2013 Ford Mustang Total Car Score Analysis

The 2013 Ford Mustang earns an average Total Car Score for the Sport Coupes & Convertibles segment. 
 
Only a few cars can justify the "this needs no introduction" cliché, and the Mustang is decidedly one of them. This pony car is now in its fifth generation -- which debuted eight years ago, received a substantial mid-cycle update two years ago and sees a few interior and exterior tweaks for the 2013 model year. Generation six is expected in another year or two. 
 
In the meantime, the Mustang starts out with a decent V6 engine, goes up to V8 power and then pushes the envelope with a Mustang Boss 302 model (covered separately on this site). Although its underpinnings are somewhat dated, the Mustang's engineers have worked hard and successfully to make the car handle as well as an accessible sports machine should. 
 
That said, reviewers still can't believe the lack of a telescoping steering wheel (it's adjustable for height only). And, predictably, the electrically assisted steering gets marked down for a lack of feel. The Mustang still adds up to a fun car, though.

2013 Ford Mustang Model Line-Up

The four-seat 2013 Ford Mustang comes as a coupe or convertible in base and Premium trim levels. The high-performance Mustang Boss 302 variant is reviewed separately. 
 
Two engine choices are available. A 3.7-liter V6 makes 305 horsepower and 280 pound-feet of torque. Versions with a V8 engine are badged GT; they use a 5.0-liter unit that makes 420 hp and 390 lb-ft. A six-speed manual transmission is standard with both engines; a six-speed automatic is optional. Drive goes to the rear wheels only and a limited-slip differential is standard. 
 
Other standard equipment includes air conditioning, power accessories, a CD player and 17-inch alloy wheels. Premium brings leather upholstery, satellite radio and iPod integration. The Premium trim in GT models also has 18-inch alloys and driver-selectable steering modes. 
 
Body graphics, rear parking sensors, Recaro sports seats, upgrades to the suspension and brakes, and 19-inch wheels are optional, along with navigation, a glass roof (for the coupe), and a rearview camera. 
 
Standard safety equipment includes traction and stability controls, and front side airbags. 
 
There are no EPA estimates yet for the 2013 Ford Mustang, but Ford claims 19 mpg city and 29 mpg highway for V6/manual transmission models; V6/auto models achieve 19/31 mpg. GT (V8) versions achieve 18/26 mpg with the manual transmission, 18/25 mpg with the auto.

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