By KBB.com Editors
KBB Expert Rating: 7.8
One more model year before a complete makeover to celebrate its 50th anniversary: That's the story for the 2014 Ford Mustang. Almost nothing changes this year for the original ponycar, that iconic symbol of affordable performance that blends modern efficiency with a strong 1960s-America vibe. New technology that includes track-specific software and mobile apps helps keep this muscle car modern, while four seats and a tolerable ride make it worthy of being a daily driver. The 2014 Mustang coupe and convertible are available in a wide range of forms, from a low-$20,000 V6 rear-drive sporty-car bargain to the $55,000-plus Shelby GT500 that packs a 662-horsepower monster motor. What a country.
Whether you want to relive your youth or are just looking for an affordable and livable sports car, the Mustang can deliver. Power-mongers who seek bragging rights to the world's most powerful production V8 engine can opt for the Shelby GT500.
If you want your sports car to have a more sophisticated nature – or an independent rear suspension – you might prefer a European or Asian contender. And if you regularly need to transport occupants in the back seat, there are many more accommodating alternatives.
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What's New for 2014
In anticipation of a major redesign next year, commemorating the 50th anniversary of the iconic model, the 2014 Ford Mustang gets only some different paint colors and package contents. The Boss 302 model is dropped and the Shelby GT500's horsepower rating climbs to 662 (previously the temporary "over-rev" spec).
Driving Impressions Though it still uses an old-fashioned solid rear axle, the 2014 Mustang performs well on twisty roads and on open highways. As always, you don't have to spend a bundle...
on a Mustang to have fun. Even a base coupe with the 3.7-liter V6 gives you 305 horsepower to play with. The standard 6-speed manual transmission feels satisfying, and the hill-start control works well in preventing the car from rolling backward when you let off the brake and engage the clutch. A 6-speed automatic is optional except in the fire-breathing Shelby GT500. Road noise is plenty apparent on rougher roads. Steering effort and feel can be set to sport, comfort and standard modes, a nifty trick. Rear visibility in coupe models isn't great, but it's better than that of the Chevy Camaro.LCD PRODUCTIVITY SCREEN
This 4.2-inch color screen in premium models sits directly in front of the driver, between the retro-style circular speedometer and tachometer. The screen works in tandem with the Track Apps software to measure performance, and displays useful information including fuel economy.
5.8-LITER SUPERCHARGED V8
The Shelby GT500's engine is a monster, the most powerful production V8 in the world, Ford says. Its 662 horsepower gives the car massive acceleration, of course, but also a menacing attitude even when flowing smoothly with traffic.
Interior
The 2014 Ford Mustang's cabin is cozy and comfortable for a performance car. Soft-touch surfaces lend a more premium feel, offsetting the impression of swaths of flat surfaces and plastic panels. Recaro racing-style seats are available, but even the standard front seats are nicely supportive. The two rear seats look appealing with their deep sculpting, but legroom and headroom are very tight for normal-size adults. Think of the back seats as handy stowage space. Controls are logically arrayed and easy to use. In the Premium and GT500 models, the Electronics Package adds an 8-inch color touch screen and navigation system.
Exterior
Not looking a whole lot different from prior years is one of the things that keep the Ford Mustang iconic. For 2014, the Mustang gets some new paint colors. The front and rear treatments introduced last year, including high-intensity-discharge headlight and LED taillights, carry on. Along the sides, body-color rocker panels make the car look more cohesive. For those who like to let the outside in, base V6 and GT V8 models can be had as convertibles, and the coupe offers an optional glass roof. GT500 models have quad tailpipes and an aerodynamic front end.
A base 2014 Mustang comes equipped with air conditioning, power windows and doors, AM/FM/CD player with auxiliary inputs, selectable steering feel, 50/50 folding rear seats (in coupes), and remote keyless entry. Higher-trim models add a 4.2-inch color information screen, ambient lighting, Recaro cloth seats, a Shaker audio system and universal garage door opener. Convertible models feature a power-operated cloth roof.
Most extras for the 2014 Mustang are bundled in packages specific to trim. Among the options available are heated front seats, leather trim, voice-activated navigation, side scoops, and nifty side mirrors that project the image of a pony on the ground below. Performance packages can further crank up the Mustang's capability with Brembo brakes, stiffer suspension, leather Recaro seats, and bigger wheels with extra-grippy tires.
Modern technology makes power and fuel efficiency less mutually exclusive than they used to be. Mustangs with V6 engines put out 305 horsepower yet they're rated at 31 mpg highway. The 5.0-liter V8 in GT models makes 420 horsepower and has a 26 mpg highway rating. The King of the Hill Shelby GT500 with its supercharged 5.8-liter V8 makes an unbelievable 662 horsepower, yet still gets a pretty thrifty 15/24 EPA rating. The standard transmission for V6 and GT is a 6-speed manual, with a 6-speed automatic option. The Shelby GT500 uses a heavy-duty Tremec 6-speed manual. All Mustangs are rear-wheel drive and have a traction-control system.
3.7-liter V6
305 horsepower @ 6,500 rpm
280 lb-ft of torque @ 4,250 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy 19/29 mpg (manual), 19/31 mpg (automatic)
5.0-liter V8
420 horsepower @ 6,500 rpm
390 lb-ft of torque @ 4,250 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy 15/26 mpg (manual), 18/25 mpg (automatic)
5.8-liter supercharged V8
662 horsepower @ 6,500 rpm
631 lb-ft @ 4,250 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 15/24 mpg
The 2014 Ford Mustang coupe has a starting Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of just under $23,000. A GT model comes in at around $31,500 and a GT500 at $55,400. Convertible versions add about $5,000 to the price tag. At its base cost, the 2014 Mustang is priced about $1,200 below a base Chevy Camaro and roughly $3,500 below a base Dodge Challenger, making it the bargain of the trio and even undercutting a 4-cylinder Hyundai Genesis Coupe by more than $2,000. Be sure to check the KBB.com Fair Purchase Price to see what others in your area are paying for their 2014 Ford Mustangs. Resale value of the Mustang is expected to be slightly below that of the Camaro and Challenger.
To compare current market prices, check out KBB.com's car classifieds to view the new and used Ford Mustang vehicles for sale near you.
Based on 1393 Ratings for the 2005 - 2014 models.
Review this carBy BobShelby (FL) on Monday, July 29, 2013
I own this car - My approximate mileage is 175
overall rating 10 of 10rating detailsPros: "Powerful, awesome exhaust sound, love driving it!"
Cons: "Small gas tank, hood prop rod, no spare tire"
Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10
"Got my 2014 Shelby GT500 about a month ago -- luckily I just so happened to be at the right place at the right time - each dealer gets allocated only a few of these and they FLY off of the lot QUICKLY. Have about 175 miles so far, and am still in the break-in period. Just need to press the accelerator down about 1 inch for normal driving. That said, the car is easy to drive and the exhaust sounds awesome! Mine came fully loaded except for the glass roof (which I preferred not to have anyway). Lots of electronics to learn how to use, but suspect that I will get used to it as I drive it more. Don't normally get the factory extended warranty, but with everything that is packed into this baby, I thought that it would be a good idea. Front seats are comfortable, rear seats are pretty cramped. Trunk space is good considering the size of the car. OK, now for the cons. Door/hood/trunk fit could be better, but is not unacceptable. Hood latch is not easy to find/release. Factory floor mats were pretty cheap - I've already replaced them and added a trunk mat. Hood prop rod instead of struts - getting ready to add struts and get rid of the prop rod. So, for about $300 took care of floor mats, trunk mat and prop rod - problem solved! Mileage is not great (that said, there is no gas guzzler tax), but what would you expect from a 662 HP, supercharged car? Only has a 16 gallon gas tank, so plan on filling it up frequently. No spare tire (guess that is a weight saving issue, as there is room for one). Overall, based upon my experience so far, I HIGHLY recommend this car. My friends are lining up to sit in it or drive it. Can't wait until the break-in period is over and I can see how it really accelerates!"
2 people out of 3 found this review helpful
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By mario (IN) on Sunday, July 28, 2013
I own this car - My approximate mileage is 5,000
overall rating 10 of 10rating detailsPros: "good fuel mileage and great looks"
Cons: "lots of plastic inside and out has bad blind spots"
Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10
"the car is down right good looking. love the feel and feed back from driving it. if a car could be sexy this is it."
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By Lena Marie (MI) on Tuesday, July 23, 2013
I own this car - My approximate mileage is 59
overall rating 10 of 10rating detailsPros: "Sleek, fast, sexy and such a riot to drive."
Cons: "Can't see out the back window due to spoiler."
Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10
"I love this beautiful car. My third (white no less) Mustang GT premium pkg. From starting at around 280 hp with my first... 360 with my second. And now 420 with this beauty. I am finding I love everything about her. She's sleek and smart... And actually has a functional hood now! Real vents!! yahoo! Love the stripes in the seats and the glass roof is amazing. Still learning the curves as all the techy stuff can be a bit overwhelming. I just want to listen to my favorite tunes and keep the wheels on the ground. The ONLY drawback I've seen thus far, is the rear spoiler I ordered. It has 3 towers and it's quite tall. It truly takes up a third of my viewing area. I am afraid this is going to be a problem, as I don't like having an obstructed view. I'm 5'2". I've had spoilers on my other Mustangs without this issue. I will be calling the dealership to see if they can do something, as I NEED to see behind me. I think about her all the time and can't wait to spend some more time together and get her striped up. I will never sell this one. Ever."
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By stock (WA) on Friday, July 19, 2013
I own this car - My approximate mileage is 12,000
overall rating 10 of 10rating detailsPros: "These are the glory days of muscle performance"
Cons: "none"
Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10
"No problems, great performance, will not disappoint. Careful buying any performance used car as flash tuning, modding will void your warranty. This car stock really is the goods."
2 people out of 3 found this review helpful
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By SuspenderJohn (TX) on Saturday, July 13, 2013
I own this car - My approximate mileage is 11,500
overall rating 9 of 10rating detailsPros: "Comfortable, Fun to drive, Good AC"
Cons: "Too much power, Miniscule back seat"
Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 9
"Having an F150 as my other vehicle, I was looking for something small and fun-to-drive. This Mustang fits the bill. I like the heavier feel of the V8 while driving on the road, but this car has much more power than I need. For those who do not "need" the GT nametags and the big fog lights in the grille, I suggest the V6 model as a better option."
5 people out of 6 found this review helpful
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By svtpops (NJ) on Saturday, July 13, 2013
I own this car - My approximate mileage is 17,000
overall rating 9 of 10rating detailsPros: "Fast, reliable, looker."
Cons: "too much interior plastic. Eats up tires."
Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10
"I love my 2007 GT500....just over 600HP, fast as heck. 17,000 miles. For being a 60 year old guy I am reliving my youth when muscle cars were at their best."
3 people out of 5 found this review helpful
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