2010 Mustang Outduels Camaro & Challenger According to Consumer Reports

Chalk another one up for the 2010 Mustang as Consumer Reports gives it the best overall rating for sports cars and coupes beating out 5 other models.  As one of the most trusted sources for information and advice on various products and services Consumer Reports does not just go through the motions when testing vehicles as it conducts the most comprehensive auto-test program of any U.S. publication.  It does help when you have a 327-acre auto test center with auto experts who have decades of experience.  Either way you slice it when Consumer Reports gives you a good rating you can bet you earned it and that is how Ford Motor Company should feel today as the 2010 Mustang beat out it's top two contenders the 2010 Chevrolet Camaro and 2009 Dodge Challenger.

Read below for Consumer Reports information on all six vehicles and see how the 2010 Mustang pulled out the victory.

Press Release:

Ford Mustang outpoints Chevrolet Camaro and Dodge Challenger in Consumer Reports tests of sports cars and coupes

Hyundai Genesis Coupe, Nissan 370Z, and redesigned Subaru Impreza WRZ get Very Good road test scores

The freshened Ford Mustang outpointed two other reincarnated muscle cars-the Chevrolet Camaro and the Dodge Challenger-as well as the new Hyundai Genesis Coupe in Consumer Reports' tests of six sporty cars and coupes in the October issue.

The Mustang received a Very Good overall road test score of 78, outpointing the Camaro which received a Very Good 71, and the Challenger, which received a Good 53 points. CR's engineers found the Mustang's 2010 freshening makes it an even more balanced and satisfying driver's car than ever before.
"The Mustang topped this group by delivering strong acceleration, communicative steering, and the most agile handling," said David Champion, senior director of CR's Auto Test Center in East Haddam, Connecticut.

The new Camaro shares basic underpinnings with the Pontiac G8 sedan. The Challenger is based on the large Chrysler 300 and Dodge Charger rear-wheel-drive sedans. The Hyundai Genesis Coupe received a Very Good test score and is distinct from the rest of the group. It is loosely based on the Genesis luxury sedan and is powered by either a turbocharged four-cylinder or V6 engine, in contrast to the muscle cars' V8s.

CR also tested the redesigned Nissan 370Z two-seat coupe, an agile sports car which received a Very Good test score, and the updated and improved 2009 Subaru Impreza WRX, which also received a Very Good test score.

Prices ranged from $38,565 for the 370Z to $26,088 for the WRX. The Mustang has average reliability and is Recommended, as is the WRX. The other models are too new to have reliability data for CR to Recommend them. CR only Recommends vehicles that have performed well in its tests, have at least average predicted reliability based on CR's Annual Car Reliability Survey of its more than seven million print and web subscribers, and performed at least adequately if crash-tested or included in a government rollover test.

Full tests and ratings of the sporty cars test group appear in the October issue of Consumer Reports, which goes on sale September 1. The reports are also available to subscribers of www.ConsumerReports.org. Updated daily, ConsumerReports.org is the go-to site for the latest auto reviews, product news, blogs on breaking news and car buying information.

In everyday driving, the Mustang corners with agility and the highway ride is civilized. The Ford Mustang GT premium, ($34,725 Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price as tested) is powered by a 315-hp, 4.6-liter V8 engine that delivers strong acceleration and gets 20 mpg overall in CR's own fuel economy tests. The engine has a deep burble that is pleasing to listen to. The six-speed manual transmission shifts smoothly and accurately. Braking is Very Good. The 2010 freshening brought upgraded interior materials and better fit and finish.