The 2016 Mustang is available as a fastback or as convertible, with one of three engines. The base engine is a 3.7L V6, while the mid-level engine is a 2.3L turbocharged 4-cylinder. More powerful Mustang GT variants are powered by a 5.0L V8. The V6 and 4-cylinder engines both make over 300 horsepower, while the V8 engine makes well over 400 horsepower. In other words, the Mustang is fast in all of its forms. All engines can be mated to either a 6-speed automatic or a 6-speed manual transmission. Adjustable driving modes such as Normal, Snow/Wet, Sport and Track allow drivers to custom-tune the responsiveness of the Mustang to the task at hand.
There are five trim levels for the fastback: V6, EcoBoost, EcoBoost Premium, GT and GT Premium. The convertibles simplify things by only offering V6, EcoBoost Premium and GT Premium trims.
V6 Mustangs offer 17-inch wheels, HID headlamps, power mirrors, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, power windows and door locks, a 6-speaker stereo with Ford's SYNC system and a rearview camera.
EcoBoost models come equipped with Ford's 2.3L 4-cylinder, which is more fuel efficient than the V6 while still making comparable power. EcoBoost models' standard equipment includes 18-inch wheels, a 6-way power adjustable driver's seat and power adjustable passenger seat, and an intelligent key.
The EcoBoost Premium trim adds dual-zone climate control, heated mirrors, additional exterior lighting and a 9-speaker stereo with SiriusXM satellite radio compatibility. A Pony Package is offered on this trim.
The Mustang GT and GT Premium come similarly equipped to the EcoBoost trims, though of course GT models are powered by fire-breathing V8 engines rather than fuel sipping 4-cylinder turbos. Several performance options and packages are available, including a range of rear axle ratios, several wheel choices, and Recaro sport seats. A California Special Package adds 19-inch ebony wheels, ebony suede seat inserts with red stitching, special door panel inserts, an aluminum dashboard finish and more.
Mustang Mystique
Powerful Engines
Sporty Handling
Improved Fuel Economy
Modernized Styling
Available As A Convertible
The Mustang was fully redesigned for 2015, and for 2016, minor updates include the available SYNC 3 infotainment system, which replaces the previous MyFord Touch. On the GT, secondary turn signals are now incorporated into the hood vents. That model also features new wheels and stripes, while new packages include the Pony, California Special, and Black Accent packages. EcoBoost and V8 GTs can now be ordered with black roofs.
The 2016 Mustang may still have one of the most recognizable names in the automotive world, but with its current design, it's far more than just a pretty face and a familiar name. It represents one of the best value propositions for buyers who just want the fastest car for their money. There is no longer a "slow" Mustang and a "fast" Mustang; there are just "fast" and "even faster" versions. The Mustang starts at just over $24,000, a price that undercuts most of its less powerful rivals, such as the Subaru BRZ. Even when optioned out beyond the $40,000 mark, the Mustang still represents a tremendous value.
