2010 Ford Mustang Safety Review

May 18, 2009

SAFETY | 9 out of 10

Expert Quotes:

Not tested
IIHS

Five stars frontal, five stars side, five stars rollover
NHTSA

Available safety features include ABS, traction control, new-for-2010 antiskid system, and front side airbags
ConsumerGuide

Federal government test results for the 2010 Mustang coupe are already out; they include top five-star ratings across the board, in all frontal and side tests and even rollover. Among convertibles, last year's convertible pony car earned the highest possible ratings from NHTSA in both the frontal and side impact categories. The IIHS rated the 2009 Mustang Ford convertible as "acceptable" in the frontal offset test, which is the second-highest rating from the agency. Furthermore, in the side impact test, 2009 Ford Mustang convertibles scored the highest possible rating of "good." The 2010 Ford Mustang retains much of the same body structure as the 2009 Mustang, so drivers can expect similar ratings.

The 2010 Ford Mustang refresh truly brings something new for everyone, including the safety-conscious. For the new Ford Mustang, the engineers at Ford add a "new-for-2010 antiskid system," according to Consumer Guide, that complements "available safety features [that] include ABS, traction control," and a full range of airbags. The new stability control scores well in reviews read by TheCarConnection.com, with Car and Driver reporting that "the system allows substantial shenanigans before it decides to shut down the fun" and a "sport setting is even more permissive." Jalopnik also points out that "all models get traction and stability control as standard," whereas some competitors make you spend more for those features, and an "optional rear view camera" is available to aid driver visibility. Speaking of visibility, Consumer Guide quips that "outward vision is OK in coupes," while driving top-down in the convertible allows for generous sightlines in all directions.

Conclusion

The 2010 Ford Mustang's new stability control brings an extra measure of safety without putting too much of a damper on the fun.

SAFETY | 9 out of 10Expert Quotes:Not testedIIHSFive stars frontal, five stars side, five stars rolloverNHTSAAvailable safety features include ABS, traction control, new-for-2010 antiskid system, and front side airbagsConsumerGuide Federal government test results for the 2010 Mustang coupe are already out; they include top five-star ratings across the board, in all frontal and side tests and even rollover. Among convertibles, last year's convertible pony car earned the highest possible ratings from NHTSA in both the frontal and side impact categories. The IIHS rated the 2009 Mustang Ford convertible as "acceptable" in the frontal offset test, which is the second-highest rating from the agency. Furthermore, in the side impact test, 2009 Ford Mustang convertibles scored the highest possible rating of "good." The 2010 Ford Mustang retains much of the same body structure as the 2009 Mustang, so drivers can expect similar ratings. The 2010 Ford Mustang refresh truly brings something new for everyone, including the safety-conscious. For the new Ford Mustang, the engineers at Ford add a "new-for-2010 antiskid system," according to Consumer Guide, that complements "available safety features [that] include ABS, traction control," and a full range of airbags. The new stability control scores well in reviews read by TheCarConnection.com, with Car and Driver reporting that "the system allows substantial shenanigans before it decides to shut down the fun" and a "sport setting is even more permissive." Jalopnik also points out that "all models get traction and stability control as standard," whereas some competitors make you spend more for those features, and an "optional rear view camera" is available to aid driver visibility. Speaking of visibility, Consumer Guide quips that "outward vision is OK in coupes," while driving top-down in the convertible allows for generous sightlines in all directions. ConclusionThe 2010 Ford Mustang's new stability control brings an extra measure of safety without putting too much of a damper on the fun. 2010 FORD MUSTANG STYLING | [8 out of 10] Car and Driver: "New model is plainly a face lift rather than an all-new design" Automobile Magazine: "Freshly restyled outer shell makes the new Mustang look more compact and taut" Consumer Guide: "Transmission shifter interferes with the ...

Read More of this Review:

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

Other Choices:

The Dodge Challenger is a plus-sized pony car when compared to the Mustang. The Dodge's interior is larger, and its base V-8 offers more horsepower than the Mustang's only V-8. However, because the Mustang is smaller and lighter, the performance difference isn't as lopsided as one might expect; plus, the Mustang is less expensive. At the time this Bottom Line was produced, the 2010 Chevrolet Camaro hadn't yet gone on sale. The V-6 Camaro will be thousands of dollars more expensive than the base Mustang and may compete performance-wise with the Mustang GT. The interior of the new Camaro is also larger than the Mustang's, but not as large as the Dodge Challenger's. While not a direct competitor, the rear-wheel-drive Nissan 370Z (all-new for 2009) begins at just under $30,000. At this price point, it's a competitor with the American pony cars. Of course, the Nissan is a more focused sportscar, and accordingly, it gives up the practicality provided by small rear seats and a proper trunk. The Mustang is currently available as a coupe or convertible, which won't be offered by Dodge and is still in the future for the Camaro and 370Z. Additionally, the Mustang's optional glass roof, SYNC, and Sirius Travel Link further separate the Ford from these competitors.

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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 Kevin #1, Posted: 7/9/2009

    That picture of the "2010 Ford Mustang" sure hell looks a lot like a Challenger. -_-

  2. By alex #2, Posted: 7/10/2009

    thats not a mustang ... thats a challenger!!!!

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