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2009 Ford Mustang Safety Review

February 23, 2009

SAFETY | 7 out of 10

Expert Quotes:

Available safety features include ABS, traction control, and front side airbags.
ConsumerGuide

Acceptable," frontal offset collision; "good," side-impact collision
IIHS

Five stars, front impact; five stars, side impact
NHTSA

Neither stability control nor full-length head curtain airbags are available
Edmunds

The 2009 Ford Mustang performs well in crash tests and offers a good deal of safety equipment on up-level versions.

In a variety of collision simulations from independent crash-testing authorities, the Ford Mustang 2009 scores very well. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) gives the Mustang 2009 models its best rating of "good" for side-impact tests, while the Mustang scores the second-best rating of "acceptable" for frontal offset collisions. Achieving a perfect score of five stars in front and side impact tests, as well as a five-star rating for rollover risk from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the 2009 Ford Mustang convertible tests impeccably well.

Kelley Blue Book notes that the "GT Deluxe adds...anti-lock brakes" as standard equipment, but the V-6 Mustangs aren't similarly equipped. Edmunds points out that safety features include "four-wheel disc brakes and front seat side airbags...standard on all Mustangs," but cautions that "neither stability control nor full-length head curtain airbags are available" on the V-6 versions of the Ford Mustang. The lack of stability control is surprising in a sportscar, as nearly all of the Mustang 2009's competitors reviewed by TheCarConnection.com feature some sort of stability or traction control system. However, Motor Trend points out that the Shelby GT500 and GT500KR both feature standard "traction control."

In terms of another critical safety characteristic, driver visibility, ConsumerGuide reports that on the Ford Mustang "outward vision is good in coupes, but the convertible top leaves wide over-the-shoulder blind spots" when raised. Car and Driver is quick to point out that new safety features for Ford Mustang include "front-seat side airbags," which greatly improve the car's overall safety rating.

Conclusion

The 2009 Ford Mustang scores well in crash tests, but it lacks some of the dynamic features to complete the package.

SAFETY | 7 out of 10Expert Quotes:Available safety features include ABS, traction control, and front side airbags.ConsumerGuideAcceptable," frontal offset collision; "good," side-impact collisionIIHSFive stars, front impact; five stars, side impactNHTSANeither stability control nor full-length head curtain airbags are availableEdmunds The 2009 Ford Mustang performs well in crash tests and offers a good deal of safety equipment on up-level versions. In a variety of collision simulations from independent crash-testing authorities, the Ford Mustang 2009 scores very well. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) gives the Mustang 2009 models its best rating of "good" for side-impact tests, while the Mustang scores the second-best rating of "acceptable" for frontal offset collisions. Achieving a perfect score of five stars in front and side impact tests, as well as a five-star rating for rollover risk from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the 2009 Ford Mustang convertible tests impeccably well. Kelley Blue Book notes that the "GT Deluxe adds...anti-lock brakes" as standard equipment, but the V-6 Mustangs aren't similarly equipped. Edmunds points out that safety features include "four-wheel disc brakes and front seat side airbags...standard on all Mustangs," but cautions that "neither stability control nor full-length head curtain airbags are available" on the V-6 versions of the Ford Mustang. The lack of stability control is surprising in a sportscar, as nearly all of the Mustang 2009's competitors reviewed by TheCarConnection.com feature some sort of stability or traction control system. However, Motor Trend points out that the Shelby GT500 and GT500KR both feature standard "traction control." In terms of another critical safety characteristic, driver visibility, ConsumerGuide reports that on the Ford Mustang "outward vision is good in coupes, but the convertible top leaves wide over-the-shoulder blind spots" when raised. Car and Driver is quick to point out that new safety features for Ford Mustang include "front-seat side airbags," which greatly improve the car's overall safety rating. ConclusionThe 2009 Ford Mustang scores well in crash tests, but it lacks some of the dynamic features to complete the package. 2009 FORD MUSTANG STYLING | [8 out of 10] Edmunds: "Eye-catching retro styling" Autoblog: "Carries the classic proportions and cues of the late sixties 'Stangs" Car and Driver: “All Mustangs might be retro retreads due to their throwback styling, but these retro retreads will never look ...

Read More of this Review:

  1. styling
  2. performance
  3. quality
  4. safety
  5. features

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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