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2012 Ford Mustang review

Research, photos, specs, and expertise

Ford Mustang highlights

Customer rating

RepairPal reliability rating

Pros

  • Acceleration and sound of V8 engines
  • Fuel mileage with base V6
  • Attention-grabbing looks

Cons

  • Snug second-row seating
  • Fuel mileage with V8s
  • Some cheap cabin trim pieces

Mileage (EPA estimate)

15 city, 23 highway, 17 combined

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The Ford Mustang is an all-American muscle car with attitude

The 2012 Ford Mustang is a wildly entertaining muscle car that competes directly with rivals like the Chevrolet Camaro and Dodge Challenger. Standard is a V6 engine that produces a surprisingly robust 305 horsepower—enough to keep many Mustang fans happy. Still, it’s hard to resist the power and fury of the Mustang’s optional V8 engines.

You can choose from the 412-hp 5.0-liter V8 found in the Mustang GT or a 444-hp of this same engine that’s fitted to the new-for-2012 Boss 302 model. If you’re a fan of performance and like lots of options, consider yourself lucky. That’s because the Mustang is available as a coupe or convertible and can be fitted with a six-speed manual or a six-speed automatic transmission. There are also countless option packages and cosmetic touches to make each Mustang a one-of-a-kind creation.

All Ford Mustang years

Not sure what year to select? Learn about each Ford Mustang generation from 2012 to 2026

What We Like 

  • Coupe and convertible body styles: Fancy some limitless headroom and a mobile means of getting a tan? The Mustang convertible is the one for you. For something a little more practical, or simply for less money, the Mustang coupe could perfectly suit your muscle car needs.  

  • Performance with V8 engines: Hold on tight when you hit the gas pedal in a Mustang GT or the new Boss 302 model. About the only thing more impressive than their 0 to 60 mph times is the guttural sound of the exhaust.  

  • Highly customizable: So long as your bank account can cover it, there are seemingly endless ways to make a Mustang unique. Multiple choices for exterior colors, racing stripes, alloy wheel designs, and interior trim mean you’ll rarely see two identical Mustangs.   

What Needs Improvement  

  • Not exactly practical: This isn’t a huge surprise, given that the Mustang is engineered to look good and go fast. But keep in mind that second-row legroom is tight, cargo space is snug (especially in the convertible), and fuel economy for the optional V8s is not a subject for polite company. 

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Ratings & reliability

Customer ratings

4.7 out of 5

32 customer reviews
The 2012 Ford Mustang wins praise for its robust V8 power, iconic styling, and engaging handling. Customers appreciate its balance of classic design with modern features. Rear seating is tight, visibility—especially in convertibles—can be challenging, and snowy weather proves difficult. Mixed feedback on fuel economy and maintenance costs tempers its reliability strengths.

RepairPal reliability rating

4
Above Average

RepairPal gave the Ford Mustang an overall reliability rating of 4 out of 5 stars, which RepairPal describes as Above Average. This rating ranks Ford Mustang 23rd out of 28 among Midsize Cars.

View RepairPal's full rating of the Ford Mustang

Ford Mustang features and specs

Curious how Ford Mustang trims differ? Use our side-by-side vehicle comparison to see the differences and similarities

Shelby GT500 2D Convertible 2WD

Standard Features

  • Traction Control
  • ABS Brakes
  • Air Conditioning
  • Cruise Control
  • Leather & Suede Seats
  • Power Locks
  • Power Mirrors
  • Power Seat(s)
  • Power Windows
  • Rear Defroster
  • Side Airbags
  • Alloy Wheels
  • Soft Top
  • Supercharged Engine
  • Manual Transmission
  • Shaker Sound System
  • Bluetooth Technology
  • AM/FM Stereo
  • Auxiliary Audio Input
  • CD Audio
  • Satellite Radio Ready
  • Sync System

Optional Features

  • 20 Inch Plus Wheels
  • Rear Spoiler
  • Bluetooth Technology
  • Navigation System
  • Shaker Sound System

Drive Wheels

Rear Wheel Drive (2WD)

Engine size

5.4L

Horsepower

550

Torque (ft-lbs)

510

Engine type

Supercharged Gas

Fuel capacity

16

Wheelbase

107.1"

Overall length

188.2"

Width

73.9"

Height

55.9"

Leg room

F 42.4"/R 29.8"

Head room

F 38.8"/R 36.5"

Front tires

P255/40R19

Rear tires

P285/35R19

Seating capacity

4

Transmission

Manual 6

2012 Ford Mustang FAQ

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