds.com

This Edmunds.com review of the 2011 Ford Mustang covers the entire range including coupe and convertible. Overall, the conclusion is that the Mustang "looks to be the best pony car on the market" because of its powerful engine options and all-around good value for what you get. The review notes positively that this "isn't the Ford we used to know" and that the 2011 model represents significant progress over its predecessors.

Review: 2011 Ford Mustang, Editors of Edmunds.com

8. InsideLine.com

The most powerful version of the Ford Mustang, the GT with the 5-liter V8, is tested here in coupe form. The reviewer praises the recalibrated suspension for 2011, as well as the new engine. The interior is described as "first-class," and general ergonomics are considered to be better than those in muscle-car rivals. Most of these observations will apply to the convertible as well.

Review: 2011 Ford Mustang GT 5.0 Full Test and Video, Joe Oldham, March 29, 2010

9. InsideLine.com

In this initial drive of the 2011 Mustang V6, the reviewer comes away impressed, citing that "the recipe remains the same, but the ingredients have just gotten a whole lot better." The Mustang's new V6 engine is praised for being quick but not necessarily blazingly fast. Fuel economy impresses the writer, but he's indifferent about the new electric power steering system.

Review: 2011 Ford Mustang V6 First Drive, John Pearley Huffman, March 29, 2010

10. Autoblog.com

In one of the few reviews that specifically covers the new Mustang convertible, writer Dan Roth praises the 2011 Ford Mustang GT convertible, calling it "no parade float." The design is described as "fully realized" except for the lack of manual-shift options on the test car's automatic transmission. Roth says the car "rides and performs impressively," and he challenges readers to find "a better deal on a new car that performs this well."

Review: Review: 2011 Ford Mustang GT Coupe and Convertible, Dan Roth, Sept. 21, 2010

11. Automobile Magazine

A collection of four short-take opinions, this article gives a few different perspectives, though all view the Mustang in a positive light. All contributors say the new V6 does its job well, but they pine for the glorious sound of the V8. Associate Editor Eric Tingwall finds the engine a bit unrefined, and he says the electric steering and lack of a telescoping wheel are a bit disappointing.

Review: Reviews: 2011 Ford Mustang V-6 Coupe, Joe DeMatio, Phil Floraday, Eric Tingwall, Rusty Blackwell, July 14, 2010

12. Motor Trend

Certainly an uncommon comparison, the 2011 Mustang GT coupe is compared against the far more expensive BMW M3. The M3 comes in first place in this comparison, but the author notes that "never has a loss felt so much like a win" in the Mustang's second place finish, referring to the stellar performance numbers. While both cars tested here are coupes, convertible versions with the same powertrains are offered.

Review: Comparison: 2011 Mustang GT vs. 2011 BMW M3 Coupe -- No, We're Not Kidding, Ed Loh, Oct. 2010

13. Motor Trend

Pitting the 2011 Ford Mustang V6 coupe against its closest competitors, the Mustang comes in second behind the Hyundai Genesis. The Mustang is described as fun-to-drive and a good price for what you get. It's also the only car in this trip that's presently offered as a convertible (though a Camaro Convertible is on the way).

Review: Comparison: 2011 Mustang V-6 vs 2010 Genesis Coupe 3.8 vs 2010 Camaro RS vs 2010 Challenger SE, Ron Kiino, April 12, 2010

14. Motor Trend

The coupe version of the 2011 Mustang GT with the V8 engine is tested here against V8 coupe competitors, and the Mustang is declared the winner. The Mustang wins because of its athletic handling, lower weight and much better visibility out of the cabin. Again, many of the observations pertaining to the coupe will apply to the convertible.

Review: Comparison: 2011 Ford Mustang GT vs 2010 Chevrolet Camaro SS vs 2010 Dodge Challenger SRT8, Frank Markus, July 2010

15. Motor Trend

The subtitle of this article poses the question "Could've had a V-8, but why?," and comes away with the impression that the 2011 Ford Mustang's new V6 is the best of all worlds, offering decent power and good fuel economy. This was a test of the coupe version of the Mustang where the reviewer enjoyed the interior and the overall value prospect of the car. The same engine and transmission is offered in the Mustang convertible.

Review: First Test: 2011 Ford Mustang V-6, Ron Kiino, March 2010

16. Motor Trend

Ron Kiino tests the GT coupe version of the Mustang, loving the new V8 and revised six-speed transmission combination. Also, he finds the recalibrated suspension good and praises the electric steering for its feel and feedback. The convertible receives all of these changes as well, so the driving impressions are similar overall to what would be experienced in the convertible version.

Review: First Test: 2011 Ford Mustang GT Premium, Ron Kiino, March 2010

17. New York Times

The Mustang convertible, in V6 trim here, is complimented on its thoroughly modern engine that delivers good fuel economy when driven lightly but is also powerful when driven hard. The reviewer thinks that despite the 2011 model's advances, the Mustang convertible "retains its character remarkably well." The live-axle rear suspension is seen as a shortcoming that can make the rear end feel a bit unsettled over less-than-ideal pavement.

Review: A Two-Trick Pony From Ford: 305 Horses, 31 M.P.G., John Pearley Huffman, June 11, 2010

18. MotorWeek.com

This article covers all variants of the 2011 Mustang. Editors find the underhood bracing adequately compensates for any structural limitations in the convertible. The result is only modest cowl shake when driving over hard bumps. The Mustang GT engine and transmission are enjoyed for their smooth power delivery.

Review: 2011 Ford Mustang (Program #2936), Editors of MotorWeek

19. MSNBC

Similar to other reviews, the author here praises the modern powertrains for delivering good performance and impressive fuel economy. Concern is expressed over chassis rigidity that is lost in the convertible version, where the author claims that "the Mustang shimmies and shakes even over barely perceptible pavement imperfections." The old-style folding soft top is seen as "a tiresome throwback to the old days."

Review: New Ford Mustang Can Run With the Big Boys, Dan Carney, June 18, 2010

20. Road & Track

Road & Track magazine samples the Mustang GT convertible, and like other sources, is smitten with the increase in power and efficiency of the new V8 engine. John Lamm feels the soft top does a good job of filtering out traffic noise when up. Steering feedback is praised and good handling lets the Mustang GT convertible "dance nicely along the twistyÉcanyon roads."

Review: 2011 Ford Mustang GT -- Driving Impressions, John Lamm, March 26, 2010

21. Road & Track

The conclusion here is that you'll "hardly miss the V-8's extra cylinders" because of the V-6's new-found power. Changes to the 2011 model result in a "much nicer daily driver," and Ford delivers a more cohesive package compared to its competition, according to the reviewer. This review samples the coupe version.

Review: 2011 Ford Mustang V-6 -- Driving Impressions, John Lamm, March 26, 2010

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