2017 Ford Mustang fan favorite high-powered pony car
Nothing inspires youthful enthusiasm like a fun romp in a high-powered pony car. Simply rev the engine and listen to its throaty roar, and drivers might be tempted to test the off-the-mark performance from a red light. Owners of the iconic Ford Mustang are familiar with this feeling.
Whether you prefer its fastback-style hardtop or its soft-top convertible, this rear-wheel-drive musclecar offers a variety of models and engines for nearly every buyer, from the fuel-conscious commuter to the weekend racetrack regular. Now in its sixth generation, the sporty 2017 Ford Mustang is loaded with innovative technologies and features a slate of engines that can meet your need for fuel economy or highperformance.
Outside, the sleek fastback features steeply sloped windshield and rear glass and carries such heritagebased design cues as hood-vent turn signals and various California, Pony, and Black Accent Packages. Standard HID headlamps, bespoke grilles for each engine choice, and tri-bar LED taillamps with sequential turn signals complete the stylish look. A painted-black roof is optional on turbocharged and V-8 Mustang GT models.
Inside, an aviation-inspired cockpit offers all the information an active driver needs with large, clear instrumentation. The roomier cabin boasts improved ergonomics, while tactile switches and knobs provide better control; a carbon-fiber-looking dashboard completes the presentation. Front-seat room is generous, though the back seat is best left to transporting groceries over full-size adults. A rearview camera is standard; a blind spot monitoring system with rear cross-traffic alert is available, and an optional adaptive cruise control feature includes a radar-based forward collision warning system that pre-loads the brakes.
Powerplants range from a base 3.7-liter V-6 that makes 300 horsepower and 280 lb.-ft. of torque, to a turbocharged 2.3-liter four-cylinder EcoBoost engine that produces 310 horsepower and 320 lb.-ft. of torque, or a high-performance 5.0-liter V-8 found in GT and GT Premium models that promises 435 horsepower and 400 lb.-ft. of torque.
All three are mated to your choice of standard sixspeed manual transmission or optional six-speed automatic with steering-wheel-mounted paddle shifters. If that’s not enough performance for you, step up to the Shelby GT350 that boasts a 5.2-liter V-8 that kicks out 526 hp and 429 lb.-ft. of torque and is paired with a six-speed manual transmission.
Fuel economy ranges from 18 mpg city and 27 mpg highway with the base V-6, 21/30 mpg with the fourcylinder EcoBoost, and 14/21 mpg for the V-8-powered Shelby. All offer exhilarating acceleration, planted handling, and grippy braking. Toggle switches on the console quickly adjust steering effort, engine response, and transmission and electronic stability control settings using the available Selectable Drive Modes to customize your driving experience.
A number of performance options are available, including a Performance Package on EcoBoost and GT models that adds a stiffer suspension and larger brakes. And if that’s not enough for you, you can step up to the top-of-the-line Shelby GT350 that’s completely track ready with carbon fiber wheels and an upgraded suspension with MagneRide damping.
The 2017 Mustang offers such innovative technologies as keyless access with push-button start, as well as standard Track Apps, MyColor gauges, and Ford’s MyKey system with parental controls for geo-fencing, speed limit, stability control, audio volume, radio content, seat belt reminders and low fuel warnings. Also available are SYNC 3 enhanced voice recognition communications and entertainment system, as well as an available 8-inch LCD capacitive touch screen in the center stack with swipe and pinch-to-zoom capabilities, AppLink, 911 Assist, and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity.
Pricing starts at $25,185 for the base Mustang, to $30,685 for the convertible, to $56,145 for the Shelby GT350 performance model. Our GT Premium coupe tester started at $38,920, but boasted $6,355 in options that included a Shaker sound system with 12 speakers, such convenience features as heated and cooled seats, an over-the-top racing stripe, and a GT performance package, bringing its final price to $43,275 (not including $900 destination and delivery).