Ford's Pony Makes Its Last Ride Powered By Gasoline

 

2016 Ford Mustang Convertible GT Premium: A High-Powered, Cool And Sexy Drop Top

Highlight: Ford’s iconic muscle car is built in Flat Rock, Michigan.

Test Vehicles MSRP: $48,575 (Base Convertible: $30,545)

Seating Capacity: 4

Standard Safety Features: airbags; ABS; and a tire pressure monitoring system; a wiper activated headlight system; automatic dimming rear mirrors; a rearview camera; a tire inflator and sealant kit; an electronic stability control system; an illuminated entry system; a remote keyless entry system; SOS post-crash alert system; and an anti-theft perimeter alarm

Standard Equipment (Base Model): 17-inch wheels; a 6-speed manual transmission; a power operated convertible top; high intensity headlights; LED taillights with turn signals; a manual operated a/c; illuminated visor vanity mirrors; a leather wrapped park brake handle; manually operated front seats; cloth seats; a leather wrapped tilt/telescopic steering wheel; a capless fuel filler door; a push-button ignition starter system; a 4.2-inch infotainment system (SYNC); and a 3:15 limited slip rear axle

Auto Spotlight: 2015 Ford Mustang Coupe/Convertible

Ford's 50th anniversary made its debut at Detroit's show, adding a 4-cylinder, a host of high-tech features and a sleeker exterior design.

50th Anniversary Mustang Makes World Debut

The Sixth Generation Mustang

Media Personality Robin Roberts with Ford's CEO

Is This A Convertible?

2014 Ford Mustang GT: The Green Monster

Highlights: The 2014 model celebrates the 50^th anniversary of the Mustang. For the 2013 model year, the 444-horsepower Boss 302 has been discontinued. The 'Gotta Have Green' was new for 2013, so this is why we referred to our 2014 Mustang GT as 'The Green Monster'.

Test vehicle’s MSRP: $40,825 (Base GT Model starts at $31,695)

Seating Capacity: 4

Standard Safety Features: airbags (front and side); ABS; a tire pressure monitoring system; integrated spotter mirrors; HID projector headlamps; roadside assistance; HID headlights; and a Hill Start Assist keeps a manual transmission from rolling backwards when on an incline

Standard Equipment: 18-inch wheels; 6-speed manual transmission; automatic headlights; cloth seats; a rear deck lid spoiler; power driver’s seat; leather seats; spilt folding rear seats; electronic power assist steering; a 6-speed manual transmission; and a cap less fuel filler door

Four New-Rides with High Resale Values

2010 Ford Mustang
Base MSRP= $20,995 - $35,995*
Mustang's 3-year Average =56% of MSRP
Ford's 3-year Average= 37% of MSRP
Sporty Segment 3-year Average= 48% of MSRP

2010 Lexus IS C
Base MSRP= $38,490-$43,640*
IS C's 3-Year Average= 52% of MSRP
Lexus' 3-Year Average= 43% of MSRP
Premium Convertible 3-Year Average= 42% of MSRP

2010 Honda Insight
Base MSRP= $19,800-$23,100*
Insight's 3-Year Average= 63% of MSRP
Honda's 3-Year Average= 49% of MSRP
Mid Compact 3-Year Average= 45% of MSRP

2009 BMW Z4
Base MSRP= $45,750 - $51,650*
Z4's 3-Year Average= 44% of MSRP
BMW's 3-Year Average= 43% of MSRP
Premium Convertible 3-Year Average= 42% of MSRP

If you're in the market for a new-vehicle, we've featured four new vehicles which are expected to outperform their segment and brand - retaining an above average resale value in three years - according to the American Leasing Guide. So, if you like trading your ride in quite frequently, you're likely to get more for the aforementioned vehicles than other make and models. Furthermore, if you plan on leasing, which currently accounts for less than 10 percent of all new-vehicle sales, these vehicles payments will be cheaper, as opposed to conventional financing methods. Ironically, both the Lexus IS C and BMW Z4 compete in the same segments. While it costs more to buy the BMW, the Lexus is expected to retain a higher percentage of its value over three years.

Sources: American Leasing Guide and JeffCars.com's New-Vehicle Pricing Guide

*Prices do not include destination charges, options or accessories.

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.