No Bias: Are Ford Mustangs Reliable?
The Ford Mustang has been one of America’s most iconic cars since its debut. For any car enthusiast, especially the “muscle car” typical of America, certainly, we can’t ignore the attraction of this “wild horse” due to its special style and high performance. However, for potential buyers, a fundamental question was set up are Mustangs reliable? Let’s find your answer in our Ford Mustang review today:
Ford Mustang – An American Iconic
The Ford Mustang is more than just a car, it’s a cultural phenomenon that has left an indelible mark on American history. The launch of the Ford Mustang in 1964 can be called the result of one of the most golden periods in the history of American development.
At the time, Ford was confident that this model would create a historic mark in America and they were not disappointed when the Ford Mustang entered the top 10 best-selling car models in US history.
The name “Ford Mustang” is derived from a World War II fighter plane: the P-51 Mustang, which evokes the image of freedom, with its unique design of a long hood and short rear deck that has inspired many American muscle cars since then.
The Ford Mustang’s signature design can be seen in some Chevrolet Camaro, Dodge Challenger, or Toyota Celica coupe models.
The Ford Mustang has been in production since 1964 and is currently the longest-produced Ford car nameplate. Ford has delivered seven generations of Mustang with tons of mid-cycle refreshers, and hundreds of performance variant trims.
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Main Highlights Of Ford Mustangs
The Mustang is a typical example of the “design for function” philosophy. Instead of focusing on passenger utility, the Ford Mustang – like many other American muscle cars – is all about superior performance.
The proof is that the engine compartment of the Ford Mustang is very long along the body of the car, pushing the A-pillar deep into the back. Most of the space is reserved by the designer for the V8 engine – the soul that creates the power of the famous racing horse.
In terms of design, the Ford Mustang maintains the appearance of the predecessor coupes, with a long hood, sloping roof with a strong fastback style. Along the car body are embossed muscle lines that are minimalist but very strong and powerful.
On both sides is the lighting system with a very traditional round projector style. Three bold parallel LED lines are arranged right next to it, acting as a demi-light system, further enhancing the already identity of the Mustang.
With its eye-catching, aggressive design, remarkable power, and optimal performance that gives an addictive feeling of conquering speed – it is easy to understand why the Ford Mustang has become a symbol of the giant Ford in particular, the American muscle car in general.
To date, more than 10 million Mustangs have been sold in various models and variants across seven generations. It has been 60 years since Ford introduced the Mustang—but the Mustang has remained one of America’s favorite sports cars. With a lot of love from car enthusiasts worldwide, how reliable are Mustangs?
Are Mustangs Reliable? The Truth Revealed
It’s a complex question with no easy answer. Although the Ford Mustang has a long history, its reliability will be influenced by technological advancements, owner care, and build quality.
However, one thing is for sure when it comes to reliability, the Mustang generally has a good reputation with some of its model years scoring better than others.
Ford Mustang 2015 model with an overall reliability rating of 91.4% is decent and places them above Audi and Mercedes but below Lexus and BMW. According to RepairPal, the Mustang 2024 reliability score is 3.5 out of 5.0 which ranks it 20th out of 24 for midsize cars.
However, there is always a flip side to any coin as well and Ford Mustang is no exception.
The Mustang has had a long history, with some truly incredibly reliable models. But there have also been a few unfortunate flops. For whatever reason, these less-than-memorable pony cars have missed their mark, and even been recalled. Ford Motor Company was recalling certain 2024 Mustang vehicles equipped with 2.3L engines because the low-pressure fuel supply line may be damaged or cut, or other models that had rear knuckles may fracture which increases the likelihood of a crash.
So, are Mustangs good cars? The answer is not a simple yes or no. It will depend on the years and the models of Mustangs you buy.
Top Picks for Reliability: Best Ford Mustang Year
After 60 years, the Mustang family seems to be getting bigger with the number of versions now reaching 14. Customers can choose from the sports model with a powerful 500-horsepower V8 engine to the electric version.
However, which model is worth your money? For those who are looking for a used Ford Mustang, these models are exceptionally reliable choices. These models are highly rated for their style, performance, and fewer reported issues:
1965 – 1969 models
It’s the very first generation Mustang spanned from 1965 to 1973, with four major updates throughout. These models became the world’s most successful vehicle launch in history, with over 100000 units sold in the first three months and over 400000 models in the first year. It’s a record that has yet to be broken.
Especially, the 1965 Ford Shelby GT350 is considered to be not only the top Mustang of all time but also one of the top sports cars of all time.
2008 models
The 2008 Ford Mustang stands out as a particularly reliable model within the fifth generation. Earning a perfect 5.0 out of 5.0 reliability score from Consumer Reports, it consistently excelled in major areas like engine, drivetrain, electrical system, and brakes, according to the consumer guide. However, potential buyers should be aware of a known issue with paint bubbling and thoroughly inspect any vehicle for this defect before purchasing.
>> Read more: The Most Reliable Used Crossovers To Buy Now
2014 models
The 2014 Mustang V6, GT, and Shelby lineup belongs to the fifth-generation Ford Mustang and had a score of 3.5 on its 5-point reliability rating scale given by J.D.power and Associates. While Consumer Reports gave the 2014 Ford Mustang a superb reliability score of 5.0 out of 5.0. While there are still reports of bubbling paint in the hood, it’s less prevalent in this model year.
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2018 models
Another model in this list is the 2018 Ford Shelby GT350, Ford did hit the mark on this model. The 2018 Ford Shelby was well-rounded, well-mannered, and well-equipped enough to handle almost anything you want it to.
The 2018 Ford Mustang is equipped with safety technologies including an anti-lock braking system, tire pressure monitoring system, safe distance warning, pedestrian detection, lane departure warning, lane keeping assist, drowsiness warning, forward collision warning system, rear camera, and 8 airbags…
Ultimately, the decision of whether or not a Mustang is reliable comes down to individual circumstances and priorities. We hope that this article will be useful for you.
