Mustang Generations: Here Are The Best & Worst Years

Many vehicle enthusiasts frequently fantasize about owning a Mustang, dubbed “America’s favorite pony car.” Because of its superior engineering and firm performance, it is a favorite.

With over 10 million sales since 1964, it is also the best-selling sports car globally. All these benefits notwithstanding, not all model years are perfect. That explains why some Mustangs are more favored than others.

What Ford Mustang Years Are the Most Reliable?

1.     2021 Ford Mustang

The 2021 Mustang receives a staggering 8.8 out of 10 overall and 9.3 out of 10 for safety from U.S. News. It earns a 9.0 out of 10 for performance and a 7.0 out of 10 for the interior. The NHTSA gave the 2021 Mustang the same 5.0 out of 5.0 grade as the 2019 model.

It received a “good” rating from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety for front and back collision protection. Consumer Reports gave it additional support. The 2021 Mustang is now a need. Therefore there must be something distinctive about it.

2021 Ford Mustang Mach 1.

Additionally, it has basic safety features like collision alerts, automatic emergency braking, and other driver-aid technology. The engines of the 2021 Mustang, as with all Mustangs, are excellent. It is equipped with powerful but quiet engines.

2.     2019 Ford Mustang

The sixth-generation Mustang is the S550. Because of this, we anticipate advancements and increased reliability. The 2019 model receives a 9.3 out of 10 reviewers’ rating and an 8.9 out of 10 performance rating from the US News.

It also awards an overall grade of 8.3 and a safety rating of 9.1 out of 10. The interior received the lowest score, 7.1 out of 10. The 2019 Mustang scores 86/100 for the driving experience and 77/100 for quality and dependability on J.D. Power.

The car received a five-out-of-five safety rating from the NHTSA. With such a rating, the Mustang undoubtedly did well in crash tests. Additionally, it has contemporary safety features, including lane keep assist, blind spot monitoring, and pedestrian detection.

Modern cars need to be more dependable than we would like them to be. This is because modern automotive technology systems that rely on electricity are more prone to failure than their analog counterparts. Given this, the fact that the 2019 Mustang boasts outstanding reliability ratings is remarkable.

3.     2014 Ford Mustang

The final iteration of the fifth generation, the 2014 Mustang, carried on the heritage of highly potent engines. It uses very little fuel considering the performance that its engine produces. Its many trims are all unique sports engines.

The 2014 Mustang has a 4.5 out of 5 reliability rating from Consumer Reports. It receives an 8.3 overall rating from US News, with ratings of 7.0 for the inside and 8.8 for safety. On J.D., it received a quality and dependability rating of 82/100. Power and an overall score of 80.

2014 Ford Mustang.

Nevertheless, it gets a stellar 83/100 rating for driving satisfaction on the dependability scale. On J.D., it likewise comes in second. “Best Midsize Sporty Car of 2014” ranking published by Power.

4.     2011 Ford Mustang

Over the years, the 2011 Mustang has developed quite a name for itself. Almost everyone compliments the engine and performance of the vehicle. It also demonstrates other beautiful qualities evident in its handling, fuel efficiency, and safety ratings. The rear seat legroom in the 2011 Mustang is a constant source of discussion.

The back seat has frequently been referred to as “cramped” by auto enthusiasts, customers, and critics. This might be the 2011 model’s single significant drawback. Compared to the year of production, it has a sound infotainment system.

It also adds standard amenities like adaptive cruise control to the list and has a keyless entry system. According to many people, one can own one of the most dependable Mustangs.

What Ford Mustang Years Should You Avoid?

1.     2018 Ford Mustang

Consumer Reports gives it a reliability rating of 1 out of 5. On Consumer Reports’ list of “Used Cars to Avoid Buying,” it is the third model year. It is now the third model from the sixth generation to do so.

The engine issues with the car are so severe that they get a severity rating of 10.0 on Car Complaints. According to the NHTSA complaints, this issue caused a crash that resulted in injuries.

At roughly 8,000 miles, an engine fault starts to occur. When changing gears, the car may jerk or lose power due to the engine. Even at typical speeds, it might emit loud, unsettling noises.

2.     2016 Ford Mustang

It is listed as one of the “Used Cars to Avoid Buying” by Consumer Reports, just like its predecessor. The 2016 model also has issues with the drivetrain, which frequently causes a concerning vibration while driving. According to Car Complaints, the average incidence distance is roughly 500 miles, and the severity rating is 7.6.

The clutch can fail suddenly in manual transmissions. This would undoubtedly make it difficult to change gears and may result in accidents. This happened across a distance of around 14,830 miles on average.

Gas, brake, and clutch pedals of a manual transmission car.

Another frequent source of concern is the engine for the 2016 model year. It occasionally loses power while moving. Usually, this issue arises before the car has traveled 15,000 miles. While driving, some drivers complained that their vehicles would suddenly turn off and not always turn back on.

Other drivers just experienced a loss of power, paradoxically while the engine was still running. Even if it might occasionally be transient, this is unsettling. It receives a 9.2 severity rating from Car Complaints, which translates to “very poor.”

3.     2015 Ford Mustang

The S550 heralded new generational beginnings. However, a makeover and purported upgrades also brought about brand-new, heart-pounding powertrain issues. The powertrain issue received a severity rating of 10.0 from Car Complaints, which translates to “very poor.”

The average distance traveled was 21,304 miles. Drivers have complained about unstable gears, which can quickly jerk the car while driving. Additionally, this may result in traffic collisions, endangering lives.

Both the price of repairs and the availability of new parts are not low or straightforward. On some 2015 versions, the driveshaft is also known to shake in addition to the constant jerking.

If you buy a secondhand 2015 Mustang, go with your mechanic and look out for any red flags. Check the car’s body carefully for rust indicators.

Make sure to pay particular attention to the cars underneath. Run the car through a test drive, look over the engine, and see if the brakes have ever been replaced. If it develops the defect a second time, consider the possibility that you could need to replace it again.

What Are Some Typical Problems with Ford Mustang Cars

A lady is disappointed with her car issue.

The issues listed below stand out and are frequently reported.

  • The hood has corrosion (worst complaint on Car Complaints)
  • Mass airflow sensor malfunction
  • Seal leaks
  • Unappealing coolant scent

What Year Is Mustang The Fastest

1.     Ford Mustang SVT Cobra R (1995) – 160 MPH 

The 1995 Cobra R has a 5.8L 32-valve V-8 engine with a top speed of 160 mph and some current exterior design revisions, like an expanded nose, updated side fenders, and a redesigned hood.

It also had larger brakes and a rear suspension while keeping the same interior as the standard production Mustang GT. It was only available in white and was marketed to people with a race license because it lacked airbags. It also didn’t have air conditioning.

2.     Ford Mustang Bullitt (2019) – 163 MPH 

It is incredible how little things can have a significant impact. In contrast to what we are used to seeing from Ford, the 2019 Bullitt looks distinct. The Bullitt isn’t simply a modified Mustang GT; it boasts a remarkable max speed of only eight mph off 170 mph.

Just try to picture how fast it would be without the limitation! This car has many unique features not found in any previous Mustang before it and is completely customizable!

3.     Ford Mustang Mach I (2004) – 151 MPH – One of the Fastest Ford Mustangs

The 2004 Mach I was one of the quickest Mustang models. It had a 4.6-liter V8 engine with more power than the ordinary GT and could accelerate to 60 mph in 4.6 seconds as opposed to the GT’s 5.4 seconds. Mach I’s top speed was 151 mph, which was an improvement.

What Year is Mustang Best To Restore?

Due to its widespread manufacturing, the Mustang model from 1965 to 1970 is the best choice for initial restoration. Because they are produced in large quantities, there are enough available for restoration projects. This implies that parts are still being created today and that old details can still be found in good shape.

The parts’ accessibility and affordable costs speak for themselves. Many resources are also available to assist you throughout the entire restoration process. There is plenty of knowledge for a successful Mustang restoration, from how-to books to online forums.

Conclusion

The Ford Mustang is an excellent addition to the elegant automobile lines. Ford has created several models that are superior to earlier iterations. They are the strong and most highly dependable.

Every advancement, though, has its highs and lows. People select Ford Mustangs as one of the best vehicles due to their great power and dependability. An engine provides this quality, and when all of these elements are present, the environment for the passengers is superb.

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About Matthew Webb

Hi, I am Matthew! I am a dedicated car nerd! During the day, I am a journalist, at night I enjoy working on my 2 project cars. I have been a car nerd all my life, and am excited to share my knowledge with you!

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