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2009 Ford Mustang Full Review
Date Published: 7/02/08
Also in the 2009 Ford Mustang Review:
5.
6.
Ford Mustang Full Review
7.
8.
9.
2009 Ford Mustang Review
The 2009 Ford Mustang should see no major changes, though a redesign is expected for model-year 2010. These sporty/performance coupes and convertibles are available with V6 and V8 engines in Deluxe and Premium trims. Base versions have a 210-hp 4.0-liter V6. GTs have a 300-hp 4.6-liter V8. Also returning is the Shelby GT500, which has a supercharged 500-hp 5.4-liter V8. Limited-edition Bullitt, Shelby GT500KR, and Shelby GT models are unlikely to return. Base and GT are available with manual or automatic transmission. GT500s are manual only. Available safety features include ABS, traction control, and front side airbags. Mustang offers several appearance and trim packages depending on model, including a "Warriors in Pink" edition. Part of the proceeds from sales of this package benefit breast cancer research. This report is based on evaluations of the 2008 Ford Mustang.
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2009 Ford Mustang Road Test
| Pros | Cons |
| Acceleration | Automatic-transmission performance (V6) |
| Handling/roadholding (GT) | Interior materials |
| Rear-seat entry/exit | |
| Rear-seat room | |
Consumer Guide® Road Test Ratings
Acceleration
Even with the V6, acceleration is brisk. An automatic-transmission coupe did 6.9 seconds 0-60 mph, but that transmission dulls passing response with reluctant downshifts. V6 or V8, Mustang's automatic lacks a manual shift gate. GTs are fast--Ford says around 5.2 seconds 0-60 with either transmission. They feel a bit weak below 3000 rpm and need the manual transmission for best overall performance. GT500s are strong at any speed, though not as brutally fast as other cars with 500 hp. Convertibles weigh some 175 lb more than like-equipped coupes, so they are a bit slower. No Shelby GTs, Bullitts, or GT500KRs have been made available for us to test yet.
| Base Premium coupe, automatic | GT Premium coupe, manual | GT Premium conv., automatic | GT500 coupe | Class Average |
| 6 | 8 | 7 | 9 | 6.8 |
Even with the V6, acceleration is brisk. An automatic-transmission coupe did 6.9 seconds 0-60 mph, but that transmission dulls passing response with reluctant downshifts. V6 or V8, Mustang's automatic lacks a manual shift gate. GTs are fast--Ford says around 5.2 seconds 0-60 with either transmission. They feel a bit weak below 3000 rpm and need the manual transmission for best overall performance. GT500s are strong at any speed, though not as brutally fast as other cars with 500 hp. Convertibles weigh some 175 lb more than like-equipped coupes, so they are a bit slower. No Shelby GTs, Bullitts, or GT500KRs have been made available for us to test yet.
Fuel Economy
In Consumer Guide testing, an automatic-transmission V6 coupe averaged 19.3 mpg, which included gas-eating performance runs. Manual-transmission GT coupes averaged 14.6-16.3 mpg overall. Test automatic GT coupe averaged 14.9. A GT convertible with manual transmission averaged 19.2 mpg in mostly highway driving. No opportunity to measure with GT500. V6 and GT use regular-grade gas. GT500s require premium.
| Base Premium coupe, automatic | GT Premium coupe, manual | GT Premium conv., automatic | GT500 coupe | Class Average |
| 5 | 3 | 3 | 3 | 4.8 |
In Consumer Guide testing, an automatic-transmission V6 coupe averaged 19.3 mpg, which included gas-eating performance runs. Manual-transmission GT coupes averaged 14.6-16.3 mpg overall. Test automatic GT coupe averaged 14.9. A GT convertible with manual transmission averaged 19.2 mpg in mostly highway driving. No opportunity to measure with GT500. V6 and GT use regular-grade gas. GT500s require premium.
Ride Quality
Base models are prone to slight float over large moguls. GTs are only a bit firmer. Both absorb small bumps with little shock, but can transmit sharp pavement breaks, and some testers noticed wander along rain grooves. GT500s are firmer on all surfaces and tend to pound over bumps. Convertibles are solid on most surfaces with little body shake on rough roads.
| Base Premium coupe, automatic | GT Premium coupe, manual | GT Premium conv., automatic | GT500 coupe | Class Average |
| 4 | 4 | 4 | 3 | 4.2 |
Base models are prone to slight float over large moguls. GTs are only a bit firmer. Both absorb small bumps with little shock, but can transmit sharp pavement breaks, and some testers noticed wander along rain grooves. GT500s are firmer on all surfaces and tend to pound over bumps. Convertibles are solid on most surfaces with little body shake on rough roads.
Steering/Handling/Braking
V6s have good cornering moves, but some testers find slower steering and more body lean than a sporty car should have. Sure-footed GTs have nicely weighted steering, impressive dry-road grip, and modest lean that builds progressively with cornering speed. GT500s are sharper still. All have strong, progressive braking action.
| Base Premium coupe, automatic | GT Premium coupe, manual | GT Premium conv., automatic | GT500 coupe | Class Average |
| 6 | 8 | 8 | 9 | 8 |
V6s have good cornering moves, but some testers find slower steering and more body lean than a sporty car should have. Sure-footed GTs have nicely weighted steering, impressive dry-road grip, and modest lean that builds progressively with cornering speed. GT500s are sharper still. All have strong, progressive braking action.
Quietness
Wind rush is reasonably muffled, even in convertibles, but there's marked engine noise and coarse-surface tire thrum. The V6 growls and booms unpleasantly as revs rise. The GT's V8 has a throaty muscle-car tone. GT500s emit supercharger whine during aggressive acceleration.
| Base Premium coupe, automatic | GT Premium coupe, manual | GT Premium conv., automatic | GT500 coupe | Class Average |
| 5 | 4 | 3 | 2 | 3.5 |
Wind rush is reasonably muffled, even in convertibles, but there's marked engine noise and coarse-surface tire thrum. The V6 growls and booms unpleasantly as revs rise. The GT's V8 has a throaty muscle-car tone. GT500s emit supercharger whine during aggressive acceleration.
Controls
Mustang's main gauges are located in chrome-ringed tunnels that can render them hard to read by day. Manual shifting is awkward when the console cupholders are in use. The transmission shifter interferes with the climate controls as well. No opportunity yet to evaluate the navigation system. Convertible-top roof latches are balky and require fair muscle to lock or unlock.
| Base Premium coupe, automatic | GT Premium coupe, manual | GT Premium conv., automatic | GT500 coupe | Class Average |
| 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 5.7 |
Mustang's main gauges are located in chrome-ringed tunnels that can render them hard to read by day. Manual shifting is awkward when the console cupholders are in use. The transmission shifter interferes with the climate controls as well. No opportunity yet to evaluate the navigation system. Convertible-top roof latches are balky and require fair muscle to lock or unlock.
Details
Disappointing. While Mustang's cabin has eye appeal, it's trimmed in a vast quantity of cheap-looking hard plastic. Most switchgear feels cut-rate, and padded surfaces are almost non-existent. Several test models suffered from squeaks and rattles. The GT500's trim is little more special than standard Mustangs.
| Base Premium coupe, automatic | GT Premium coupe, manual | GT Premium conv., automatic | GT500 coupe | Class Average |
| 3 | 3 | 3 | 3 | 5 |
Disappointing. While Mustang's cabin has eye appeal, it's trimmed in a vast quantity of cheap-looking hard plastic. Most switchgear feels cut-rate, and padded surfaces are almost non-existent. Several test models suffered from squeaks and rattles. The GT500's trim is little more special than standard Mustangs.
Room/Comfort/Driver Seating (front)
Good headroom and legroom, but the cabin feels cozy due to low seats, a high dashtop, and tall windowsills. The seats are comfortable with a nicely contoured backrest, though knees collide easily with hard door panels and the center console. Shoulder belts don't adjust for height. Outward vision is good in coupes, but the convertible top leaves wide over-the-shoulder blind spots. Long doors complicate tight-quarters entry and exit.
| Base Premium coupe, automatic | GT Premium coupe, manual | GT Premium conv., automatic | GT500 coupe | Class Average |
| 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 |
Good headroom and legroom, but the cabin feels cozy due to low seats, a high dashtop, and tall windowsills. The seats are comfortable with a nicely contoured backrest, though knees collide easily with hard door panels and the center console. Shoulder belts don't adjust for height. Outward vision is good in coupes, but the convertible top leaves wide over-the-shoulder blind spots. Long doors complicate tight-quarters entry and exit.
Room/Comfort (rear)
Inhospitable for adults with little room, an uncomfortable seat, and back-straining entry and exit.
| Base Premium coupe, automatic | GT Premium coupe, manual | GT Premium conv., automatic | GT500 coupe | Class Average |
| 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2.2 |
Inhospitable for adults with little room, an uncomfortable seat, and back-straining entry and exit.
Cargo Room
Coupe cargo space is good for the class. Trunklids open wide on non-intruding hinges, but the size and shape of the opening makes loading even moderately sized cargo a challenge. Convertibles can accommodate a weekend's worth of soft luggage for two. Cabin storage is sparse, with the door map pockets being almost useless.
| Base Premium coupe, automatic | GT Premium coupe, manual | GT Premium conv., automatic | GT500 coupe | Class Average |
| 3 | 3 | 2 | 3 | 3.5 |
Coupe cargo space is good for the class. Trunklids open wide on non-intruding hinges, but the size and shape of the opening makes loading even moderately sized cargo a challenge. Convertibles can accommodate a weekend's worth of soft luggage for two. Cabin storage is sparse, with the door map pockets being almost useless.
Value within Class
Our 2008 Recommended label applies mainly to the GT versions, but V6 Mustangs also have some bang-for-the-buck appeal. They rival some sporty imports on price, though not agility, refinement, or overall quality. GTs deliver great "go" for relatively little dough. GT500 offers even higher performance at a reasonable price, but its interior isn't as special as the rest of the car. Convertibles blend value, verve, and nominal four-seat practicality. Mustang's main letdowns are low-rent cabin appointments and occasional workmanship lapses.
| Base Premium coupe, automatic | GT Premium coupe, manual | GT Premium conv., automatic | GT500 coupe | Class Average |
| 6 | 8 | 7 | 6 | 6.4 |
Our 2008 Recommended label applies mainly to the GT versions, but V6 Mustangs also have some bang-for-the-buck appeal. They rival some sporty imports on price, though not agility, refinement, or overall quality. GTs deliver great "go" for relatively little dough. GT500 offers even higher performance at a reasonable price, but its interior isn't as special as the rest of the car. Convertibles blend value, verve, and nominal four-seat practicality. Mustang's main letdowns are low-rent cabin appointments and occasional workmanship lapses.
Total Score
| Base Premium coupe, automatic | GT Premium coupe, manual | GT Premium conv., automatic | GT500 coupe | Class Average |
| 50 | 53 | 49 | 50 | 56.1 |
Scores for all Sporty/performance Cars
| Low Score | 43 | |
| Average Score | 56 | |
| High Score | 70 |
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2009 Ford Mustang Prices & Equipment
Model Prices
Prices Updated: 05/29/2008
| Trim Name | Retail Price | Dealer Invoice | Destination Charge |
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| Base Deluxe 2-door coupe | $19,735 | $18,271 | $795 |
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| Base Deluxe 2-door convertible | $24,560 | $22,614 | $795 |
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| Base Premium 2-door coupe | $21,735 | $20,071 | $795 |
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| Base Premium 2-door convertible | $26,560 | $24,414 | $795 |
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| GT Deluxe 2-door coupe | $26,425 | $24,293 | $795 |
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| GT Deluxe 2-door convertible | $31,250 | $28,636 | $795 |
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| GT Premium 2-door coupe | $28,375 | $26,047 | $795 |
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| GT Premium 2-door convertible | $33,200 | $30,390 | $795 |
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| Shelby GT500 2-door coupe | $42,685 | $38,500 | $795 |
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| Shelby GT500 2-door convertible | $47,510 | $42,794 | $795 |
Price note: Shelby GT500 adds $1300 Gas-Guzzler Tax.
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 Deluxe
Powertrain
4.0-liter V6 engine, 5-speed manual transmission.
Safety
Dual front airbags, front side airbags, 4-wheel disc brakes, tire-pressure monitor.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Air conditioning, tilt steering wheel, cruise control, cloth upholstery, front bucket seats, height-adjustable driver seat, center console, split folding rear seat (coupe), power mirrors, power windows, power door locks, remote keyless entry, AM/FM/CD player, digital-media player connection, tachometer, variable-intermittent wipers, power convertible top (convertible), rear defogger, floormats.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Theft-deterrent system, 215/65R16 tires, alloy wheels.
Base Premium adds to Base Deluxe:
Comfort and Convenience Features
Leather-wrapped steering wheel, 6-way power driver seat w/lumbar adjustment, aluminum interior trim, upgraded sound system, AM/FM radio w/in-dash 6-disc CD/MP3 changer, satellite radio.
GT Deluxe adds to Base Deluxe:
Powertrain
4.6-liter V8 engine, traction control.
Safety
Antilock 4-wheel disc brakes.
Comfort and Convenience Features
6-way power driver seat w/lumbar adjustment.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Rear spoiler, fog lights, 235/55ZR17 tires.
GT Premium adds to GT Deluxe:
Comfort and Convenience Features
Leather-wrapped steering wheel, leather upholstery, aluminum interior trim, upgraded sound system, AM/FM radio w/in-dash 6-disc CD/MP3 changer, satellite radio.
Shelby GT500 adds to GT Premium:
Powertrain
5.4-liter supercharged V8 engine, 6-speed manual transmission, limited-slip differential.
Safety
Uprated brakes.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Sport suspension, 255/45ZR18 front tires, 285/40ZR18 rear tires.
Optional Equipment
Major Packages |
Retail Price |
Invoice Price |
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Safety and Security Pkg.
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Base
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$995
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$866
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Traction control, antilock brakes, upgraded theft-deterrent system, wheel locks.
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V6 Appearance Pkg. 54D
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Base Premium coupe
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$2,395
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$2,084
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Unique interior and exterior trim, side scoops, body stripes, rear spoiler, 18-inch polished alloy wheels.
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Exterior Sport Appearance Pkg.
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Base
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$295
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$257
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Rear spoiler, body stripes.
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Comfort Group
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Base Premium, GT Premium
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$575
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$500
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Heated front seats, 6-way power passenger seat, automatic day/night rearview mirror, compass.
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V6 Pony Pkg.
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Base Premium
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$750
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$653
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Unique interior and exterior trim, bodyside stripes, badging, fog lights, rear spoiler, 235/55ZR17 tires, bright alloy wheels.
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V6 Pony Pkg. w/Polished Alloy Wheels
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Base Premium
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$1,675
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$1,457
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V6 Pony Pkg. plus 18-inch polished alloy wheels.
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Premier Trim Pkg.
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GT Premium
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$395
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$344
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Aluminum pedals, unique interior trim.
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GT Appearance Pkg.
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GT
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$245
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$213
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Hood scoop, unique engine cover, bright exhaust tips.
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Bullitt Pkg.
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GT Premium coupe
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$3,310
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$2,879
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Cold-air induction system, limited-slip differential, special axle ratio, uprated brakes, unique interior and exterior trim, upgraded suspension, 18-inch alloy wheels. NA w/5-speed automatic transmission.
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Warriors in Pink Pkg.
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Base Premium
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$1,545
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$1,344
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V6 Pony Pkg. plus leather upholstery, leather-wrapped steering wheel w/aluminum spokes, unique interior and exterior trim, painted alloy wheels. Requires 5-speed automatic transmission. NA w/Comfort Group, heated front seats.
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California Special Pkg.
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GT Premium
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$1,895
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$1,649
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Side scoops, bodyside stripes, unique interior and exterior trim, 235/50ZR18 tires, polished alloy wheels.
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Premium Interior Trim Pkg.
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Shelby
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$595
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$518
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Upgraded interior trim, aluminum pedals, automatic day/night rearview mirror, compass.
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Powertrain |
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5-speed automatic transmission
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Base
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$995
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$866
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GT Deluxe/Premium
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$645
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$561
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Limited-slip differential
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GT Premium
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$300
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$261
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NA w/5-speed automatic transmission.
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Comfort and Convenience Features |
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Navigation system
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Base Premium, GT Premium, Shelby
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$1,995
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$1,736
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Base Premium coupe requires Safety and Security Pkg. NA w/Shaker 1000 sound system.
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Leather upholstery
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Base Premium, GT Deluxe
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$695
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$605
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AM/FM radio w/in-dash 6-disc CD/MP3 changer
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Base Premium, GT Premium, Shelby
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$1,295
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$1,127
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Includes Shaker 1000 sound system. Base Premium requires Safety and Security Pkg.
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iPod adapter
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Base, GT
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$295
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$257
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Wireless cell phone link
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Base/GT coupe
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$395
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$344
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Remote engine start
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Base, GT
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$295
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$257
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Requires 5-speed automatic transmission.
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Ambient lighting
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Shelby
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$295
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$257
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Cargo net
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Base Deluxe, GT Deluxe
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$55
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$48
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Rubber floormats
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Base, GT
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$75
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$65
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Appearance and Miscellaneous |
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Xenon headlights
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Base Deluxe, Base Premium, GT Deluxe, GT Premium, Shelby GT500
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$525
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$427
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Base Premium requires Safety and Security Pkg. NA Base Deluxe.
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Cloth convertible top
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Base Premium/GT convertible
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$230
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$200
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Std. Shelby GT500 convertible.
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Convertible top boot
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Base Premium/GT convertible
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$160
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$139
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Front car cover
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Base Deluxe, Base Premium, GT Deluxe, GT Premium
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$120
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$105
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NA Shelby GT500.
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Full car cover
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Base, GT
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$235
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$192
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Shelby
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$375
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$326
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Mud guards
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Base, GT
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$80
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$69
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Chrome exhaust tips
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Base
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$65
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$57
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GT
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$125
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$109
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NA Shelby GT500.
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Alloy fuel-filler door
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Base, GT
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$135
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$117
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Over-the-top racing stripes
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Base, GT
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$395
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$344
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Std. Shelby coupe.
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Over-the-top racing stripes delete
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Shelby coupe
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$0
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$0
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Body-side stripe delete
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Base, Shelby
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$0
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$0
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Base requires V6 Pony Pkg. or Exterior Sport Appearance Pkg. Shelby coupe requires over-the-top racing stripes delete.
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Rear spoiler delete
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GT
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$0
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$0
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Bright alloy wheels
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Base Premium
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$325
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$283
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GT
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$195
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$170
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18-inch polished alloy wheels
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GT
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$925
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$805
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Includes 235/50ZR18 tires.
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18-inch chrome alloy wheels
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GT Premium
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$1,185
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$1,031
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Includes 235/50ZR18 tires.
|
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2009 Ford Mustang Specs & Safety
Vehicle Dimensions
| Specification | Ford Mustang 2-door coupe | Ford Mustang 2-door convertible |
| Wheelbase, in. | 107.1 | 107.1 |
| Overall Length, in. | 187.6 | 187.6 |
| Overall Width, in. | 73.9 | 73.9 |
| Overall Height, in. | 55.4 | 55.7 |
| Curb Weight, lbs. | 3352 | 3540 |
| Cargo Volume, cu. ft. | 13.1 | 9.7 |
| Standard Payload, lbs. | -- | -- |
| Fuel Capacity, gals. | 16.0 | 16.0 |
| Seating Capacity | 4 | 4 |
| Front Head Room, in. | 38.6 | 38.6 |
| Max. Front Leg Room, in. | 42.7 | 42.7 |
| Rear Head Room, in. | 34.7 | 34.7 |
| Max. Rear Leg Room, in. | 30.3 | 30.3 |
Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist.
Engines
| sohc V6 | sohc V8 | Supercharged dohc V8 | |
| Size, liters/cu. in. | 4.0 /245 | 4.6 /281 | 5.4 /330 |
| Horsepower @ rpm. | 210 @ 5300 | 300 @ 5750 | 500 @ 6000 |
| Torque (lb-ft) @ rpm. | 240 @ 3500 | 320 @ 4500 | 480 @ 4500 |
| Availability | Standard | Standard | Standard |
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EPA City / highway mpg
|
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| 5-speed manual | 17/26 | 15/23 | --/-- |
| 6-speed manual | --/-- | --/-- | 14/20 |
| 5-speed automatic | 16/24 | 15/22 | --/-- |
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 |
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%.
Built in:
USA
Drivewheels:
rear-wheel drive
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Get a FREE Price Quote:
Also in the 2009 Ford Mustang Review:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
Ford Mustang Full Review
7.
8.
9.
Car Buying Resources
Vehicle History Report
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