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Acceleration
"Test V6 coupe ran 0-60 mph in a brisk 6.9 sec with automatic, but that transmission
dulls passing response with reluctant downshifts. And V6 or V8, Mustang's automatic
lacks a manual shift gate. GTs are fast--Ford says around 5.2 sec 0-60 with either
transmission--but V8 feels a bit weak below 3000 rpm, needs manual transmission
for best overall performance. Convertibles weigh some 175 lb more than like-equipped
coupes, so are a bit slower."
Value
"Our Best Buy nod is mainly for the GT versions, but V6 Mustangs don't lack bang-for-the-buck appeal. They rival some sporty imports on price, though not agility, refinement, or overall quality. GTs deliver great ""go"" for
relatively little dough, and all convertibles blend value, verve, and nominal
4-seat practicality. Mustang's main letdowns are low-rent cabin appointments
and occasional workmanship lapses."
Ride
"GTs only a bit firmer than base models. All absorb small bumps with little shock,
but can transmit sharp pavement breaks, and some testers noticed wander along
rain grooves. Base models prone to slight float over large moguls. Convertibles
impressively tight, solid on most surfaces."
Economy
"Automatic-transmission V6 coupe averaged 19.3 mpg, even with gas-eating performance
tests. Manual-transmission GT coupes logged 14.6-16.3 mpg in less-strenuous mixed
driving. Test automatic GT coupe returned 14.9. Test GT convertible with manual
transmission averaged 19.2 mpg in mostly highway driving. V6 or GT, Ford recommends
regular-grade fuel."
Noise
"Wind rush reasonably muffled, even in convertibles, but there's marked engine
noise and coarse-surface tire thrum. V6 growls, booms unpleasantly as revs rise.
V8 has throaty muscle car tone."
Comfort - Front
"Good head and leg room, but cozy feel from low seats, high dashtop and windowsills.
Driver comfort enhanced by standard tilt steering wheel, height-adjustable seat,
nicely contoured backrest, but knees collide easily with hard door panels and
console. Shoulder belts don't adjust for height, a needless cost cut. Outward
vision good in coupes; convertible top leaves wide over-the-shoulder blind spots.
Long doors complicate tight-quarters entry/exit."
Comfort - Rear
"Inhospitable for adults. Little room, skimpy seat, back-straining entry/exit."
Controls
"Main gauges in chrome-ringed tunnels can be hard to read by day, have overly
styled graphics. Manual shifting awkward with console cupholders in use. Cabin
has eye appeal, but too much hard plastic even at this price level; console lid,
door inserts among the few padded surfaces. Switchgear feels cut-rate. Intermittent
dashboard squeaks plagued two test coupes. Convertible-top roof latches balky,
require fair muscle to lock or unlock."
Cargo Room
"Cargo space good for the class, but not by sedan standards. Trunklids open wide
on nonintruding hinges, but aperture size, shape preclude bulky items. Cabin
storage sparse; door map pockets almost useless."
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