An expressive personality and exceptional performance. - 2018 Ford Mustang Review
2Overview
The Mustang virtually founded the pony-car phenomenon back in the 1960s with trademarks that continue today: attractive styling, affordable performance, and ample opportunities for personalization. The modern-day Stang is more sophisticated and powerful than ever. It has an excellent chassis, a zippy standard turbocharged four-cylinder engine, and the option of a powerful V-8. Whether cruising the coast in a droptop model or roasting the rear tires in a souped-up coupe, the Mustang has an expressive personality and exceptional performance.
What's New for 2018?
The 2018 Mustang introduces several significant changes, including an exterior refresh and enhanced powertrains. The V-6 has been put out to pasture, making the turbocharged 2.3-liter inline-four the base engine. The available V-8 has added horsepower and torque. And there's the option of a new 10-speed automatic transmission. Also added for 2018 are more active safety assists, a 12.0-inch digital gauge cluster, and available adaptive suspension.
Pricing
Original MSRP:
EcoBoost: $26,675
EcoBoost Premium: $31,690
EcoBoost Convertible: $32,175
GT: $36,185
EcoBoost Premium Convertible: $37,190
GT Premium: $40,185
GT Premium Convertible: $45,685
Engine, Transmission, and Performance
The standard EcoBoost 2.3-liter turbocharged inline-four has enough punch to embarrass V-8 Mustangs of old with its 310 hp and 350 lb-ft of torque. The GT models are motivated by a 5.0-liter 460-hp V-8 that produces 420 lb-ft of torque. Both of these compelling engines are smooth and refined, and they pair with a standard six-speed manual or 10-speed automatic transmission. Too bad the 10-speed fumbled shifts at times, especially in Sport mode. The V-8 has slightly more horsepower than the Chevrolet Camaro SS, though it’s still down 35 lb-ft on torque. Even with the less powerful engine, the Mustang’s modern chassis, with independent rear suspension, delivers a comfortable and controlled driving experience. It has the poise, power, and handling of a proper sports car. Available packages take the Mustang up to track-worthy levels of performance with stiffer adaptive suspension, better brakes, and upgraded wheels and tires.
Fuel Economy
EPA fuel economy testing and reporting procedures have changed over time. For the latest and most accurate fuel economy numbers on current and older vehicles, we use the U.S. Department of Energy's fueleconomy.gov website. Under the heading "Find & Compare Cars" click on the "Compare Side-by-Side" tool to find the EPA ratings for the make, model, and year you're interested in.
Interior, Comfort, and Cargo
The Mustang interior is better than ever, with an evolutionary design that harkens back to Mustangs of old and also manages to be fully modern and functional. While it’s available with premium features such as heated and cooled front seats, its mediocre plastics and cramped back-seat are demerits. Still, the interior is a significant upgrade from that of the previous generation. Recaro front sport seats are optional for those who prefer minimal adjustments and a snug fit. Stellar performance combined with a good amount of interior storage and impressive cargo space make the Mustang a practical and fun daily driver.
Infotainment and Connectivity
Ford’s optional Sync 3 infotainment system has a clean design and a simple interface. It comes with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and is available with a 4G LTE mobile Wi-Fi hotspot. A plain-Jane 4.2-inch display with a single-disc CD player and a six-speaker stereo is standard. The optional 8.0-inch touchscreen has voice-activated navigation, SiriusXM satellite radio, and a nine-speaker Sony audio system. A 12-speaker Shaker stereo is also an option on the Mustang.
Safety Features and Crash Test Ratings
Overall Safety Rating (NHTSA)
View Crash Test Results
For more information about the Ford Mustang’s crash-test results, visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) websites.
Warranty
Some older vehicles are still eligible for coverage under a manufacturer's Certified Pre-Owned (CPO) program. For more information visit our guide to every manufacturer's CPO program.