With all-new engines, the 2011 Ford Mustang models offer more bang for the buck than ever before, without skimping on practicality or fuel-efficiency. Read more »
Bengt Halvorson is Deputy Editor of High Gear Media's portfolio of car sites, overseeing the production of reviews, evaluating vehicles firsthand... More
The 2011 Ford Mustang looks virtually the same as last year’s model, but new engines and other improvements make it a better drive—and better equipped—in just about every way. With either the all-new 412-hp V-8 in the GT or the new 305-hp, 3.7-liter V-6 in the base models, it’s both faster and more fuel-efficient. Highway fuel economy rates as high as 31 mpg with the V-6, or 31 mpg for the GT.
V-8 pony-car aficionados will be thrilled to hear that the "5.0" is back. With lots of torque, good throttle response, and a rev-happy, rorty attitude, the new engine feels just right and enables the sort of performance that only exclusive tuner versions could provide a few years ago.
To match the new powertrains, the 2011 Mustang models get upgraded brakes, as well as body and suspension enhancements; they all get electric power steering. The Mustang received a complete refresh last year, for 2010, with reshaped sheetmetal on the outside, along with an updated center stack and audio controls; those changes carry through to 2011.
Just as before, the Mustang is available either as a Coupe or Convertible, both in GT or V-6 form, and the Convertible comes with a reasonably tight, well-designed soft top. Ford is finally catching on to both the Mustang’s personalization potential and its appeal with tuners; both models can be equipped with special paint schemes, hood scoops, and such, and new to the V-6 is a performance package—aimed at weekend racers—that adds most of the GT’s goodies for an affordable price.