2010 Ford Mustang Convertible: A Sports Car for All Seasons

What’s New:

The Mustang (convertible) has been refreshed for the 2010 model year, adding a new muscular exterior design, an upgraded instrument panel, bigger wheels, a refined suspension system and more horsepower in the 8-cylinder engine. Yes, even the pony badge on the grille is all-new. This is the Mustang’s first new emblem, since the sports car was introduced in 1964.

Must Have Goodies:

The convertible is available in five trim packages: a base 6-cylinder, a premium 6-cylinder, a base (GT) 8-cylinder, a premium (GT) 8-cylinder and the monstrous 540-horsepower GT 500. With either engine choice, the vehicle is available in an automatic or manual transmission. We strongly recommend stepping up to the GT package, which includes the throaty 8-cylinder engine.

To add to the muscular appearance, the Mustang is now available with 19-inch wheels this year on the GT and 18-inch wheels on the 6-cylinder. And if your vehicle is equipped with the rear-backup camera, it’s now integrated into the rear spoiler.

We also recommend opting for the SIRIUS Satellite Radio and the voice-activated SIRUS Travel Link system. The integrated SIRIUS Travel Link works in conjunction with the navigation system, providing real-time traffic information, weather information, gas prices and nearby stations, live sports scores and schedules, and movie times with theater locations. This subscription-based feature is not available in the base 6-cylinder.

Furthermore, the sporty Mustang maybe outfitted with cloth or leather seats – depending on the trim package. Moreover, springing for an additional $3,000 can get you into the premium package, which includes such features as a power driver’s seat and a 500-watt audio system with an AM/FM stereo with a 6-disc CD/MP3 player and 8 speakers. If the current system doesn’t provide enough boom, while you have the top dropped, an optional 1000-watt system with 10 speakers are available in the GT package.

What Rocked:

Ford has addressed one of the complaints with having to manually turn on and off the headlights by offering automatic headlights this year. Yes, it’s a simple request, but a much needed feature to us. Also the Mustang’s instrument lighting can be customized with over 125-color options. Wow, how cool!  In addition to the cool lighting package, the Mustang has extremely comfortable, supportive front seats. Opting for the comfort package, enhances the ride and experience of the Mustang in all seasons, providing heated front seats, a power passenger seat and an auto dimming mirror with a directional compass, too. 

The fixed masked antenna has now been moved from the front to the rear, creating a cleaner more modern appearance to go with its beefy muscular design.

Moreover, to enhance the safety of the sporty two-door convertible (and coupe) an advanced electronic stability control system is now standard this year. This system works in conjunction with ABS (anti-lock brakes).

What We Disliked:

The convertible Mustang we reviewed was extremely underpowered with the 6-cylinder engine, which was only capable of producing 210 horses. After driving a 2009 Mustang GT, with the rumbling 8-cylinder, it’s just disappointing to be behind the wheel of a sluggish 6-cylinder. Besides the disappointment of the 6-cylinder, you’ll still have a lot of fun - when the top is dropped. However, big changes are coming for the 2011 Mustangs - as it relates to horsepower. The 6-cylinder power boosts to over 300 horses, while the 8-cylinder lifts to over 400 horses, since Ford has been losing the horsepower race to the new sales leader in the sports coupe segment, the Chevy Camaro.

Also like the other sports coupes, competing with the Mustang, it’s nearly impossible to seat adults in the rear

.

Any Juice:

For the 2010 model year, Ford enhanced the power of the GT, boosting the horsepower to 315. And one unique feature about the GT, with the standard 8-cylinder engine, is that it runs on regular gas. Yet, if you put in premium gas, it gives better mid range torque, according to Ford.

The Verdict:

The Mustang has been a fan favorite for years. Ford continues to up the ante by adding more creature comfort features, a beefy exterior design and a revised instrument panel. The only thing the Mustang is lacking is the horsepower to go head-to-head with the Camaro, which has recently left the sport car placing second in the segment - as it relates to new-vehicle sales. While Ford may be lacking in horses in the 2010, the sales leader doesn’t currently offer a convertible.

Pricing for a 6-cylinder convertible starts at approximately $25,000 and can easily rise to over $50,000, when you step into the 540-horsepower GT 500. Although the 2010 model Mustang is one of the best ever, it's lacking in horsepower on the 6-cylinder and 8-cylinder vehicles. So, if you're looking for a deal, you should buy a 2010 - since the 2011 models, which are hitting the streets now, offer everything the 2010 has plus the extra horses underneath the hood to help the pony keep up with the Camaro.

 

Competition:

Mitsubishi Eclipse Convertible and Nissan 370Z Convertible