Used 2020 Ford Mustang

The 2020 Ford Mustang is far more than a mere car, it’s a high point in American automotive culture. That’s true for many (though not all) Mustangs throughout the years, but this 2020 model is a pinnacle of sorts.

The new Mustang spans a power gamut from a peppery 310-horsepower EcoBoost model to a breathtaking 760-horsepower Shelby GT500 supercar. When someone buys a Mustang, in coupe or convertible form, they’re participating in a heritage while also driving the name into a thrilling future. The Mustang feels special, bringing a sense of occasion every time you jump in, even if you’re just going to pick up the dry cleaning.

There are rivals, specifically the Chevrolet Camaro and Dodge Challenger. But the fixed-roof Mustang is among the best-selling coupes in the world.

At the time of compiling this review, no one outside of Ford/Shelby R&D had driven the supercharged 2020 GT500 (on sale fall 2019). But let’s just say it again: dude, 760 horsepower.

Slightly down the pecking order, but probably more suitable for the average gearhead, is the Mustang GT version enjoying 460 horsepower from a 5.0-liter V8 whose rumble and roar is pure Americana. It can also sprint from standstill to 60 mph in under four seconds. Only a few years ago, that kind of acceleration was the preserve of exotic supercars. Heck, even the 4-cylinder turbocharged EcoBoost can handle the charge in under five seconds.

The MagneRide adaptive suspension brings a best-of-both-worlds capability of supple balance between ride and handling. And although we remain fans of the 6-speed manual transmission, the 10-speed automatic has a fine way of keeping whichever engine it’s connected to on song, so drivers can fully explore that beefy powerband.

For front occupants, the new Mustang is roomy enough and most of the controls are easily reached. In regular versions, rear accommodation is tight; in Shelby models, the rear seats are ditched to save weight. Although there is the option to reinstate them.

Rear three-quarter vision is impeded by the coupe’s wide pillars and sloping roof. Blind spots are also a liability when the convertible’s fabric roof is in place.

Speaking of soft-tops, a latch at the top of the windshield must be released before the power-folding mechanism does its work.

Trunk space is useful — the coupe comes with 13.5 cubic feet; the convertible has 11.4. The rear seats can also split and fold.

The optional digital dash is cool. It reconfigures depending on the drive mode and is highly customizable.

Never have go-faster stripes been more desirable or visually effective. They’re optional, but should be obligatory on the Ford Mustang coupe to make the most of that classic long-nose/short-tail profile. They look especially evocative with the white/blue or blue/white combination in the Shelby cars.

The Bullitt model comes solely as a coupe (known as Fastback) and offers Dark Highland Green Metallic as an exterior paint color. No such largesse with convertible Mustangs; the fabric roof is black.

SYNC 3
Unlike earlier Sync systems, Sync 3 appears to have fixed initial glitches and performs impressively through an 8-inch touch screen or voice activation. This setup now includes Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration, plus FordPass apps allowing users to start, lock and locate their Mustang via a smartphone.

REV-MATCHING TECHNOLOGY
The future of the manual transmission is possibly bleak, but there are still some thrills to squeeze out of it. Especially when the GT’s 6-speed manual has rev-matching technology that performs smooth, throttle-blipping downshifts. For a driver to reach such a level of perfection might have taken many months, perhaps years, of heel-toe practice.

The most affordable 2020 Mustang EcoBoost Fastback has a push-button start, 17-inch alloy wheels, high-intensity-discharge (HID) headlights, 4-way manually adjustable driver’s seat, selectable settings for the steering (Comfort/Normal/Sport), and Track Apps displaying performance parameters such as lateral acceleration. The basic audio setup includes AM/FM radio, CD player, Bluetooth and two USB ports.

Going up to Premium trim brings the Sync 3 infotainment system, 18-inch alloy wheels, rear spoiler and dual-zone automatic climate control. Mustang GT versions have that glorious 5.0-liter V8, stronger brakes and a line-lock feature to spin the rear wheels (to warm up the tires on the track, as opposed to impressing friends in the parking lot).

A new Mustang can be ordered with many options. Such as ventilated front seats, Bang & Olufsen 12-speaker/1,000-watt audio, blind-spot monitoring, 10-speed automatic transmission, leather-covered Recaro sport seats, sport exhaust system, bigger wheels, performance/handling packages, and MagneRide adaptive dampers.

Buyers may also choose how much power they’d like. The Bullitt and Shelby models all live at this rarefied level. Options for the Shelby cars include wheels made from carbon fiber.

Purists may scoff at a 4-cylinder engine in a Mustang, but the turbocharged 2.3-liter unit in the EcoBoost versions makes a respectable 310 horsepower. The new-for-2020 High Performance package boosts that to 330.

However, a growling V8 seems so right. Mustang GT models have a 5.0-liter unit developing 460 horsepower; the Bullitt has the same engine tuned for 480 horsepower.

The Shelby GT350 and GT350R deploy a 5.2-liter V8 generating 526 horsepower, while the GT500 bolts on a supercharger for an astonishing 720 horsepower. This latter drivetrain also features a 7-speed dual-clutch automated transmission.

The EcoBoost comes with a 6-speed manual shifter, while the GT’s manual includes the rev-matching function. And the GT350/350R has its own special 6-speed manual. A 10-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters is optional in the EcoBoost and GT Mustangs. All models are rear-wheel drive (RWD).

2.3-liter turbocharged inline-4
310 horsepower @ 5,500 rpm
350 horsepower @ 6,000 rpm (High Performance Package)
350 lb-ft of torque @ 3,000 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 21/30 mpg (manual), 21/32 mpg (automatic), 20/28 mpg (manual/automatic, convertible), 20/27 mpg (manual, coupe w/High Performance Package), 20/28 mpg (automatic, coupe w/High Performance Package)

5.0-liter V8 (GT)
460 horsepower @ 7,500 rpm
420 lb-ft of torque @ 4,600 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)

5.0-liter V8 (Bullitt)
480 horsepower @ 7,000 rpm
420 lb-ft of torque @ 4,600 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 14/23 mpg

5.2-liter V8 (GT350/GT350R)
526 horsepower @ 7,500 rpm
429 lb-ft of torque @ 4,750 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 14/21 mpg

5.2-liter supercharged V8 (GT500)
760 horsepower @ 7,300 rpm
625 lb-ft of torque @ 5,000 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 12/18 mpg