2009 Mustang GT: Forty-Five Years on the Road

What's New About the Mustang:
It’s a carryover. The refreshed 2010 Ford Mustangs are hitting the roads now. As soon as we review one, we'll give you the verdict. For now, we'll let you know our thoughts about the 2009s.
Must Have Goodies:
If you can afford the higher fuel bill and insurance premium, it’s definitely worth opting for the gas sipping Mustang GT with the rumbling 8-cylinder engine. Who cares about having a fuel-efficient sports car? While the Mustang GT is nicely equipped, there are still features worth adding on: 18-inch polished aluminum wheels, high-intensity discharge headlights to enhance your nighttime driving experience, the heated seat warmers and the $1,800 fixed panel panoramic glass roof. However, opting for the fixed glass roof means you’ll have to forgo the sunroof. Although the Mustang JeffCars.com reviewed didn’t come equipped with a navigational system, it’s a $2,000 option worth considering.
What Rocked:
The retro design combined with the booming roar produced from the dual exhaust pipes of the 300-horsepower 8-cylinder GT rocked. And surprisingly JeffCars.com was smitten with the comfort level of the form fitted front heated leather seats! In fact, the front seats were more comfortable than premium class vehicles like the BMW 3-Series and the Cadillac CTS.
What We Hated:
For $34,215, the Mustang’s interior was outfitted with too much hard plastic around the doors and the instrument panel. And since this isn’t the original Mustang from the sixties, it wouldn’t hurt if Ford equipped the vehicle with some of the features we’ve come to expect: an outside temperature gauge, automatic headlights and a higher quality radio. JeffCars.com found the sound quality of the radio to be extremely disappointing. Maybe the upgraded radio offered by Ford could possibly change our opinion.
Any Juice:
Of course! It’s a Mustang. A 4.6-liter 8-cylinder was standard on the GT, producing 300-horsepower. Ford also offers a 6-cylinder if you’re interested in fuel economy.

Verdict:

Hey, the Mustang is an American icon. Out of all the vehicles JeffCars.com has driven over the years, the Mustang is in a league all by itself. With over 9 million Mustangs sold, this vehicle definitely has a cult-like following. This is the only vehicle where other Mustang owners will pull up beside you on the highway or on the streets and challenge you to a race. Until JeffCars.com drove this retro looking Mustang, with the gutsy 8-cylinder controlled by the fun-to-drive synchronized 5-speed transmission, we didn’t understand the hype. Now we understand the love for Mustangs and why this vehicle has been around for 45 years. Pricing for the base Mustang starts out at $22,000 and can top out at $36,000. The Mustang is available as a hardtop or convertible. You'll be glad to know Ford has a number of incentives on the 2009s to make room for the 2010s.

Competitors:
Chevy’s Camaro (arriving soon), Dodge's Challenger, Hyundai's Genesis Coupe and Nissan's 370Z

To price out a new Mustang or another new vehicle, visit JeffCars.com's New Car-Buying Guide.