Used 2019 Ford Mustang

The 2019 Ford Mustang may be the best version yet. No longer a one-trick pony, the 2019 Mustang offers power, handling, comfort and style all in a package the average American can easily afford. Available in coupe or convertible form, the Mustang comes in a number of flavors, each a little bit better than the last. The base car is far from tame, with its turbocharged EcoBoost 4-cylinder engine producing more than 300 horsepower. The V8-powered GT ups the ante to 460 horses, while the limited-production Shelby GT350 pushes output to 526 horsepower. That’s more than enough to keep pace with the Chevy Camaro SS and Dodge Challenger R/T, and even places the Mustang in contention with the BMW 4 Series.

Drive a 2019 Mustang with the 10-speed automatic transmission and you may never go back to a manual, although the 6-speed manual in the Mustang GT now offers rev-matching technology allowing for perfect heel-and-toe-type shifts. With the GT V8’s high redline, the 10-speed keeps the peaky engine singing, with revs dropping ever so slightly, reminding one more of a motorcycle than muscle car. The same holds true for the standard EcoBoost 2.3-liter 4-cylinder: Not only does it produce a satisfying growl from underhood, but its 310 horsepower gives it a 0-60-mph time of less than five seconds — performance that rivals many of the V8 engines from the Mustang’s past. That’s quick enough to leave Mr. McQueen and his Highland Green fastback in your dust. The GT is even quicker, with a 5.0-liter V8 making 460 horsepower. Ford claims it sprints to 60 mph in less than four seconds. That was exotic supercar speed just a few years ago, and the V8’s rumble and roar are pure Americana. The retuned suspension, especially with MagneRide adjustable shocks, produces a no-compromises combination of comfortable ride and nimble handling.

Coupe or convertible, Ford’s modern muscle car seats four passengers but the rear seats are extremely tight — and in the hard-core Shelby GT350R, nonexistent. Up front, room is decent for driver and passenger. The front seats are comfortable, and the sturdy audio/climate-control switches are easy to reach. Beware the rear blind spots in coupes created by the raked roof. The Mustang’s trunk is bigger than you might expect — 13.5 cubic feet in coupes, 11.4 in convertibles — and the rear seats fold flat to accommodate longer items. The Mustang convertible uses a one-hand release latch for the power-operated soft-top. We’re especially fond of the available digital dash, which reconfigures depending on the drive mode, and offers seemingly infinite customizing.

The Mustang’s exterior is a mash-up of old and new thinking. The same short-deck/long-hood formula from the original car is in place, bolstered by more aggressive aerodynamics, big wheel and tire combos and, on EcoBoost models, active grille shutters that help redirect airflow. The new GT California Special adds rear-fender air scoops, a fading side stripe and unique 5-spoke wheels. Up front, the GT/CS features a blacked-out grille and Performance Pack 1 splitter. Convertible models further the Mustang’s allure and feature an insulated fabric soft-top that looks great so long as you’re okay with one color choice: black.

SYNC 3
Unlike earlier systems that carried the Sync name, Sync 3 seems to have fixed past glitches and performs impressively via a large 8-inch touch screen or voice activation. The system includes Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, plus FordPass apps that permit users to start, lock and locate their Mustang via smartphone.

REV-MATCHING TECHNOLOGY
Many predict the manual transmission will soon go extinct, but Ford hasn’t given up on it yet, equipping the GT’s 6-speed manual with rev-matching technology. Now you can get off perfect heel-and-toe-like shifts without having to master the actual maneuver.

The least expensive Ford Mustang EcoBoost Fastback comes equipped with a rearview camera, push-button start, Track Apps showing performance metrics like g-forces, selectable-effort steering (Normal/Sport/Comfort), 4-way manual-adjust driver’s seat, high-intensity headlights and 17-inch aluminum wheels. Standard audio is an AM/FM/CD system with two USB inputs and Sync Bluetooth connectivity. Safety features include traction and stability control and front, side and knee airbags. The Premium trim adds Sync 3, dual-zone climate control, 18-inch wheels and a rear spoiler. GT Mustangs have the iconic 5.0-liter V8, larger brakes and the line-lock feature for burnouts — for track use only, wink wink.

From ventilated front seats to a Bang & Olufsen audio system, there are numerous options to suit your taste and budget. The 10-speed automatic transmission will be popular. Also, check out the Performance Pack for the GT, which adds sticky Michelin Pilot Sport 4S tires, 19-inch wheels, larger Brembo brakes, unique suspension tuning, a larger radiator, a larger rear spoiler, additional instrumentation and chassis reinforcements. Ford also offers MagneRide dampers on either model similar to the units used on the Shelby GT350. Other options include a limited-slip rear axle, 19- and 20-inch wheels, Recaro leather-trimmed sport seats and an Active Valve Performance Exhaust.

The 2019 Ford Mustang offers a choice of three highly desirable engines. EcoBoost models have a turbocharged 2.3-liter 4-cylinder engine generating 310 horsepower and 350 lb-ft of torque. If you gotta have a V8, the GT is your ride. It’s ready to roll with a 5.0-liter that pumps out 460 horsepower. For buyers who plan to track their Mustang or simply desire a real screamer, there are the Shelby GT350 models, which use a 5.2-liter V8 that spits out 526 horsepower in both the standard and GT350R derivative. All Mustangs are rear-wheel drive and come with a 6-speed manual transmission. A 10-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters is optional on all except the Shelby variants.

2.3-liter turbocharged inline-4
310 horsepower @ 5,500 rpm
350 lb-ft of torque @ 3,000 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 21/31 mpg (manual), 21/32 mpg (automatic), 20/28 mpg (manual/automatic, convertible), 20/27 mpg (manual, coupe w/performance package), 20/28 mpg (automatic, coupe w/performance package)

5.0-liter V8 (including Bullitt)
460 horsepower @ 6,500 rpm
420 lb-ft of torque @ 4,250 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 15/24 mpg (manual, coupe), 16/25 mpg (automatic, coupe), 14/23 mpg (manual, convertible), 15/24 mpg (automatic, convertible), 14/23 mpg (manual, coupe w/performance package)

5.2-liter V8 (GT350)
526 horsepower @7,500 rpm
429 lb-ft of torque @ 4,750 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 14/21 mpg