2011 Ford Mustang review

The 2011 Ford Mustang's new 3.7-liter V6 now has all-aluminum construction, dual overhead camshafts and variable valve timing. The extra gears help the Mustang V6 earn a laudable 31 mpg highway EPA fuel economy estimate. Both transmissions for the V8-powered Mustang GT (manual and automatic) are similarly upgraded to six-speed units.

The 2011 Ford Mustang is available as a coupe or convertible. There are four trim levels: V6, V6 Premium, GT and GT Premium. The V6 Premium adds upgraded 17-inch wheels, leather upholstery, a power driver seat, Ford's Sync system, color-adjustable gauges, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, upgraded interior trim and a Shaker 500 stereo system.

The GT Premium is essentially a GT with different 18-inch wheels and the V6 Premium's roster of features.

Options on the base Mustang V6 include an exterior appearance package and an anti-theft system. A V6 Performance package (late availability) gets you the suspension and brakes from the GT plus 19-inch wheels, summer tires and a recalibrated stability control system.

The Mustang GT can be outfitted with a Brembo Brake package, which includes more powerful brakes, 19-inch wheels, summer tires and the recalibrated stability control system. For more Style information, see our Compare Styles page.

Powertrains and Performance
The Mustang GT has a new 5.0-liter V8 good for 412 hp and 390 lb-ft of torque. The Mustang V6 coupe earns an estimate of 19 mpg city/31 mpg highway with the automatic transmission.

Safety
Antilock four-wheel disc brakes, front-seat side airbags, side spotter mirrors and stability control are standard on all Mustangs. In government crash tests, the 2011 Ford Mustang coupe and convertible earned a top five-star rating for its protection of occupants in frontal and side-impact collisions.

Interior Design and Special Features
The Mustang's cabin retains its characteristic retro design while also boasting respectable materials quality.

Driving Impressions
The engine upgrades for the 2011 Ford Mustang have revitalized the car's performance.

We drove the 2011 V6 Coupe “Premium Edition” (includes leather, nav system, “shaker” stereo, power seats) and the” Mustang Club of America” package (high performance 235/50/18 tires and styling accents). Additionally, this model had a 6-speed automatic, performance 3.31 axle ratio, HID headlamps, and rear view camera. I’ve driven two V8 Mustangs for CarReview.com in the past, the 2006 Shelby GT-H and the 2008 “Bullit”. They respectively offered 325 and 315 horsepower with “right now torque” and intimidating exhaust notes. Additionally, this naturally aspirated engine delivers an impressive EPA rating of 19mpg city/29mpg highway (though I averaged 17.5 lead footing every chance I got…). On paper, Ford has essentially matched the horsepower of the mighty V8s while providing exceptional gas mileage.

My palms weren’t sweating.
The seats are incredibly comfortable. At highway speeds, the engine responded quickly, jumping from 60 to 80 effortlessly. Burnouts? The gorgeous and thick steering wheel connects you to excellent steering feedback. Face it — Mustangs aren’t the most practical of cars. Elegant.