2001 Ford Mustang: Road Test
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2001 Ford Mustang ▼
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- MSRP: $17,095 -$32,605
- Invoice: $15,906 -$30,190
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Our road test for the 2001 Ford Mustang includes a full evaluation of the 2001 Ford Mustang from the inside out. We evaluate not only engine and handling performance for the 2001 Ford Mustang, but also interior cabin and cargo space. Let our comprehensive road test ratings for the 2001 Ford Mustang help you decide if a 2001 Ford Mustang is right for you.
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ACCELERATION
| Base cpe, auto. | GT conv, auto. | Bullitt | Cobra cpe | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5 | 7 | 7 | 8 | 5.7 |
V6 feels sprightly, especially with manual transmission. Bullitt V8 feels subtly livelier than GT's; both are robust, but trail Camaro/Firebird V8 for all-out kick. Cobra is competitive with the GM rivals.
FUEL ECONOMY
| Base cpe, auto. | GT conv, auto. | Bullitt | Cobra cpe | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5 | 4 | 4 | 3 | 6.1 |
Manual-transmission GT test cars averaged 15.5 mpg. Expect slightly better with V6, marginally worse with Bullitt. Test Cobras averaged 14 mpg in mixed city/highway use, 19.4 in mostly freeway cruising. Cobra requires premium fuel, others use regular.
RIDE QUALITY
| Base cpe, auto. | GT conv, auto. | Bullitt | Cobra cpe | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | 3 | 3 | 3 | 3.5 |
Mustang has a ride-comfort edge over Camaro/Firebird, though bad pavement comes through distinctly in the stiff-riding V8 models. Cobra's independent rear suspension pays dividends in ride control and absorbency.
STEERING/HANDLING/BRAKING
| Base cpe, auto. | GT conv, auto. | Bullitt | Cobra cpe | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5 | 7 | 7 | 8 | 6.8 |
Plenty of lateral grip and good steering feel, but non-Cobras tend to get skittish in bumpy corners. We strongly recommend traction control to help minimize tire slip in these rear-wheel-drive cars.
QUIETNESS
| Base cpe, auto. | GT conv, auto. | Bullitt | Cobra cpe | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 3.2 |
Hard acceleration brings lots of V6 engine ruckus and, on V8s, engine and exhaust roar. Convertibles aren't uncomfortably noisy with the roof raised.
CONTROLS
| Base cpe, auto. | GT conv, auto. | Bullitt | Cobra cpe | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 5.6 |
Legible and easy to use. Build quality is nothing special, and hard plastic dominates the interior. Rearward visibility is limited--especially with the convertible's top up--but it's nonetheless equal to or better than most rivals.
ROOM/COMFORT/DRIVER SEATING (FRONT)
| Base cpe, auto. | GT conv, auto. | Bullitt | Cobra cpe | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 4.3 |
Good room for two and seats are supportive. Long doors are a hassle in tight spaces.
ROOM/COMFORT (REAR)
| Base cpe, auto. | GT conv, auto. | Bullitt | Cobra cpe | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 1.5 |
Grade-school kids might fit, but it's no place for adults. Entry/exit is typical sporty coupe, requires awkward crouching under low roof, squeezing between front seat and doorjamb.
CARGO ROOM
| Base cpe, auto. | GT conv, auto. | Bullitt | Cobra cpe | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2 | 1 | 2 | 2 | 3 |
Meager trunk space, and convertible lacks coupe's folding rear seatback.
VALUE WITHIN CLASS
| Base cpe, auto. | GT conv, auto. | Bullitt | Cobra cpe | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5 | 5 | 3 | 3 | 4.6 |
Mustang handily outsells its GM competition because it has broader appeal. This is still an impractical car, but easily fulfills its core mission: Deliver sporty performance and looks for a reasonable price--especially in base and GT form. Cobras are pricey, and don't expect discounts on the limited-production Bullitt.
Total Score
| Base cpe, auto. | GT conv, auto. | Bullitt | Cobra cpe | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 42 | 42 | 41 | 42 | 44.3 |
Total Score: 42
Scores for all Sporty/performance Cars
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