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2018 Ford Mustang review

Research, photos, specs, and expertise
6 photos

Ford Mustang highlights

Customer rating

Pros

  • Powerful four-cylinder and V8 engines
  • Civilized ride quality and relatively low noise levels
  • Cabin blends modern convenience with retro style

Cons

  • Cramped back seat
  • Long, heavy doors and mediocre cabin access
  • Performance package ride quality can be bouncy

Mileage (EPA estimate)

14 city, 21 highway, 16 combined

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Price
Year

The refreshed 2018 Mustang features updated engines, new front and rear styling, modern features

Cars don’t get much more iconic than the Ford Mustang coupe and convertible, and the 2018 Mustang features multiple updates that keep it modern and competitive against new and old rivals. The V6 engine disappeared, but both the turbocharged four-cylinder and V8 engines got more power, and both can be paired with a new 10-speed automatic transmission. Ford also revised the front and rear styling, and the interior was refreshed with an updated design that included an available all-digital gauge display.

All of the changes improve the 2018 Mustang in every way. It handles and drives better, and available adjustable shocks even help mitigate a stiff ride around town. The new turbocharged four-cylinder is no slouch, and if you don’t mind the absence of V8 vroom-vroom noises, it’s a compelling performance package.

Of course, the Mustang isn’t for everyone. The long, heavy doors make it difficult to get in and out, the rear seat is barely usable, and rear visibility is mediocre at best. Still, for performance enthusiasts, the 2018 Mustang rightfully retains its iconic status.

All Ford Mustang years

What is new for the 2018 Ford Mustang?

  • The Base trim has been discontinued for 2018.
  • Mustang trims have been upgraded with Lane Departure Warning and Parking Sensors as standard equipment this year.
  • Heated Steering Wheel features are now available as options on select trims.
  • The Ecoboost trim now comes with Bluetooth Technology and Soft Top as standard equipment.
  • The Ecoboost Premium trim now comes with Bluetooth Technology as standard equipment.
  • The GT Premium trim now comes with Bluetooth Technology as standard equipment.
  • The GT trim now comes with Memory Seat(s), Side Airbags, Overhead Airbags, and Bluetooth Technology as standard equipment.

2018 Ford Mustang trims

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

Ecoboost:

Ecoboost Premium:

GT:

GT Premium:

Shelby GT350:

Shelby GT350R:

  • Includes all features available on the Shelby GT350
  • No significant upgrades found on the Shelby GT350R

Ford Mustang photos

5 reasons to buy the 2018 Ford Mustang

What We Like

Driving performance: The Mustang is all about performance, and even base models with the turbocharged four-cylinder are surprisingly fun to drive. But the real special sauce is the Mustang GT with the V8 engine. Not only is it powerful, but its classic V8 growl is also a symphony every time you put the gas pedal down. Combined with a well-tuned suspension, sharp steering and powerful brakes, the Mustang is simply a joy to drive.

Comfort: It may be surprising to see comfort listed as a pro for the Mustang, but this modern car has all the qualities you’d expect of a modern vehicle. The seats are firm and supportive, but not confining, and the interior noise levels are acceptable considering its sporty nature. Even the ride quality is better than you’d think, especially with the adaptive shock absorbers that were new for 2018.

Interior quality: This is probably the best modern Mustang interior. There are plenty of high-quality materials in the cabin, and the switches all have a positive feel to them. Whether cruising down the coast, commuting to work, or having a blast on a winding road, the interior enhances the driving experience.

What Needs Improvement

Utility: Not surprisingly for a two-door coupe or convertible, the Mustang isn’t the most practical car you can buy. The rear seat is cramped and hard to access, and although the trunk space is good, that’s only in comparison to the Chevrolet Camaro. The long doors make it hard to get in and out of tight parking spaces, too.

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Ratings & reliability

Customer ratings

The 2018 Ford Mustang is a car that is loved by many customers. They like the car's design, the interior, and the price. They also like that it is a convertible and that it is a four-cylinder.
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

Ecoboost 2WD 2D Convertible

Standard Features

  • ABS Brakes
  • Air Conditioning
  • Alloy Wheels
  • AM/FM Stereo
  • Automatic Transmission
  • Auxiliary Audio Input
  • Bluetooth Technology
  • CD Audio
  • Cloth Seats
  • Cruise Control
  • Lane Departure Warning
  • Parking Sensors
  • Power Locks
  • Power Mirrors
  • Power Windows
  • Rear Defroster
  • Rear View Camera
  • Side Airbags
  • Smart Key
  • Soft Top
  • Sync System
  • Traction Control
  • Turbo Charged Engine
  • Android Auto
  • Apple CarPlay
  • Navigation System
  • Parking Sensors
  • Power Seat(s)
  • Rear Spoiler
  • Remote Start
  • Satellite Radio Ready

Drive Wheels

2WD

Engine size

2.3L

Horsepower

310

Torque (ft-lbs)

350

Engine type

Turbo Gas

Fuel capacity

15.5

Wheelbase

107.1"

Overall length

188.3"

Width

75.4"

Height

54.9"

Leg room

F 44.5"/R 30.8"

Head room

F 37.6"/R 35.7"

Front tires

P235/55WR17

Rear tires

P235/55WR17

Seating capacity

4

Transmission

Automatic

2018 Ford Mustang FAQ

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