Eco-Boosted to Perfection | 2015 Ford Mustang

By Marc Schulhof
August 2015 View more For The Road

In 1994, Ford rolled out an all-new Mustang to mark the car’s 30th anniversary. The top-of-the-line V8-powered Mustang GT produced 215 horsepower that year, and could hit 60 miles per hour in a then-scorching 6.7 seconds. At the time, the new car won rave reviews and ensured that Ford would add to the Mustang’s six million sales.

More than 20 years later, Ford has yet another all-new Mustang on showroom floors. With no disrespect to the millions of Mustangs that have come before, this is the best one ever. Gorgeous, powerful, and true to the car’s history, the 2015 Mustang is simply fantastic.

Available with either a six-speed manual or a six-speed automatic for about $1,200 more, the Mustang comes in fastback or convertible form and offers multiple engines and trim levels—meaning that it is open season for American sports car aspirants with a range of price points and performance requirements.

 As a testament to Ford’s designers, the new Mustang is immediately recognizable, yet better looking from every angle than earlier editions. Overall, the new car looks longer and sleeker than the models it replaces. The sculpted lines flowing over the hood and down the sides say “speed” and “agility” and sometimes, “get out of my way.”

The new car’s interior takes a big leap forward, as well. This is a four-seater that is more comfortable for two, with big doors and easy access to the rear seats, which are relatively small, like the trunk. The cabin is a nicer yet still very recognizable version of the previous models. Upgraded materials really stand out, but tradition reigns in the form of the three-spoke steering wheel with a mustang galloping across the center. Visibility out the narrow side windows is adequate; the small side mirrors get an assist from an electronic blindspot monitor, and the backup camera takes care of the rear view. 

The 2015 Mustang’s range of engines shows just how far automotive technology has come in two decades. At the top of the model range remains the Mustang GT: 435 horsepower, zero to 60 in about 4.5 seconds. For some buyers, only that V8 will do. But there is no shame, and plenty of performance, in fewer cylinders.

For the first time in the modern era, Mustang buyers can opt for a four-cylinder engine—the turbocharged 2.3-liter EcoBoost, delivering 310 horsepower. Even when paired with the optional automatic transmission, the Mustang EcoBoost can hit 60 in a bit more than five seconds. And the new Mustang corners better and feels more composed than previous models. The brakes are outstanding, too.

Interestingly, the EcoBoost model costs more than the V6, which, at 300 horsepower, is itself more than enough car for many buyers. For what it’s worth, the upcoming Chevy Camaro—Ford’s arch rival for muscle car sales—will also offer a four-cylinder option next year.

The 2015 Ford Mustang coupe starts at $23,800 with a V6. The EcoBoost engine raises the bar to $25,300, and the GT with its 5.0-liter V8 has a starting price of $32,300. Premium versions of the EcoBoost and GT add $4,000 to the base price of each, and opting for a convertible resets the starting price range at $29,300 to $41,800.

As with the price list, these models’ fuel economy figures also vary. The EcoBoost is the champ, returning an estimated 22 miles per gallon in the city and 31 on the highway with regular gas, no less. The estimates incrementally decrease from there, bottoming out at 15/25 for the GT.