Item: 2016 Ford Mustang
Author: Justin Cupler

Overview

Last year, Ford’s iconic sports car got a full makeover for the first time in a decade. In addition to acquiring a sleeker profile, the popular rear-drive ponycar gained two new engines, along with a host of engineering and cosmetic alterations. As usual, Ford offers the Mustang in a broad selection of configurations at a variety of prices, cementing its reputation as an affordable four-seater.

What's New for 2016

Only minor updates are evident. In a nod to Mustang heritage, GT models add secondary turn signals integrated into the hood vents. New color choices include racing stripes and a black roof panel. All-new SYNC 3 has conversational voice recognition, a smartphone-like touchscreen, and intuitive graphical interface. New option groups include Black Accent, California Special, and Pony packages.

Choosing Your Ford Mustang

Selecting the most suitable Mustang has never been an easy task, and begins with a choice between a hardtop coupe and a fabric-roof convertible. Next comes a selection from three engine possibilities:

The base 3.7-liter V6 produces 300 horsepower and 280 pound-feet of torque, with estimated fuel economy of 19 mpg city and 28 mpg highway (17/28 mpg with manual shift).
The mid-level engine is the 2.3-liter EcoBoost four-cylinder, which makes 310 horsepower and 320 pound-feet of torque. Gas mileage is estimated at 22/31 mpg with manual and 21/32 mpg with automatic.
Engine number three, for GT editions, is the 5-liter V8, redesigned last year and generating 435 horsepower and 400 pound-feet of torque. As expected, the V8 is less thrifty at 15/26 mpg (city/highway) with manual, or 16/25 mpg with automatic.

A six-speed manual transmission is standard with any engine, while a six-speed automatic is optional.

The six-cylinder comes with a single trim level, but the four-cylinder and eight-cylinder also offer Premium variants:

CarsDirect Tip

With prices starting above $24,000, it’s not quite true that “everyone” can afford a Mustang. Unless you’re wedded to the “classic” configuration of a V8 Mustang, either the V6 or the more modern EcoBoost four might be a more prudent choice. The four-cylinder has become quite a popular item lately, in performance-oriented cars as well as family sedans. Gas mileage is better, while acceleration is nearly comparable to recent V8s.

Get your price on a Ford Mustang »

Read our review on the Ford Mustang »

James Flammang

Contributing Editor - September 18, 2015

Read Less

Expert Review

Expert Rating

Unavailable

Our expert ratings are based on seven comprehensive criteria: quality, safety, comfort, performance, fuel economy, reliability history and value.

You can interpret our ratings in the following way:

: Outstanding vehicle. Only the most exceptional vehicles achieve this rating.

: Very Good vehicle. Very good and close to being the best vehicle in its class.

: Good vehicle. Decent, but not quite the best. Often affordable, but lacking key features found in vehicles of the same class.

: Below average vehicle. Not recommended, and lacking attributes a car buyer would come to expect for the price.

: Poor vehicle. Simply does not deserve to be on the road.

Justin Cupler

Automotive Editor - October 20, 2015

The Ford Mustang has long been an icon in the pony car car segment to which it lends its name. Unlike the Camaro and Challenger, the 'Stang never took a break from production. And when Ford unveiled a redesigned coupe and convertible last year, its sales took off.

Pricing and Equipment

The Ford Mustang retails at a relatively low price, considering the performance it packs. Its base V6 trim starts from $23,895 and comes with a decent supply of standard features, including:

Auto-dimming rearview mirror
Six-speaker audio system
Intelligent Access with keyless start
Leather-wrapped steering wheel and parking brake handle
HID headlights
17-inch aluminum wheels

Lots of other trim levels pack more features and even more power with a variety of four- and eight-cylinder engines. These include: EcoBoost, EcoBoost Premium, GT, GT Premium, Shelby GT350, and Shelby GT350R. Every Mustang, except for the Shelby GT350 and GT350R, is available as a convertible.

Performance Pros

We find it hard not to fall in love with the Mustang’s entire lineup of powertrains. Its base V6 is plenty powerful, the optional turbocharged four-pot delivers spot-on performance and outstanding fuel economy, the GT's 5.2-liter V8 is potent and throaty, and the GT350’s 5.2-liter flat-plane-crank V8 is simply scary.

Base V6 is plenty capable at 300 horsepower
The four-cylinder delivers a sub-six-second 0-to-60 sprint and 31 mpg highway
Shelby GT350's 5.2-liter V8 will take your face off

Performance Cons

We can’t find much to complain about when it comes to the performance of the Mustang. However, we do think the V6 is a little out of place in this lineup, and don't love the uninspired engine note of the EcoBoost four.

Interior Pros

The design of the cabin makes significant improvements on the last Mustang's interior. We particularly like its aviation-themed elements, nice-feeling knobs and switches, and active noise cancellation that allows only the rumble of the exhaust to enter the cabin.

Interior Cons

Again, we have difficulty finding anything wrong with the Mustang’s interior, but it is not without a few flaws here and there. Some shoppers, for instance, may think the interior's design is too modern.

The Most Pleasant Surprise

We’d have to say the Mustang's comfort was its biggest surprise. Most performance cars have a rough and unforgiving ride, but the Mustang’s suspension is firm when you need it and forgiving when you don’t. It’s really a great combination.

The Least Pleasant Surprise

The only thing that surprised us in a negative way was just how out of place the 3.7-liter V6 felt in the lineup.

The Bottom Line

The 2016 Ford Mustang is one of the best sport coupes/muscle cars you can buy today. It has the performance to satisfy any gearhead, seating for four, and it’s comfortable enough for long drives. What’s more, it is relatively inexpensive.

Read Less

Specs & Features

Highlights

Overall Crash Safety Rating

Engine - Cylinders/Horsepower/Torque

3.7L V-6 / 300 HP / 280 ft.lbs.

Transmission

Standard: 6-spd man w/OD

Available: 6-spd SelectShift w/OD

Drive Type

Rear-wheel

Fuel Economy - City/Highway/Combined

17 / 28 / 22 Mpg

Passenger Capacity

Bumper to Bumper Warranty

36 Months / 36,000 Miles

Mechanical Specs

Engine - Cylinders/Horsepower/Torque	3.7L V-6 / 300 HP / 280 ft.lbs.
Drive Type	Rear-wheel
Fuel Economy - City/Hwy/Combined	17 / 28 / 22 Mpg
Brakes	4-wheel Disc
Front Suspension	Strut
Rear Suspension	Independent Multi-link
Spare Tire And Wheel	Compact Steel
Fuel Tank	16.0 Gal.
Recommended Fuel Type	Regular Unleaded
Average Cost To Fill Tank	$61

Dimensions & Capabilities

Maximum Cargo Volume	13.5 Cu.ft.
Passenger Volume	84 Cu.ft.
Exterior Length	188.3 "
Exterior Width	75.4 "
Exterior Height	54.4 "
Front Headroom	37.6 "
Rear Headroom	34.8 "
Front Legroom	44.5 "
Rear Legroom	30.6 "
Front Shoulder Room	56.3 "
Rear Shoulder Room	52.2 "
Front Hip Room
Rear Hip Room
Curb Weight	3,526 Lbs. / 3,530 Lbs.
Wheel Base	107 "
Turning Radius	18.3 '

Exterior Features

Door Count	2 Doors
Wheels	17.0 " Silver Aluminum / 18.0 " Machined Aluminum
Paint	Clearcoat Monotone / Clearcoat Monotone With Stripe / Tri-coat Monotone / Metallic Monotone
Exterior Mirrors	Dual Power Remote Convex Spotter
Bumpers	Body-colored
Grille Moldings	Black
Rear Spoiler	Lip
Exhaust	Dual Stainless Steel With Chrome Tailpipe Finish

Interior Features

Seating

Passenger Capacity	4
Seat Trim	Cloth
Front Seat Type	Bucket
Heated Front Seats
Front Driver Seat Direction Controls	6-way / 8-way (6-way Power)
Front Passenger Seat Direction Controls	4-way
Front Armrests	6-way / 8-way (6-way Power)
Rear Armrests
Rear Seats	50-50 Bench

Radio & Infotainment

Radio	Am/fm, Clock, Seek-scan
Speakers	6
Radio Steering Wheel Controls
Apple Car Play
Android Auto
Bluetooth w/ Hands-Free Connectivity

Convenience Features

Steering Wheel Type	Telescopic Tilt
Climate Control
Cruise Control	With Steering Wheel Controls
Sun Roof
Rearview Mirror	Auto-dimming Day-night
One Touch Open Window	Driver And Passenger
Tinted Windows	Light
Vanity Mirrors	Dual Illuminated
Remote Keyless Entry	Keyfob (all Doors)
Power Outlets	2

Safety Features

Overall Crash Safety Rating
Overall Front Crash Safety Rating
Overall Side Crash Safety Rating
Rollover Crash Safety Rating
Front Impact Airbags	Driver And Passenger
Driver Side Impact Airbags	Seat Mounted
Knee Airbag	Driver And Passenger
Passenger Side Impact Airbag	Seat Mounted
Rear Side Airbag
Seatbelt Pretensioners	Front
Anti-Lock Brakes	4-wheel Anti-lock Brakes (abs)
Forward Collision Warning
Blind Spot Sensor
Lane Departure Warning
Autonomous Cruise Control
Pedestrian Detection
Driver Attention Alert
Daytime Running Lights
Auto High Beams
Adaptive Headlights
Parking Sensors	Rear
Security Systems	Security System
Panic Alarm
Ignition Disable	Securilock

Warranty

Bumper To Bumper Months Miles	36 Months / 36,000 Miles
Major Components Months	60 Months / 60,000 Miles
Included Maintenance Months
Roadside Assistance Months	60 Months / 60,000 Miles
Corrosion Perforation	60 Months / Unlimited Miles
Accessories Months

Used 2016 Ford Mustang for Sale

25 vehicles found within 50 miles of your area