2011 Ford Mustang - Review

The Mustang is not just an iconic pony car or a retro-modern throw-back to simpler times. It's a fan-favorite performance vehicle that has a rabid and enthusiastic base of drivers, tuners and manufacturers behind it. With the introduction of the 2011 model, Ford has managed to significantly improve on the formula, with new engines and other improvements making it a better drive--and better equipped--in just about every way.

The 2011 Ford Mustang looks virtually the same as the previous year’s model, but a pair of new engines offers better performance as well as improved efficiency.

For buyers of the entry-level V-6, the Mustang comes with a sophisticated 3.7-liter unit developing a healthy 305 horsepower and 280 pound-feet of torque. Output matches that of the 2011 Chevrolet Camaro but is down on the 330 horsepower of the Nissan 370Z.

On the V-8 equipped Mustang GT we see the return of the '5.0' badge to the car’s front fender, along with it a roar of approval from most muscle car fans, old and new. This is the model for performance buffs, coming with no less than 412 horsepower and 390 pound-feet of torque.

With the mammoth torque, good throttle response, and a rev-happy, rorty attitude, the new V-8 feels just right and enables the sort of performance that only exclusive tuner versions could provide a few years ago.

In addition to the new engines, the latest pony car also gets upgraded brakes, body and suspension enhancements, as well as fuel saving electric power steering.

With either model the 2011 Ford Mustang is not only faster but more fuel-efficient too. Highway fuel economy rates as high as 31 mpg with the V-6 or 26 mpg for the GT. Note that these figures are for cars equipped with the six-speed automatic, which is also new on the 2011 model. Most performance buyers, however, will likely go with the standard six-speed manual, in which case the highway fuel economy numbers drop to 29 mpg and 25 mpg respectively.

Just as before, the Mustang is available either as a Coupe or Convertible, both in GT or standard V-6 form, and the Convertible comes with a reasonably tight, well-designed soft top. Mustang hard-top buyers can also opt for the glass roof option introduced on last year’s model, allowing the sun to shine in but with around 90 percent less UV rays than with the fully open-top convertible.

For a complete take on the safety, quality, performance, styling, and features of the 2011 Ford Mustang, read the full review at TheCarConnection.