2011 Ford Mustang

3.7-liter V6
Unless you absolutely revel in the idea of having a V8, the new 3.7-liter V6 is more than enough engine, producing horsepower and torque figures that surpass the output of many previous generation Mustang GTs!

Comprehensive Interior Upgrades
Better quality and enhanced features make it a much nicer world inside every 2011 Mustang. Highlighting the mix are a new one-piece soft-touch dash and more finger-friendly controls that are further complemented by variable interior ambient lighting and selectable MyColor illumination for the instrument cluster on Premium models.

If the Mustang holds a superior advantage over its arch-rival, the Chevrolet Camaro, it's inside the cockpit. Classic design themes are interwoven with upscale details such as a one-piece soft-touch dash set off by brushed aluminum and bright-chrome accents. A new instrument cluster includes a 160-mph speedometer and the center stack has a more logical and usable layout for the audio, heat/air-conditioning controls and standard displays – or the eight-inch color touch screen that's included with the optional navigation system. New features include the addition of a driver's message center and the availability of Ford's MyKey programmable vehicle key. Additional attention has been paid to sound proofing, including new door seals and thicker glass. The Mustang's front buckets offer better comfort and support than the Camaro, while the rear bench – a 60/40 fold-down in the Coupe but fixed in the Convertible – is scaled for small to mid-size kids.

Last year's redesign saw a two-year Mustang makeover that began with the car's exterior. A complete re-skin put a finer edge on the Mustang's classically proportioned design while resurrecting several historical elements. The more aggressive bodywork includes a power-bulged hood and cleaner, crisper individualized fascia treatments highlighted by an integrated headlamp/turn-indicator unit that revisits the 1970 Mustang and mid-'60s-era sequential tail lamps updated with LED bulbs; 2011 also sees the return of the fabled 5.0-liter badge boldly attached to the GT's front fenders. A revised grille insert serves as a backdrop for a more stylized galloping pony emblem as well as prominent fog lamps in GT models, which also boast a subtle rear spoiler. New safety features include integrated blind spot mirrors in the side-view mirror housings. The V6s come with 215/60 all-season tires on 17-inch aluminum wheels while the V8 GTs get 235/50 rubber on 18-inch alloys.

Two new engines anchor the non-Shelby portion of Team Mustang. The base trim is powered by an all-aluminum 3.7-liter V6 engine featuring dual overhead cams (DOHC) and Twin-Independent Variable Camshaft Timing (Ti-VCT). The result is a V6 that produces 305 horsepower, yet delivers fuel economy comparable to some four-cylinder cars. The new six-speed automatic features a 'Hill Mode" function that extends longer gear operation on uphill climbs and provides additional engine braking upon decent. Ironically, Ford does not offer a manually selectable shift program on this transmission, and odd omission in this category. Stepping up to the new 5.0-liter V8 (also equipped with Ti-VCT technology) brings a big boost in both horsepower and torque, pumping out 412 horsepower and 390 lb.-ft. of torque. Our time in the Mustang GT produced zero-to-60 runs under five-seconds, which is about a second better than the 2010 model.


3.7-liter DOHC V6
305 horsepower @ 6500 rpm
280 lb-ft of torque @ 4250 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy 19/29 (manual), 19/31 (automatic)

5.0-liter DOHC V8
412 horsepower @ 6500 rpm
390 lb-ft of torque @ 4250 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy 17/26 (manual), 18/25 (automatic)

The Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) for a base 2011 Ford Mustang V6 Coupe opens slightly under $23,000; the Premium V6 starts closer to $27,000; an entry GT pushes just past the $30,000 mark; and the Premium GT commands about $34,000. Choosing a Convertible will add about $5,000 to each of those figures, although the unique glass roof option ($1,995) now provides an interesting and more-affordable alternative. To make your best deal, be sure to check its Fair Purchase Price on kbb.com which shows what others in your area are typically paying for their new Mustangs. As for resale, the Mustang V6 is expected edge out the Chevrolet Camaro V6 and Dodge Challenger V6, while the Mustang GT trails just behind in overall five-year residual values.

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