Used 2018 Ford Mustang

Available as a coupe or convertible, the 2018 Ford Mustang remains true to the original formula that has made the Mustang so successful for over 50 years: Make it sexy, fast, fun and affordable. Now a sophisticated modern muscle car, the new Mustang delivers power, style and performance at a price almost anybody can afford. Three trim levels are offered: base, the V8-powered GT with the legendary 5.0-liter V8, and the tire-smoking, fire-breathing Shelby GT350 that’s armed with 526 horsepower. All Mustangs are rear-wheel drive, and the standard turbocharged engine packs 310 horsepower, but it’s capable of 30 mpg on the highway. Updates for 2018 include a new look and a 10-speed automatic transmission. Rivals include the Chevy Camaro, Dodge Challenger and BMW 4 Series.

Drive a 2018 Mustang with the new 10-speed automatic transmission back-to-back with the older car’s 6-speed auto, and the differences couldn’t be more stark. With the revised V8’s higher redline, the 10-speed keeps the peaky engine singing, with revs dropping ever so slightly, reminding one more of a motorcycle than muscle car. The same holds true for the standard EcoBoost 2.3-liter 4-cylinder: Not only does it produce a satisfying growl from underhood, but its 310 horsepower gives it a 0-60 mph time of less than 5 seconds — performance that rivals many of the V8 engines from the Mustang’s past. That’s quick enough to leave Mr. McQueen and his Highland Green fastback in your dust. The GT is even quicker with its 5.0-liter V8, which now makes 460 horsepower. Ford claims it sprints to 60 mph in less than four seconds. That was exotic supercar speed just a few years ago, and the V8’s rumble and roar are pure Americana. The retuned suspension, especially with MagnaRide adjustable shocks, produce a no-compromises combination of comfortable ride and nimble handling. 

Coupe or convertible, Ford’s modern muscle car seats four passengers but the rear seats are extremely tight — and in the hard-core Shelby GT350R, nonexistent. Up front, room is decent for driver and passenger. The front seats are comfortable, and the sturdy audio/climate-control switches are easy to reach. Beware the rear blind spots in coupes created by the raked roof. The Mustang’s trunk is bigger than you might expect — 13.5 cubic feet in coupes, 11.4 in convertibles — and the rear seats fold flat to accommodate longer items. The Mustang convertible uses a one-hand release latch for the power-operated soft top. We’re especially fond of the available digital dash, which reconfigures depending on the drive mode, and offers seemingly infinite customizability.

With its long hood, short trunk, sloping rear glass and tri-bar taillights, the 2018 Ford Mustang could never be mistaken for anything other than Ford’s pony car. Yet this is no retro-wannabe. A new lower, more aggressive grille, reshaped LED headlights and LED taillights also make the latest Mustang totally relevant today. There’s a new hood with revamped twin scoops and a dozen new wheel designs. Convertibles look best with the lined and insulated fabric top folded, but even when up it’s still unmistakably Mustang. Active grille shutters on EcoBoost models can close to redirect airflow, improving aerodynamics.

SYNC 3
Premium, GT and Shelby models are equipped with the latest version of Ford’s Sync infotainment system. It’s easier to operate than past systems, has a large 8.0-inch touch screen, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, and the FordPass app allows you to start, lock and locate your Mustang with your smartphone.

5.0-LITER V8 ENGINE
There’s no denying the power and efficiency of the standard 310-horsepower EcoBoost 4-cylinder. But the Mustang GT’s 460-horsepower 5.0-liter is one of the greatest V8 engines of all time. If you want your Mustang to sound and act like Steve McQueen’s in Bullitt, it’s the only engine to consider.

The least expensive Ford Mustang EcoBoost Fastback comes equipped with a rearview camera, push-button start, Track Apps showing performance metrics like g-forces, selectable-effort steering (Normal/Sport/Comfort), 4-way manual-adjust driver’s seat, high-intensity headlights and 17-inch aluminum wheels. Standard audio is an AM/FM/CD system with two USB inputs and Sync Bluetooth connectivity. Safety features include traction and stability control and front, side and knee airbags. The Premium trim adds Sync 3, dual-zone climate control, 18-inch wheels and a rear spoiler. GT Mustangs have the iconic 5.0-liter V8, larger brakes and the line-lock feature for burnouts — for track use only, wink wink.

From ventilated front seats to a Shaker audio system, there’s a slew of options to suit your taste and budget. At $1,545, the new 10-speed automatic transmission will be popular. Also, check out the $4,000 Performance Package for the GT, which adds sticky Michelin Pilot Sport 4S tires, 19-inch wheels, larger Brembo brakes, unique suspension tuning, a larger radiator, a larger rear spoiler, additional instrumentation and chassis reinforcements. It’s also available on the EcoBoost model for $2,500. For $1,700 Ford also offers new MagneRide dampers on either model, which are similar to the units used on the Shelby GT350.

Three engines are now available for the 2018 Mustang, with even the least making over 300 ponies. EcoBoost models have a turbocharged 2.3-liter 4-cylinder engine that gets a welcome boost in torque this year. If you gotta have a V8, the GT is your ride. It’s ready to roll with a 5.0-liter that gains significant power and torque for 2018. For buyers who plan to track their Mustang or simply desire a real screamer, there are the Shelby GT350 models, which use a 5.2-liter V8 that spits out 526 horsepower in both the standard and GT350R derivative. All Mustangs are rear-wheel drive and come with a 6-speed manual transmission. A new 10-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters is optional on all except the Shelby variants.

2.3-liter turbocharged inline-4
310 horsepower @ 5,500 rpm
350 lb-ft of torque @ 3,000 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 21/30 mpg (manual & automatic), 21/27 mpg (manual, convertible), 20/28 mpg (automatic, convertible), 21/28 mpg (manual, coupe w/performance package), 20/28 mpg (automatic, coupe w/performance package)

5.0-liter V8
460 horsepower @ 6,500 rpm
420 lb-ft of torque @ 4,250 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 15/25 mpg (manual, coupe), 15/24 mpg (automatic, coupe), 14/23 mpg (manual, convertible), 15/23 mpg (automatic, convertible), 14/23 mpg (manual, coupe w/performance package)

5.2-liter V8 (GT350)
526 horsepower @7,500 rpm
429 lb-ft of torque @ 4,750 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 14/21 mpg