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2009 Ford Mustang Bottom Line

February 23, 2009

By Rex Roy's avatar Rex Roy, Detroit EditorRex Roy

To write this comprehensive review, TheCarConnection.com read the latest reviews on the new 2009 Ford Mustang. Experts from TheCarConnection.com also drove several Ford Mustang editions, including the limited edition Bullitt, and added driving impressions and details about this American pony car.

Likes:

  • Affordability
  • Sound and feel of the V-8 engine
  • Nimble handling
  • Panoramic glass roof option

Dislikes:

  • Coarse standard V-6
  • Choppy ride
  • Cramped backseat

Buying Tips:


The limited edition 2009 Ford Mustang Bullitt models are worth careful scrutiny, as they offer great styling and extra performance for not much additional money. About 2,100 Bullitts will be built in ’09, which could make them an instant collectible.

Ford marketing types have used the phrase "a steed for every need" when referring to the Mustang lineup. 2009 Mustang body styles include a 2+2 coupe and convertible. Both body styles seat two comfortably, and the rear seats are more than adequate for kids. Adults won't mind short trips stuck in back, but the operative word is "stuck."

Three main powertrains are available for the 2009 Ford Mustang: a base 4.0-liter V-6, a 4.6-liter V-8, and a supercharged 5.4-liter V-8. Automatic and manual gearboxes are available, depending on the model. And depending on which model you choose, the amount of power on tap varies tremendously. The Mustang V-6 rings in with 210 horsepower (coupe and convertible); the V-8-powered Mustang GT with 300 hp (coupe and convertible); the Bullitt V-8 coupe with 319 hp; the Shelby GT500 with 500 hp (coupe and convertible); and the limited edition Shelby GT500KR coupe with 540 hp.

If you can afford a V-8, get one. The V-6 nets you only a 1-mpg increase in the city and highway, so it's hardly worth dealing with the engine's coarseness and lack of power compared to the step-up 4.6-liter (with 15 mpg city/23 mpg highway for the five-speed manual transmission).

On the road, the 2009 Ford Mustang GT is the model for enthusiasts. Despite the aged solid-axle layout, the suspension does well in soaking up imperfections while keeping the tires in contact with the pavement. The Mustang GT is an easy car to drive quickly on the track because it responds to the helm and throttle with equal aplomb. The car possesses very good balance.

The interior is fun, with sporty styling cues, though the quality of materials ranks far behind that of some modern sportscar rivals. The exhaust rumble from the V-8 is pleasant. There is a fair amount of road and tire noise, but this isn't a luxury car. First made standard in ’08, side airbags remain in place on all 2009 Ford Mustang models.

At the top of the Mustang lineup is the top-performance Shelby GT500. Powered by the iron-block 5.4-liter Triton V-8 with a supercharger, it churns out 500 hp through a six-speed manual gearbox. Its suspension features plenty of unique performance pieces, and the brakes are massive 14-inch, four-piston Brembos. Both front and rear brake discs are vented. The GT500 offers a completely different driving performance that lacks finesse but has more than enough power to, at least in some cases, make up for it.

Other Choices:

If you're interested in the 2009 Ford Mustang, also consider:

Reason Why:

Since 2002 when the last of the Chevrolet Camaros and Pontiac Firebirds rolled off the assembly line, the Ford Mustang has had no pony/muscle car foes to compete against. Some may be tempted to compare the Mustang to front-wheel-drive coupes like the Pontiac G6 or the Scion tC, but those are apples-to-oranges comparisons. With the introduction of the 2008 Dodge Challenger SRT8, finally, the Mustang has a rear-wheel-drive foe to battle, even if the Dodge only competes with the expensive Shelby GT500 and GT500KR models—for now. This year (2009), Mustang will compete against a full lineup of Dodge Challenger models (with V-6 and V-8 powerplants), as well as the 2010 Camaro. The ‘60s are back with a vengeance, and as an added benefit, these muscle machines can take on the twisties as well as they devour pavement in a straight line. Giddyup!

The Bottom Line:

The 2009 Ford Mustang is a sport coupe that won’t appeal to everyone, but some will appreciate its retro style and power-over-poise attitude.

To write this comprehensive review, TheCarConnection.com read the latest reviews on the new 2009 Ford Mustang. Experts from TheCarConnection.com also drove several Ford Mustang editions, including the limited edition Bullitt, and added driving impressions and details about this American pony car. Likes:AffordabilitySound and feel of the V-8 engineNimble handlingPanoramic glass roof optionDislikes:Coarse standard V-6Choppy rideCramped backseatBuying Tips: The limited edition 2009 Ford Mustang Bullitt models are worth careful scrutiny, as they offer great styling and extra performance for not much additional money. About 2,100 Bullitts will be built in ’09, which could make them an instant collectible. Ford marketing types have used the phrase "a steed for every need" when referring to the Mustang lineup. 2009 Mustang body styles include a 2+2 coupe and convertible. Both body styles seat two comfortably, and the rear seats are more than adequate for kids. Adults won't mind short trips stuck in back, but the operative word is "stuck." Three main powertrains are available for the 2009 Ford Mustang: a base 4.0-liter V-6, a 4.6-liter V-8, and a supercharged 5.4-liter V-8. Automatic and manual gearboxes are available, depending on the model. And depending on which model you choose, the amount of power on tap varies tremendously. The Mustang V-6 rings in with 210 horsepower (coupe and convertible); the V-8-powered Mustang GT with 300 hp (coupe and convertible); the Bullitt V-8 coupe with 319 hp; the Shelby GT500 with 500 hp (coupe and convertible); and the limited edition Shelby GT500KR coupe with 540 hp. If you can afford a V-8, get one. The V-6 nets you only a 1-mpg increase in the city and highway, so it's hardly worth dealing with the engine's coarseness and lack of power compared to the step-up 4.6-liter (with 15 mpg city/23 mpg highway for the five-speed manual transmission). On the road, the 2009 Ford Mustang GT is the model for enthusiasts. Despite the aged solid-axle layout, the suspension does well in soaking up imperfections while keeping the tires in contact with the pavement. The Mustang GT is an easy car to drive quickly on the track because it responds to the helm and throttle with equal aplomb. The car possesses very good balance. The interior is fun, with sporty styling cues, though the quality of materials ranks far behind that of some modern sportscar rivals. The exhaust rumble from the V-8 is pleasant. There is a fair amount of road and tire noise, but this isn't a luxury car. First made standard in ’08, side airbags remain in place on all 2009 Ford Mustang models. At the top of the Mustang lineup is the top-performance Shelby GT500. Powered by the iron-block 5.4-liter Triton V-8 with a supercharger, it churns out 500 hp through a six-speed manual gearbox. Its suspension features plenty of unique performance pieces, and the brakes are massive 14-inch, four-piston Brembos. Both front and rear brake discs are vented. The GT500 offers a completely different driving performance that lacks finesse but has more than enough power to, at least in some cases, make up for it. Other Choices:If you're interested in the 2009 Ford Mustang, also consider:Dodge Challenger SRT8Chevrolet Camaro (2010)Reason Why:Since 2002 when the last of the Chevrolet Camaros and Pontiac Firebirds rolled off the assembly line, the Ford Mustang has had no pony/muscle car foes to compete against. Some may be tempted to compare the Mustang to front-wheel-drive coupes like the Pontiac G6 or the Scion tC, but those are apples-to-oranges comparisons. With the introduction of the 2008 Dodge Challenger SRT8, finally, the Mustang has a rear-wheel-drive foe to battle, even if the Dodge only competes with the expensive Shelby GT500 and GT500KR models—for now. This year (2009), Mustang will compete against a full lineup of Dodge Challenger models (with V-6 and V-8 powerplants), as well as the 2010 Camaro. The ‘60s are back with a vengeance, and as an added benefit, these muscle machines can take on the twisties as well as they devour pavement in a straight line. Giddyup! The Bottom Line:The 2009 Ford Mustang is a sport coupe that won’t appeal to everyone, but some will appreciate its retro style and power-over-poise attitude. To write this comprehensive review, TheCarConnection.com read the latest reviews on the new 2009 Ford Mustang. Experts from TheCarConnection.com also drove several Ford Mustang editions, including the limited edition Bullitt, and added driving impressions and details about this American ...

Other Choices:

Since 2002 when the last of the Chevrolet Camaros and Pontiac Firebirds rolled off the assembly line, the Ford Mustang has had no pony/muscle car foes to compete against. Some may be tempted to compare the Mustang to front-wheel-drive coupes like the Pontiac G6 or the Scion tC, but those are apples-to-oranges comparisons. With the introduction of the 2008 Dodge Challenger SRT8, finally, the Mustang has a rear-wheel-drive foe to battle, even if the Dodge only competes with the expensive Shelby GT500 and GT500KR models—for now. This year (2009), Mustang will compete against a full lineup of Dodge Challenger models (with V-6 and V-8 powerplants), as well as the 2010 Camaro. The ‘60s are back with a vengeance, and as an added benefit, these muscle machines can take on the twisties as well as they devour pavement in a straight line. Giddyup!

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See the Ford Mustang in Other Years:

2011 | 2010 | 2009 | 2008 | 2007 | 2006 | 2005 | 2004 | 2003 | 2002 | 2001 | 2000 | 1999 | 1998 | 1997

Comments (2 total)

  1. By Neil Ramsay #1, Posted: 2/11/2009

    Beware of '09 Mustang GT

    I had mine for 2 months. I didn't drive it for 2 days and the battery died. The dealer service dept. told me that it has many "modules" and is an "intelligent" car And that it has to be started and day. I wrote Ford customer service and they concur with this. This is ABSURD!!! I had to get a jump start from my cleaning lady's 18 year old "dumb" car. If I were to go on a trip, leave my car at the airport and get back 3 or 4 days later, my battery will be dead. Also confirmed by Ford customer service. No wonder the American auto industry is in trouble.

  2. By Vince Pete #2, Posted: 5/22/2009

    Beware of crazy commenter.

    That has to be the dumbest comment I've ever read. Seriously now, does anyone think they would build a car that runs its own battery down in two days? I would never believe this story unless I had the specifics. What dealer did you buy this car from? What Ford customer service person told you this was normal? Now on the other hand, if you left your lights on, yeah, I could believe it.

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