Summary
The Ford Mustang is a large 2+2 coupé and convertible model that has been famous around the world since the 1960s. This model was the sixth generation and was launched in the USA in 2014. It arrived in the UK in 2015 and was discontinued in 2023 ahead of the launch of an all-new model in 2024.
This model was the first Mustang to have been offered from the factory in right-hand drive. After receiving a poor two-star Euro NCAP safety rating, the Mustang was updated in summer 2017 with additional safety kit as standard. It was re-tested and awarded a three-star rating (more information under “safety rating” below) – although this rating has now expired due to age.
The Ford Mustang received a wide range of scores from the UK motoring media, ranging from average to outstanding. It tended to perform better in enthusiast titles and more poorly in consumer titles. The four-cylinder models also tended to be rated lower than the V8s.
The four-cylinder engine was dropped from the range in 2021 due to poor sales, leaving the 5.0-litre V8 (which was far more popular anyway) as the only engine offered for the Mustang range in the UK.
As of February 2025, the Ford Mustang has a Used Car Expert Rating of E, with a score of 49%. It scores poorly in nearly every category, with D or E grades for media reviews, safety, CO2 emissions and running costs. The good news, however, is that reliability scores are excellent.
Key specifications
Body style: 2+2 coupe, convertible
Engines: petrol
Price when new: From £44,255 on-road
Launched: Autumn 2015
Last updated: Spring 2019
Discontinued: Autumn 2023
Image gallery
Media reviews
Highlighted reviews and road tests from across the UK automotive media. Click any of the boxes to view.
The Car Expert
Score: 7.2 / 10
“The Mustang remains a car in which the bigger, thirstier V8 is actually the more attractive option, and an affordable way to enjoy such oh-so American eight-cylinder grunt.”
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Auto Express
Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 8 / 10
“The Ford Mustang delivers terrific performance and handling at an affordable price few others can match.”
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Model reviewed: 2.3-litre petrol manual EcoBoost convertible
Score: 6 / 10
“The updated Ford Mustang EcoBoost is much improved over its predecessor, primarily because of the new 10-speed auto gearbox and the optional adaptive dampers. It still doesn’t get close to delivering the drama or the performance of the V8, but it’s closer than it’s ever been.”
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Auto Trader
Model reviewed: Convertible range
Score: 6 / 10
“If you’re considering a Jaguar F-Type, BMW 4 Series or Audi A5 – all of which could loosely be considered rivals to the rather unique Mustang – the Ford would be very unlikely to tempt you away. However, if you want a Mustang then any of those rivals will be way too civilised and boring for you.”
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Model reviewed: Coupé range
Score: 7 / 10
“The Ford Mustang is an extremely likeable car thanks to the pace, the noise, the looks and the sheer brashness, and a very different proposition to more austere rivals such as the Jaguar F-Type, BMW 4 Series or Audi A5. If a Mustang is what your heart is set on, you’ll absolutely love it.”
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Car
Model reviewed: Bullitt
Score: 8 / 10
“This particular Mustang cashes in on the now famous Bullitt film – named after the movie’s protagonist Lt. Frank Bullitt, played by with Steve McQueen in the lead role.”
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Model reviewed: Bullitt
Score: 8 / 10
“There’s little argument that the Mustang Bullitt looks the canine’s plums – lightly modded visuals, with the security of knowing its factory fresh. It’s fun, brash and feels just that bit more special than a regular Mustang in thee process.”
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Model reviewed: 5.0-litre V8 petrol automatic GT
Score: 8 / 10
“Ford’s done far more to the Mustang than the styling suggests, but it’s still a leftfield choice. The back seats are cramped, the interior plastics are sub-European and the V8’s poor 23mpg average is as retro as the styling.”
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Carbuyer
Model reviewed: Coupé range
Score: 6.4 / 10
“The Ford Mustang combines old-fashioned charm with modern performance and is fantastic value.”
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Model reviewed: Convertible range
Score: 6 / 10
“The Ford Mustang Convertible has lots of character, but its handling and interior are weak points.”
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Carwow
Model reviewed: Convertible range
Score: 7 / 10
“Few cars are as iconic as the Ford Mustang – its V8 burbling away with the wind in your hair is a real treat. Just don’t expect great handling, comfort or rear space.”
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Model reviewed: Coupe range
Score: 7 / 10
“The Ford Mustang is one of the cheapest ways to own a rumbling V8 that’s lots of fun. The cheap interior and high running costs are a little less enjoyable, though.”
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Daily Mail
Model reviewed: 5.0-litre V8 petrol manual GT coupé
Score: 8 / 10
“Can this car really be that good? The short answer is, too bloody right.” (Chris Evans)
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Evo
Model reviewed: (range review)
Score: 7 / 10
“Flawed, fun and fast – Ford Mustang’s not a great sports car, but it’s a great muscle car.”
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Heycar
Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 8 / 10
“The Ford Mustang is an old-school American muscle car redesigned for the modern age. The current incarnation uses the same formula that’s the bedrock of its U.S. sales success, with a beefy design, powerful engines and entertaining handling.”
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Honest John
Model reviewed: (range review)
Score: 6 / 10
“Whether you opt for the sleek coupe or the soft-top is down to personal preference. We prefer the appearance of the Fastback, but the multi-layer insulated fabric hood of the convertible does a fine job of hiding wind noise.”
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Model reviewed: 5.0-litre V8 petrol automatic
“After the tyres have spun and the gravel has settled, the Ford Mustang is still true to itself. A stupid great big pony car that moves people to tears and brings them a ridiculous amount of happiness in the way only a car can.”
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Parkers
Model reviewed: Convertible range
Score: 8.4 / 10
“American take on the four-seat convertible”
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Model reviewed: Coupé range
Score: 8 / 10
“Not exactly a bargain, but plenty of muscle for your money”
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The Sun
Model reviewed: 5.0-litre V8 petrol automatic GT coupé
“Imagine the world ending in a hail of fire and brimstone — the Ford Mustang revving in first gear is the soundtrack. The engine alone justifies the £41,000 price.”
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The Sunday Times
Model reviewed: Bullitt
Score: 10 / 10
“When you put your foot down, the engine note is a supersize-burger-and-fries experience in a world of diet econoboxes.”
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Model reviewed: 5.0-litre V8 petrol automatic GT convertible
Score: 8 / 10
“It’s a better car than the previous model with a turn of speed that defies its size and a superb engine that beats anything its European rivals can deliver, both in terms of horsepower for the money and noise.”
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Model reviewed: 2.3-litre petrol manual EcoBoost convterible
Score: 6 / 10
“Every day, thousands of people take delivery of a new BMW or Audi or what have you, and I don’t doubt they’re very pleased. But the fact is that for a great deal less money they could have driven away in a Ford Mustang.” (Jeremy Clarkson)
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The Telegraph
Model reviewed: Mach 1
Score: 8 / 10
“Ford Mustang buyers are a breed apart, and the Mach 1 is for them. It’s their chance to enjoy the car they love out on a track where, even if they get passed by a Porsche, they won’t care because they’ll be too busy savouring the sound of their own engine.”
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Model reviewed: Bullitt
Score: 8 / 10
“More than just a cynical marketing exercise, the Ford Mustang Bullitt is every bit the modern muscle car it sets out to be, and quite a bit more besides. It’s flawed, yes – but it’s hard not to be seduced by its character, playfulness and sheer sense of occasion.”
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Model reviewed: 5.0-litre petrol manual GT coupé
Score: 8 / 10
“While it has a very special place in American hearts, the Ford Mustang isn’t that suited for European roads or driving conditions. It’s naturally aspirated V8 is a phenomenon and sounds great, and if it’s dynamically lacking, the Mustang has presence in spades.”
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Top Gear
Model reviewed: Range overview (coupé and convertible)
Score: 7 / 10
“Despite high tech updates, the Ford Mustang is as crude and cool as ever. A muscle car, not a sports car, and all the better for it.”
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Model reviewed: 2.3-litre petrol manual EcoBoost
“There are blacked out grilles and splitters and a light smattering of High Performance badges to ensure onlookers know it’s no ordinary four-cylinder ‘Stang passing by.”
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Safety rating
Independent crash test and safety ratings from Euro NCAP
Overall score: 3 stars
Date tested: July 2017
Date expired: January 2024
Read the full Euro NCAP review
Adult protection: 72%
Child protection: 32%
Vulnerable road users: 78%
Safety assist: 61%
Notes on safety rating
The Ford Mustang was originally tested by Euro NCAP back in 2017 and awarded a two-star rating. The facelifted model from July 2017 featured additional safety equipment as standard and was rated at three stars when re-tested. The car’s principal weakness in the original testing was child passenger protection in the rear seats, while the other tests produced much more competitive scores.
However, this rating expired in January 2024 and is no longer valid as the car no longer meets the standards required for such a rating. This is normal practice, as Euro NCAP reviews its ratings on most cars annually with most ratings expiring after about six or seven years.
However, if you are comparing a used Mustang to vehicles of similar age, whose ratings will have probably also expired, its safety rating score is still useful.
Eco rating
Independent economy and emissions ratings from Green NCAP
No eco rating
The Ford Mustang was not assessed by Green NCAP during its production life.
Reliability rating
Reliability data provided exclusively for The Car Expert by MotorEasy
Total claims: 27
Average repair cost: £340.22
Last updated: October 2024
Reliability score
All data based on MotorEasy average workshop costs for extended car warranty claims
As of January 2024, the Ford Mustang has an excellent reliability score of 83%, according to workshop and warranty data provided exclusively to The Car Expert by our partner MotorEasy. The only caveat to this score is that it comes from a relatively small number of data points, so it could change significantly as more repair bills are added to the database.
In addition to being seemingly very reliable, the repair bills to date have been very low – an average of less than £350. All in all, a used Ford Mustang looks like being a good bet for reliability.
Awards
Significant UK trophies and awards that the Ford Mustang has received
2023
- Auto Trader Awards – Most Fun to Drive
2016
- UK Car of the Year Awards – Best coupe
Similar cars
If you’re looking at the Ford Mustang, you might also be interested in these alternatives
Audi A5 and S5 | BMW 4 Series | BMW M4 | Chevrolet Camaro | Dodge Challenger | Jaguar F-Type | Lexus RC | Mercedes-Benz C-Class coupé, convertible | Toyota GR Supra
More information
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