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- Attractive retro styling
- Value
- Fun to drive
- Five-star crash-test ratings
- Low on refinement
- Coarseness of V-6 engine
- "Archaic" live-axle rear suspension
- Tight, uncomfortable backseat
Ford is applauded by many reviewers for the retro styling and feel-good image of the Mustang, a throwback to muscle-car heydays. The sportiest is the Mustang GT, with its 300-horsepower V-8 engine, which many auto writers strongly recommend over the base 210-horsepower V-6 model. The GT provides better resale value and more satisfying performance, with only a small penalty in fuel economy. 'The Mustang gets no compliments for its mediocre EPA ratings: 17/26 mpg for the V-6 and 15/23 mpg for the V-8. Though the Mustang's competent handling gets few complaints, many critics would like to see the old-tech solid rear axle replaced with independent suspension. Some reviewers like Mustang's firm ride, while others say it's too uncontrolled. For 2008, the Mustang gets standard side-impact airbags and scores an impressive five-star rating in frontal and side-impact crash tests. A new competitor for the Mustang is the acclaimed 2009 Dodge Challenger (*est. $21,995 to $41,695), which is available with a V-6 or a V-8 engine.
A particularly good review of the 2008 Mustang comes from NewCarTestDrive.com, which references each of the Mustang models and includes driving impressions. Edmunds.com, Kelley Blue Book and others provide good reviews with well-balanced discussions of the Mustang's pros and cons. Consumer Reports has an informative road-test review on their subscriber-only site, while ConsumerGuide.com, Cars.com and Ifcar.net include the Mustang on their "recommended" lists. Safercar.gov, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration website, reveals impressive crash-test results, but also has details of a significant recall on the Mustang's record.
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In this review, the Mustang's interior is said to be not as well designed as its exterior, and "its material quality is described as "lacking." The backseat is criticized for being as small as the original 1960's Mustang's, although the seat in today's model folds for additional cargo room.
Review: 2008 Ford Mustang, Editors of NewCarTestDrive.com
2. Edmunds.com
Edmunds.com calls the Mustang "one of the best-looking retro cars out there." Though Ford is called out for giving up a level of refinement to some competitors, it is credited for compensating with the Mustang's affordable base price, style and "respectable handling."
Review: 2008 Ford Mustang Review, Editors of Edmunds.com
3. ConsumerReports.orgDetails/Subscribe
Editors of Consumer Reports test the Ford Mustang coupe and convertible. Data on historical reliability compiled in from owner surveys is also included.
Review: Ford Mustang Review, Editors of Consumer Reports
Consumer Guide gives the Mustang its "recommended" rating, noting, "GTs deliver great ‘go' for very little dough." On the downside, "the "Mustang's main letdowns are said to be its "low-rent cabin appointments and occasional workmanship lapses."
Review: 2008 Ford Mustang Full Review, Editors of ConsumerGuide.com, Sep. 16, 2008
Kelley Blue Book editors note that the Mustang V-8 GT model is likely to hold its resale value better than the V-6, and call the Mustang a "thoroughly satisfying" example of the American muscle car.
Review: 2008 Ford Mustang Coupe Review, Editors of Kelley Blue Book
Based on its exhilarating power and small penalty in fuel economy, of the Ford Mustang, Roy says: "If you can afford a V-8, get one." "The V-6 is also acknowledged: "If you're into saving pennies (and big dollars up front), the V-6 is more than adequate and still feels quite sporty."
Review: 2008 Ford Mustang Bottom Line, Rex Roy
7. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
Results of frontal, side and rollover crash tests are displayed on this site, revealing an excellent, mostly five-star performance by the Mustang coupe and convertible. This site also links to a federal recall of 434,593 2005 to 2008 Ford Mustangs to recalibrate the force of the front passenger airbag.
Review: Ford Mustang Crash Test Results, Editors of SaferCar.gov
8. IFCAR.net
The GT model is described here as a "performance bargain to those who either desire or tolerate its character," and the Mustang GT is included on LFCar.net's "recommended" list of sporty cars priced at $25,000 to $35,000.
Review: Ford Mustang, Editors of IFCar.net
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