Used 2021 Ford Mustang

The 2021 Ford Mustang is more than just a car. It’s a high point in American automotive culture. That’s been true for many (though not all) Mustangs throughout the years.

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.

The 2021 Mustang spans a power gamut from a peppery 310-horsepower EcoBoost model to a breathtaking 760-horsepower Shelby GT500 supercar.

This model year brings the new Mustang Mach 1 model with the same 480-horsepower V8 as last year’s Bullitt version. This car is more track-focused, though, with extra cooling, specific aerodynamic additions, and the MagneRide adaptive suspension.

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

As well as truly awesome straight-line performance, the supercharged 760-horsepower 2021 Shelby GT500 also shines on twisty roads or challenging race circuits, enhanced by precise steering and tremendous stopping power.

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.

For front occupants, the Ford Mustang is roomy enough, and most of the controls are easily reached. Where they’re fitted, the Recaro seats are super-snug. In regular versions, rear accommodation is tight. The Shelby model allows buyers to ditch them completely to save weight. One cool little touch in the Mach 1 is the cue ball manual transmission shift knob.

Rear three-quarter vision in any Mustang coupe is impeded by the 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 itself according to which drive mode is selected and is highly customizable.

Never have go-faster stripes been more desirable or visually effective. They’re optional, but should be obligatory on a new 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 GT500.

As well as riding on standard-issue 19-inch alloy wheels, the new-for-2021 Mustang Mach 1 offers satin black stripes for the hood and sides, enlivened by red, orange or white highlights.

No such largesse with convertible Mustangs — the fabric roof is always black. New colors for the regular, GT, and Shelby Mustangs are Antimatter Blue, Carbonized Gray, Fighter Jet Gray, and Grabber Yellow.

SYNC 3
This infotainment system performs impressively through an 8-inch touchscreen or voice activation. It includes Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration, plus FordPass apps allowing users to start, lock, and locate their Mustang with 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 2021 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), Track Apps displaying performance parameters such as lateral acceleration, 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). The basic infotainment setup includes AM/FM radio, CD player, wi-fi, Bluetooth, 4-inch display, and two USB ports. This year sees a whole array of driver assistance features fitted as standard.

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 and stronger brakes.

A new Mustang can be ordered with many options. Such as ventilated front seats, Bang & Olufsen 12-speaker/1,000-watt audio, 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.

A new Safe and Smart package (for trims up to and including GT Premium) adds adaptive cruise control, navigation, and satellite radio. The two lower trims qualify for a High Performance package bringing suspension upgrades, limited-slip differential, and a 332-horsepower engine.

The Shelby GT500 gains a new Carbon Fiber Handling Package that includes several aerodynamic additions and 20-inch wheels, all made from carbon fiber, plus adjustable strut top mounts.

Purists may scoff at a 4-cylinder engine in a Ford Mustang, but the turbocharged 2.3-liter unit in the EcoBoost versions makes a respectable 310 horsepower. The High Performance package boosts that to 332.

However, a growling V8 seems so right. Mustang GT models have a 5.0-liter unit developing 460 horsepower; the new Mach 1 Mustang takes that engine and ramps output up to 480 horsepower.

The Shelby GT500 bolts on a supercharger for an astonishing 720 horsepower. This drivetrain also features a 7-speed dual-clutch automated transmission.

The EcoBoost comes with a 6-speed manual transmission; the GT’s and Mach 1’s manual ’boxes include the rev-matching function. A 10-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters is optional in the EcoBoost and GT Mustangs. All models are rear-wheel-drive (RWD).

These EPA figures are from 2020, but we expect the 2021’s to be the same. .

2.3-liter turbocharged inline-4
310 horsepower @ 5,500 rpm
332 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/HPP), 19/26 mpg (manual, convertible w/HPP), 20/27 mpg (automatic, convertible w/HPP)

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 (Mach 1)
480 horsepower @ 7,000 rpm
420 lb-ft of torque @ 4,600 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 14/22 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