Ford Mustang

  Ford Mustang is most popular in the United States

Ford Mustang – America’s Original Pony Car

Overview

The Ford Mustang is a rear-wheel-drive sports coupe that debuted in 1964 and sparked the creation of the “pony car” segment — affordable, stylish performance cars with long hoods and short rear decks. Over the decades, the Mustang has evolved through multiple generations, offering everything from economical six-cylinders to high-performance V8s, and becoming one of the most recognizable muscle cars in the world.

Generations

1. First Generation (1964½–1973)

   • Instant success at launch; sold over 400,000 units in its first year.

   • Offered in coupe, convertible, and fastback styles.

   • Engines: Inline-6 to big-block V8s up to 7.0L.

   • Iconic Shelby GT350 & GT500 performance variants.

2. Second Generation (1974–1978, Mustang II)

   • Smaller, more fuel-efficient design during the oil crisis.

   • Built on a Pinto platform; less power but good sales.

   • Cobra II appearance package became popular.

3. Third Generation (1979–1993, Fox Body)

   • Lightweight, boxy styling; highly modifiable.

   • Popular 5.0L V8 (“Five-Oh”) became a street legend.

   • Cult following for drag racing and tuning.

4. Fourth Generation (1994–2004)

   • Smoother, modernized styling.

   • Modular 4.6L V8 replaced the old pushrod 5.0.

   • High-performance SVT Cobra models introduced.

5. Fifth Generation (2005–2014)

   • Retro-inspired design, nodding to 1960s Mustangs.

   • More refined chassis, powerful V8 options.

   • Boss 302 and Shelby GT500 (up to 662 hp) became icons.

6. Sixth Generation (2015–present)

   • First Mustang with independent rear suspension across all trims.

   • Global release; available in both left- and right-hand drive.

   • Engine choices: Turbocharged 2.3L EcoBoost I4, 5.0L Coyote V8, Shelby GT350 (Voodoo flat-plane crank V8), and Shelby GT500 supercharged 5.2L (760 hp).

Performance Highlights (Modern Models)

• 2024 Mustang GT (Gen 7): 5.0L V8, 480+ hp, 0–100 km/h ~4.0 sec.

• Shelby GT500: Supercharged 5.2L V8, 760 hp, 0–100 km/h ~3.5 sec, top speed ~290 km/h.

• EcoBoost: 2.3L turbo I4, 315 hp, lighter front end for nimble handling.

Notable Features

• Affordable entry point to V8 performance.

• Huge aftermarket scene — drag, drift, road racing.

• Iconic styling cues: triple taillights, long hood, galloping pony badge.

• Available as coupe or convertible.

Legacy & Enthusiast Appeal

• The Mustang has remained in continuous production since 1964, making it one of the longest-running nameplates in automotive history.

• Symbol of American muscle and freedom — immortalized in movies (Bullitt, Gone in 60 Seconds, Need for Speed).

• Modern models blend retro charm with cutting-edge tech.

• Highly collectible classics (especially ’60s Shelby models) can fetch millions.