2019 Ford Mustang Review

　　

zzdcar' Expert Review

byKurt NiebuhrSenior Vehicle Test Editor

　　Kurt Niebuhr has worked in the automotive industry since 2005. A automotive photographer by trade, Kurt is now one of zzdcar' high-performance test drivers. He's driven and photographed hundreds, if not thousands, of vehicles all over the world, so Kurt's library of automotive experiences would certainly make for a good book. When not dreaming about getting his racing license or trying to buy out-of-date film for his cameras, Kurt can usually be found cursing at his 1966 Mustang.

　　

What's new

The iconic Bullitt trim level returnsRevised feature availabilityThe California Special package is now available on the GT PremiumPart of the sixth Mustang generation introduced for 2015

　　The modern Mustang's road manners took a big leap forward when the entire 2015 Mustang lineup received — for the first time in 50 years — an independent rear suspension. This change, along with a higher-quality cabin and new styling, facilitated the Mustang's transformation into a more sophisticated and comfortable car. The car's performance capabilities have reached new heights, too.

　　

Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2019 Ford Mustang EcoBoost 2dr Coupe (2.3L 4cyl Turbo 6M) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.78 per gallon for premium unleaded in North Dakota.

Monthly estimates based on costs in North Dakota

　　$185/mo  for Mustang EcoBoost

　　Mustang EcoBoost

　　EcoBoost 2dr Coupe (2.3L 4cyl Turbo 6M) (Most Popular) - $26,395 MSRPEcoBoost 2dr Convertible (2.3L 4cyl Turbo 6M) - $31,895 MSRPEcoBoost Premium 2dr Coupe (2.3L 4cyl Turbo 6M) - $31,410 MSRPEcoBoost Premium 2dr Convertible (2.3L 4cyl Turbo 6M) - $36,910 MSRPGT 2dr Coupe (5.0L 8cyl 6M) - $35,355 MSRPGT Premium 2dr Coupe (5.0L 8cyl 6M) - $39,355 MSRPGT Premium 2dr Convertible (5.0L 8cyl 6M) - $44,855 MSRPBULLITT 2dr Coupe (5.0L 8cyl 6M) - $46,595 MSRP

　　vs

　　$164/mo

　　Avg. Midsize Car

　　This year, the 2019 Ford Mustang gains an added element of cool. The Bullitt is back (read more in our Bullitt First Look) as well as a California Special trim. Ford is also teasing us with rumors of an upcoming GT500 that is said to make more than 700 horsepower.

　　Yet there's still a lot to like in 2019 even if you're buying a base Mustang. Ford has made a dual-mode active-valve exhaust optional on the EcoBoost-powered Mustang, which should make the car's four-cylinder engine sound a bit more aggressive (and less like a Focus' four-banger). A rev-matching feature has also been added to GTs equipped with a manual transmission — now everyone can downshift like a pro.

　　These changes should keep the 2019 Mustang a highly desirable pick for a pony car. Of course, it still has some primary competition: the Chevrolet Camaro and the Dodge Challenger. All three are genuinely great cars, especially considering the price. If you're looking for the most well-rounded one, though, the Mustang is the way to go.

　　

What's it like to live with?

For more insight into the Ford Mustang, check out our Bullitt First Look. We covered everything from fuel economy to infotainment technology and interior quality. Even though our time was spent in a GT convertible, most of our observations are applicable to all Mustangs, regardless of body style or engine configuration.

　　

zzdcar' Expert Rating

7.9 / 10

　　With versions ranging from economical coupes and convertibles to V8-powered track-ready specials, the Mustang has never had such a broad range of performance or appeal. Today's Mustang also offers an appealing mix of modern technology and practicality.

　　

Trim tested

　　Each vehicle typically comes in multiple versions that are fundamentally similar. The ratings in this review are based on our full test of the Ford Mustang GT Premium Coupe (5.0L V8 | 10-speed automatic | RWD).

　　

Scorecard

Overall	7.9 / 10
Driving	8.5
Comfort	8.0
Interior	8.0
Utility	6.5
Technology	8.0

　　

Driving

8.5

　　The Mustang we tested did not have any performance options. But it was still impressively quick, engaging and, most importantly, fun. It's also a surprisingly easy car to drive. The new 10-speed automatic transmission complements the 460 horsepower but isn't as responsive as we'd like in manual mode.

　　

Acceleration

8.0

　　Our GT test car galloped to 60 mph from a standstill in 4.6 seconds, which is an average time for this class of car. Stickier tires would have likely improved that time slightly. The new 10-speed automatic shifts smoothly and quickly in full auto mode.

　　

Braking

7.0

　　Stopping from 60 mph took 118 feet, which isn't great for a performance coupe, but this Mustang didn't have the benefit of summer performance tires. The car stays very composed at max braking. The pedal effort is fittingly firm, instilling confidence, yet it remains easy to use on the street.

　　

Steering

9.0

　　The steering effort is appropriately light at low speeds and heavier at highway speeds. There's even some feedback as the front wheels begin to surrender grip. Overall, it's excellent for the class.

　　

Handling

8.0

　　Even without any performance options added, this Mustang is incredibly capable and entertaining. Body roll is very well-managed, and the tires communicate clearly as you approach the grip limit. Goosing the gas results in a graceful progressive release from the rear tires.

　　

Drivability

9.0

　　The Mustang is one of the easiest sporty coupes to live with yet remains fun to drive. The transmission's gear changes are smooth and prompt in auto mode. There's a distinct delay between the command and the actual shift when using the manual paddle shifters.

　　

Comfort

8.0

　　You'll remain comfortable in the Mustang's saddle for hours, which is quite a feat considering how performance-focused it is. The seats are supportive and the cabin is fairly quiet save for some road noise and the V8 engine's burble.

　　

Seat comfort

8.0

　　The front seats don't offer a lot of adjustments, but there's a good blend of sporty bolstering and all-day comfort. The rear seats are tiny and too confining for all but small children.

　　

Ride comfort

8.5

　　Potholes are readily absorbed, but some undulations will cause some passenger jostling. Overall, the Mustang is impressively comfortable for a muscle car. The available adaptive suspension could give it an even greater range of comfort and performance.

　　

Noise & vibration

8.0

　　Road noise is ever present and can get loud on coarse asphalt. Wind noise is essentially absent. With the optional active exhaust, the Mustang sounds fantastic. It's a smooth burble at idle, then bellows when driven hard. The quiet mode smartly keeps it sensible when you need to.

　　

Climate control

8.0

　　The controls are front and center, the well-placed vents evenly distribute cooled air for front passengers, and the automatic climate control rarely needs any adjustment once set. The ventilated seats are quick to cool you down on hot days and keep you comfy on long drives.

　　

Interior

8.0

　　There's just enough retro character to keep some Mustang nostalgia alive, but not so much that it affects how everything functions and feels. The controls are thoughtfully placed. In almost every way, its interior is better than that of rival Chevy Camaro.

　　

Ease of use

8.0

　　There are just enough physical buttons to provide quick control for many systems, but not so many that it's overwhelming or cluttered. The controls are also well-placed and logically organized on the center stack as well as on the steering wheel.

　　

Getting in/getting out

7.0

　　The long doors make seat access a bit of a squeeze in tight parking spaces. Rear passengers have to stoop to get in, and the narrow passage compounds the issue. The front seat-belt keepers sometimes come loose, and when that happens it's a long reach back to get the belts.

　　

Driving position

8.0

　　There's a good adjustment range for the steering column and seat height, which means both tall and short drivers should be able to find a comfortable position. The manual recline adjuster has enough settings that you won't feel stuck between too upright or laid-back.

　　

Roominess

7.0

　　The cabin feels spacious up front, but it's not as cavernous as some other class competitors. Both inboard and outboard armrests are well-placed for a natural seating position. The rear seats are very size restrictive, even for kids. Your luggage shouldn't complain, though.

　　

Visibility

　　The front roof pillars are narrow enough not to obscure the view through turns, and the rear glass is sufficiently big to get a good indication of what's directly behind. Decent side mirrors help shrink the typical blind spots. The standard rearview camera is handy when backing into a tight spot.

　　

Quality

8.0

　　There are some hard plastics that seem out of place in an otherwise pleasant interior. But the construction and assembly are solid, with no creaks or rattles. It's easy to forgive the cheaper bits since the interior is well-designed and well-crafted on the whole.

　　

Utility

6.5

　　The Mustang is quite a bit easier to live with than some rivals. It may not be the leader in this area, but it's certainly adequate.

　　

Small-item storage

6.0

　　There's just enough space for your personal items, but not much else. The cupholders, door pockets and center armrest bin are only about average in size.

　　

Cargo space

7.0

　　The Mustang has a sizable lead in regard to cargo capacity over the Camaro, but the Challenger still has the biggest. The 13.5-cubic-foot trunk's opening is wide and has a relatively low liftover height. Two golf bags can fit across the back, but not if you opt for the Shaker audio.

　　

Child safety seat accommodation

6.0

　　LATCH anchors are easy to locate, but trying to install a rear-facing child seat will require the front passenger seat to be slid far forward and the seatback to be very upright. Only the larger-bodied Challenger has a chance of appropriate child seat accommodations in this class.

　　

Technology

8.0

　　Muscle cars don't exactly scream "high tech," but the Mustang gets high marks for the availability of newer features. On top of that, these features are intuitive and easy to use. The optional digital instrument panel not only looks cool, but it is also functional and a great secondary control screen.

　　

Audio & navigation

8.0

　　The optional Shaker audio system delivers powerful bass and good clarity at higher volume levels. The factory navigation works as it should and is relatively easy to operate. But if we had our way, we'd have the infotainment screen located just a bit higher on the dash.

　　

Smartphone integration

8.0

　　Ford's Sync interface is quite decent for a factory system, but we do like that Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard equipment. They add more functionality and are still some of the best smartphone interface solutions.

　　

Driver aids

8.0

　　The advanced safety features (frontal collision warning, blind-spot monitor and lane keeping assist) are well-tuned to avoid false alarms. The frontal collision warning is appropriately startling. The adaptive cruise control executes with smooth inputs and maintains set speeds on steep downhills.

　　

Voice control

8.0

　　Ford has kept a strong position with its Sync voice recognition, and the system accurately deciphers your requests. We still prefer using Apple CarPlay, though, since it allows for more natural speech patterns.

　　

Which Mustang does zzdcar recommend?

　　Get the Mustang GT if you can. The EcoBoost is a fine performer but the Mustang is at its best with the 460-hp V8 under the hood. Add useful day-to-day civility at a reasonable cost by choosing the optional active valve exhaust and dual-zone automatic climate control. The Performance package sharpens up the Mustang's handling performance considerably, so go ahead and get that, too.

　　

2019 Ford Mustang models

　　The 2019 Ford Mustang is available in EcoBoost, EcoBoost Premium, GT, GT Premium and Bullitt trim levels for coupe body styles. Convertibles are available in all but the base GT and Bullitt trims. (The GT Premium is offered.)

　　The Mustang EcoBoost is powered by a turbocharged 2.3-liter four-cylinder engine that makes 310 horsepower and 350 pound-feet of torque. A six-speed manual transmission is standard, and a 10-speed automatic is optional.

　　Despite representing the bottom rung of Mustangdom, EcoBoost models are equipped with a surprising amount of racy hardware as standard: a limited-slip rear differential, launch control (only with the manual gearbox) and an electronic line-lock to facilitate burnouts (at the track only, of course). Standard creature comforts are more pedestrian and include 17-inch wheels, manual cloth seats, keyless entry and ignition, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, a 4.2-inch center display screen, a rearview camera, Bluetooth, two USB ports and a six-speaker sound system.

　　The EcoBoost Premium keeps all the same hardware but adds 18-inch wheels, leather upholstery, revised cabin trim, power-adjustable front seats, a nine-speaker audio system, dual-zone automatic climate control, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and an 8-inch touchscreen with the Sync 3 infotainment system.

　　GT models really step up the Mustang's performance game. They come with 18-inch wheels, a 5.0-liter V8 (460 hp, 420 lb-ft), the power-adjustable front seats and rear parking sensors. The manual transmission is standard and the automatic is optional. The GT Premium adds the creature comforts of the EcoBoost Premium trim.

　　The Bullitt differentiates itself from the GT largely through aesthetics. Changes include a Dark Bullitt-specific Highland Green paint option, special wheels, various Bullitt logos and deletion of the rear spoiler. The Performance package (see below) is standard on the Bullitt. And thanks to a modified intake manifold, the Bullitt's V8 sees a 20-hp bump to 480 hp. Torque stays the same at 420 lb-ft.

　　Some of the features of the Premium trims are available on the regular EcoBoost and the GT. A Performance package is available for EcoBoost and GT models. This includes larger brakes, 19-inch wheels and summer tires, a shorter differential ratio, a bigger radiator, stiffer front springs and a larger rear stabilizer bar. This package additionally allows access to getting the MagneRide adaptive suspension dampers. A Level 2 Performance package (coupe with manual transmission only) includes the adaptive dampers and also has wider wheels with Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tires, a special front air splitter and rear wing, and specialized track-oriented suspension tuning for the suspension, steering, stability control and ABS system.

　　Other notable optional features for the Mustang include adaptive suspension dampers, an active valve exhaust, 19- or 20-inch wheels, a digital gauge cluster, a heated steering wheel, a navigation system, various exterior and interior styling packages (including the California Special package for the GT Premium), Recaro front sport seats, a 12-speaker Bang & Olufsen sound system, blind-spot monitoring, adaptive cruise control, and forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking.

　　

2019 Mustang Highlights

Type: CoupeConvertibleBULLITTCoupe

　　Trim: EcoBoostEcoBoost PremiumGTGT PremiumBULLITTEcoBoost

　　

Base MSRP	$26,395
Engine Type	Gas
Combined MPG	25 MPG
Cost to Drive	$185/month
Seating	4 seats
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place	13.5 cu.ft.
Drivetrain	rear wheel drive
Warranty	3 years / 36,000 miles