By Shari Prymak
2015 Ford Mustang V6 - There are many great sports cars on the market today, but one problem that most of them share is that they are only accessible to the select few with loads of disposable income. That’s what’s special about the Mustang. It is a sports car for the people. Few cars can be called deeply significant in the lives of millions, but the Mustang can.
The Mustang has always been famous for its ability to deliver two-door coupe thrills for not much more than family car money, and that still remains true today. Although a well-optioned GT Convertible will take you well over 50 grand, a modest, equally handsome, V6 Fastback can be had for an MSRP of only $25,349. That’s a steal.
Being a muscle car, the Mustang’s job is to not only be visually striking, but fast as well. This may come as a surprise to some, but you don’t really need to go with the big V8, or even the heavily-promoted 4-cylinder turbo Ecoboost, to get an entertaining ride. When matched with the slick, 6-speed manual gearbox, and the optional 3.55 limited slip differential, the base model’s V6 engine is more than potent enough for daily driving, and just about matches the performance of the more expensive Ecoboost model. Although it can’t compete with the Ecoboost in terms of fuel efficiency, the cheaper V6 has the benefits of requiring only regular fuel, and having a proven track record for reliability.
The Mustang is a relatively big and heavy car, and it feels it. Having said that, it still stops, steers, and handles very well for a muscle car. Ford did an excellent job of tuning the Mustang’s steering and new independent suspension to deliver quick responses and inspire confidence when you really want to hustle. The ride, though firm, is still relatively compliant over most surfaces and well suited for a daily driver. For those looking for a more enthusiast-oriented setup, the Ecoboost and GT models offer a Performance Package loaded with track-inspired goodies.
The Mustang may be a fine ride, but it’s a bit of a shame that its large size doesn’t necessarily translate into large interior space. Though a four-seater, adults will struggle to get comfortable in the back seat. That being said, the interior does have a nice overall look and feel. The front seats are comfortable and supportive, and the driving position is just about spot on. Standard equipment includes Bluetooth and USB connectivity, HID headlights, and a backup camera. Budget permitting, a Mustang can be loaded up with luxuries such as blind spot monitoring with cross traffic alert, both heated and cooled seats, and adaptive cruise control.
Although some would argue that the full Mustang experience can’t be had with anything less than eight cylinders, the appeal of the entry-level V6 is hard to ignore. Even without the GT’s tire-smoking performance, the attention-grabbing, ego-inflating, feel-good muscle car experience is still there. The only big thing missing from the V6 is a wildly inflated price tag. Somehow, I think the people can live with that.