2001 Ford Mustang Full Review - Consumer Guide Automotive

To base, GT, and Cobra versions the original pony car adds a limited-edition Bullitt GT coupe. All but Bullitt are available as a convertible with power top and glass rear window. Base Mustangs have a 190-hp V6, GTs a 260-hp V8, Cobras a 320-hp V8. A 5-speed manual transmission is standard; automatic is optional on base and GT. Cobra has independent rear suspension in place of the other models' less-sophisticated solid-axle design. Added midyear to mimic Steve McQueen's 1968 movie Mustang, the GT-based Bullitt has a 265-hp V8, modifications to suspension and brakes, and special trim inside and out. All Mustangs have 4-wheel disc brakes; ABS is optional on the base model, standard on the others. Traction control is optional on base Mustangs, standard elsewhere. Side airbags are unavailable.

Competition

The current Honda Prelude has been around for a few years but it has plenty of power, excellent road manners, and gets reasonable fuel economy. If Prelude is a little too expensive, take a look at our other Best Buy the Volkswagen New Beetle. It offers interesting styling and a nice mix of comfort, performance, and economy.

If raw performance is what you are after we Recommend the Chevrolet Camaro, Ford Mustang, and Pontiac Firebird. Not as pleasant to live with on a daily basis, these cars offer a lot of bang for your buck. New last year, the fun-to-drive Toyota Celica also earns the Recommended nod with its reputation for reliability.

News

Traditional Detroit performance cars haven't been a big item in years, yet Mustang continues to defy major market trends by scoring healthy sales year after year. Calendar 2000 was no exception, the "original ponycar" inching up some 4 percent from 1999 to near 174,000.

Sales may get a further boost this spring, when a limited-edition "Bullitt" package becomes available for the GT coupe. Inspired by the memorable Mustang that bounded over the hills of San Francisco in the 1968 Steve McQueen film, this $3695 option features various modifications that boost the GT V8 to 270 hp. Ford also claims "significantly more torque," but hasn't yet revealed a number. Also included are tighter suspension, frame reinforcements, new and larger 13-inch-diameter front disc brakes, metal-look fuel-filler flap, and 5-spoke 17-inch wheels keyed to one of three paint colors: Black, Dark Highland Green (as on the movie car), and "True Blue." The interior, also color-keyed, features special gauge graphics and metal-trimmed pedals. Ford says it will built about 6500 Mustang Bullitt GTs, each supplied with a "unique serialized identification label...to ensure exclusivity and collectibility."

2001 Ford Mustang Road Test

Pros	Cons

Acceleration (V8)	Rear visibility (convertible)

Steering/handling	Fuel economy (V8)

	Rear-seat room

	Wet weather traction (without traction control)

	Rear-seat entry/exit

Consumer Guide® Road Test Ratings

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

Scores for all Sporty/performance Cars

Low Score		37
Average Score		44
High Score		60

2001 Ford Mustang Prices & Equipment

Model Prices

Prices Updated: 06/20/2001

Trim Name	Retail Price	Dealer Invoice	Destination Charge

Base 2-door coupe	$17,095	$15,906	$600

Base 2-door convertible	$22,510	$20,779	$600

GT 2-door coupe	$22,730	$20,977	$600

GT 2-door convertible	$26,985	$24,807	$600

Bullitt 2-door coupe	$26,230	$24,127	$600

Cobra 2-door coupe	$28,605	$26,550	$600

Cobra 2-door convertible	$32,605	$30,190	$600

Price note: Bullitt requires Bullitt Pkg.

Pricing Key: Retail prices listed with each report are set by the vehicle's manufacturer. These figures appear on each car's federally mandated window sticker. Most price lists also include dealer-invoice prices. Dealer-invoice prices are what the dealer pays the manufacturer for the car and its factory-installed options. The destination charge is not included in the suggested-retail or dealer-invoice price and must be added to the cost of the vehicle. Car companies change prices frequently throughout the year. If the prices published do not match those on the vehicle's window sticker, the manufacturer has probably altered the price recently.

NA = price note available, NC = no charge.

Rebates and Incentives

There are no rebates or incentives at this time.

Consumer Guide®'s Rebates and Incentives represent a summary of national manufacturer programs available. Regional restrictions may apply, and offerings may vary by model. For a complete list of Rebate & Incentive programs click here.

Standard Equipment

Base coupe

Powertrain

3.8-liter V6 engine, 5-speed manual transmission.

Safety

Dual front airbags, 4-wheel disc brakes, emergency inside trunk release.

Comfort and Convenience Features

Power steering, tilt steering wheel, air conditioning, cloth upholstery, bucket seats, split folding rear seat, center console, cupholders, power mirrors, power windows, power door locks, remote keyless entry, AM/FM/cassette/CD player, digital clock, tachometer, visor mirrors, rear defogger, intermittent wipers, power remote decklid release.

Appearance and Miscellaneous

Theft-deterrent system, 205/65R15 tires, alloy wheels.

Base convertible adds to Base coupe:

Comfort and Convenience Features

Power convertible top, cruise control, 6-way power driver seat, illuminated visor mirrors, floormats.

Appearance and Miscellaneous

Deletes: split folding rear seat.

GT/Bullitt adds to base coupe:

Powertrain

4.6-liter V8 engine, traction control, limited-slip differential.

Safety

Antilock 4-wheel disc brakes.

Comfort and Convenience Features

Leather-wrapped steering wheel, cruise control, 6-way power driver seat, illuminated visor mirrors (convertible), power convertible top (convertible), floormats.

Appearance and Miscellaneous

Deletes: split folding rear seat (convertible).

Fog lights, rear spoiler, GT Suspension Pkg., 245/45ZR17 tires.

Cobra adds to GT/Bullitt:

Powertrain

4.6-liter dohc V8 engine.

Comfort and Convenience Features

Leather/cloth upholstery, remote keyless entry, Mach AM/FM radio w/in-dash 6-disc CD changer, illuminated visor mirrors.

Appearance and Miscellaneous

Deletes: rear spoiler.

Cobra Suspension Pkg.

Optional Equipment

Major Packages	Retail Price	Invoice Price
110A Deluxe Series Order Code
Base coupe	$565	$509
Cruise control, 6-way power driver seat, floormats, rear spoiler.

120A Premium Series Order Code
Base coupe	$1,795	$1,616
Deluxe Series Order Code plus traction control, antilock brakes, AM/FM radio w/in-dash 6-disc CD changer, Mach sound system, leather-wrapped steering wheel, accent stripe, 225/55R16 tires.

160A Premium Series Order Code
Base convertible	$2,565	$2,309
4-speed automatic transmission, traction control, antilock brakes, leather upholstery, leather-wrapped steering wheel, Mach AM/FM radio w/in-dash 6-disc CD changer, accent stripes, rear spoiler.

140A Premium Series Order Code
GT	$1,150	$1,035
Leather upholstery, Mach AM/FM radio w/in-dash 6-disc CD changer, premium alloy wheels.

Sport Appearance Group
Base coupe	$250	$223
Accent stripes, 225/55R16 tires. Requires 110A Deluxe Series Order Code.

Bullitt Pkg.
Bullitt	$0	$0
4.6-liter V8 high-output engine, handling pkg., upgraded brakes, special leather upholstery, brushed aluminum interior trim, unique instrument cluster, serial number identification plate, special hood scoop and side scoops, special bodyside cladding and accents, underhood clearcoat paint, badging, premium alloy wheels. Deletes fog lights. NA w/4-speed automatic transmission.

Powertrain
4-speed automatic transmission
Base, GT	$815	$725


Safety
Antilock brakes
Base	$730	$650
Includes traction control. Base coupe requires 110A Deluxe Series Order Code.

Comfort and Convenience Features
Leather upholstery
Base, GT	$500	$445
Base coupe requires 120A Premium Series Order Code.

Mach AM/FM radio w/in-dash 6-disc CD changer
Base, GT	$550	$490
Base coupe requires 110A Deluxe Series Order Code.

Front floormats
Cobra	$30	$27


Appearance and Miscellaneous
Rear spoiler
Cobra	$195	$174


Polished alloy wheels
Cobra	$395	$352

2001 Ford Mustang Specs & Safety

Vehicle Dimensions

Specification	Ford Mustang 2-door coupe	Ford Mustang 2-door convertible

Wheelbase, in.	101.3	101.3

Overall Length, in.	183.2	183.2

Overall Width, in.	73.1	73.1

Overall Height, in.	53.1	53.2

Curb Weight, lbs.	3114	3254

Cargo Volume, cu. ft.	10.9	7.7

Standard Payload, lbs.	--	--

Fuel Capacity, gals.	15.7	15.7

Seating Capacity	4	4

Front Head Room, in.	38.1	38.1

Max. Front Leg Room, in.	42.6	42.6

Rear Head Room, in.	35.5	35.8

Max. Rear Leg Room, in.	29.9	29.9

Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist.

Engines

	ohv V6	sohc V8	dohc V8

Size, liters/cu. in.	3.8 /232	4.6 /281	4.6 /281

Horsepower @ rpm.	190 @ 5250	260 @ 5250	320 @ 6000

Torque (lb-ft) @ rpm.	220 @ 2750	302 @ 4600	317 @ 4750

Availability	Standard	Standard	Standard

EPA City / highway mpg

5-speed manual	19/29	18/25	17/25

4-speed automatic	19/27	18/25	--/--

Engine Key: l/cu in. = liters/cubic inches; ohv = overhead valve; ohc = overhead camshaft; dohc = dual overhead camshaft; I = inline cylinders; H = horizonally opposed cylinders; V = cylinders in a V configuration; W = cylinders in a W configuration; rpm = revolutions per minute; CVT = continuously variable (automatic) transmission; NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist.

Safety Features

Antilock Brakes

Traction Control

Antiskid System

Front Side Airbags

Curtain Side Airbags

Rear Side Airbags

NHTSA Crash-Test Results

Test	Ford Mustang 2-door coupe	Ford Mustang 2-door convertible

Collision	1	1

Collision (HLDI)	142	132

Front Impact, Driver	5	NA

Front Impact, Passenger	5	NA

Injury	2	3

Injury (HLDI)	124	96

Side Impact, Driver	3	2

Side Impact, Rear Passenger	3	3

Theft	3	2

Theft (HLDI)	123	178

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) tests a vehicle's worthiness in front- and side-impact collisions and rates its resistance to rollovers. Front-impact crash-test numbers indicate the chance of serious injury: 5 = 10% or less; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-35%; 2 = 35-45%; 1 = More than 45%. Side-impact crash-test numbers indicate: 5 = 5% or less; 4 = 6-10%; 3 = 11-20%; 2 = 21-25%; 1 = More than 26%. Rollover resistance numbers indicate the chance for rollover when the vehicle leaves the roadway: 5 = Less than 10%; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-30%; 2 = 30-40%; 1 = More than 40%.

Manufacturer's Warranty

Class	Years/Miles	Comments

Powertrain	None/--	--

Bumper-to-bumper	3/36,000	--

Corrosion	5/unlimited	--

Free roadside assistance	3/36,000	--

Free scheduled maintenance	None/--	--

Manufacturers may periodically offer additional coverage as a purchase incentive. There offers are not reflected on this chart. The federal government requires two other warranties. The Exhaust Emission Warranty covers corrosion-related parts for 2 years/24,000 miles, plus 8 years/80,000 miles on the catalytic converter and any on-board diagnostic device. The Passenger Restraint Warranty covers seat belts and airbags for 5 years/50,000 miles.

Built in: USA

Drivewheels: rear-wheel drive

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