The Ford Mustang is a popular American muscle car on the U.S. market. Even though it was completely redesigned a little more than two years ago, it still gets some styling changes for the 2013 model year—since Ford wants the Mustang to always feel fresh to consumers. The Ford Shelby GT2500 is a close sibling to the Mustang and has the best performance of the two, with an engine that produces 662 horsepower.
New For 2013
Styling updates for 2013 include new front and rear fasciae, an enhanced grille, standard HID headlights, and LED taillights. The 5.0-liter V-8 in the GT has been bumped up to 420 hp, and a new GT Track Package becomes available. The six-speed automatic can now be shifted manually. The available Track Apps allows the driver to monitor performance measures such as 0-to-60-mph acceleration, braking, and g-force.
Exterior
The body of the 2013 Ford Mustang mixes galvanized steel and aluminum. It comes painted in several choices of clearcoat monotone or metallic monotone paint. A black grille adds definition to the front fascia for the lighter color paint schemes. The silver aluminum wheels look handsome and come with all-season tires suitable for driving in most weather and driving conditions. A rear lip spoiler is available for an extra touch of style. A first-row sunroof is available for the Premium coupe.
Interior & Cargo
Manual air-conditioning comes standard for all models and it comes with an air filter to keep the air fresh within the cabin. Dual-zone automatic air-conditioning is available for the Premium. Front seats are bucket seats, with a bench seat in the rear of the convertible and a 50/50 bench seat in the coupe. The coupe also comes with the option of sport seats in the front. The driver’s seat adjusts six ways, offers power adjustment for the Premium, and the front passenger’s seat is four-way adjustable, with the option for a six-way power-adjustable seat for Premium. Lumbar support for the driver comes on the Premium. Seats come upholstered in cloth for non-Premium models, and leather for Premium models.
The 2013 Ford Mustang comes with an AM/FM/Satellite/CD player. MP3 capability is standard, as well as auxiliary audio input. The Premium uses voice recognition, an amplifier, and Bluetooth compatibility as well. Steering wheel controls come standard on all models and help the driver control the music while keeping hands on the wheel and eyes on the road. Music plays through four to eight speakers, depending on the model. A compass comes standard for some navigation support if the driver decides not to opt for the navigation system, which is available for Premium models. One LCD screen comes standard in the front on all models save the basic V-6. An external temperature display keeps the driver updated on the outside conditions. A programmable garage door opener comes standard with the Premium, for help with automatic garage doors.
The Mustang’s cargo space remains limited, at a maximum of 13.4 cubic feet for the coupe and 9.6 cubic feet for the convertible.
Safety
The availability of crash test ratings for the 2013 Ford Mustang varies depending on body style: the convertible only has one rating from the NHTSA, but full ratings from the IIHS. The coupe has full ratings from the NHTSA, but no ratings from the IIHS. To sum up, the NHTSA gives the coupe an overall four out of five stars, while the IIHS gives the convertible an overall ?Good? rating.
Driver and front-passenger frontal-impact airbags come standard, as do seat-mounted side-impact airbags. Side-curtain airbags and knee-protection airbags remain unavailable. Airbags come with an occupant sensor. Anti-lock brakes and driveline traction control help the driver stay in control of the vehicle during a skid. Parking assist also provides an option.
Remote keyless entry is available through a key fob and comes with a panic alarm to deter theft. Ignition disable helps to deter theft as well. A remote vehicle starting system is available for Premium models, for additional convenience. The Mustang warns the driver when the fuel level gets low, when the tire pressure gets low, or when the Mustang needs to be serviced.
Driving Experience
The Mustang V-6 contains a 3.7-liter, 305-horsepower, V-6 engine. This engine produces 280 lb-ft of torque and offers 19/29 mpg city/highway. The GT comes with a 5.0-liter, 420-horsepower, V-8 engine. This engine produces 390 lb-ft of torque and gets 15/26 mpg city/highway. Finally, the Boss comes with a 5.0-liter, 444-horsepower, V-8 engine. This engine produces 380 lb-ft of torque and offers 15/26 mpg city/highway. Cruise control comes with steering wheel controls standard for all models.
The suspension is regular tuned in the V-6 and GT, with a sport-tuned suspension available for the GT. The Boss comes standard with a sport suspension, for maximum handling. The front uses a strut suspension, while the rear suspension is a multi-link suspension. This combination allows for responsive handling and a comfortable ride. Both front and rear suspensions get supported by coil springs and gas-pressurized shocks, which help cushion impacts from small road irregularities to large bumps, contributing to a smooth ride. Locking/limited slip differential comes standard for additional control over the 2013 Ford Mustang.
Key Competitors For The 2013 Ford Mustang
- Chevrolet Camaro
- Dodge Challenger
- Hyundai Genesis
- Infiniti G37