The 2014 Ford Mustang carries over the same basic exterior styling, interior design and running gear as the 2011 through 2013 models. It’s the last of the classic-looking Mustangs sporting a live rear axle before the introduction of the more modern 2015 model, which has fresh sheet metal, a revamped interior and, for the first time ever, independent rear suspension. Minor changes for 2014 include sharper instrument-panel graphics and new appearance packages for V6 and GT coupes with black-painted wheels, mirrors and rear spoiler, along with body-color louvers in the rear quarter windows. Standard SYNC AppLink enables voice control of Pandora and other smartphone apps. Selectable steering allows drivers to tailor effort to individual taste. An optional 4.2-inch LCD screen can display fuel economy information as well as track vehicle performance data such as cornering forces and acceleration and braking times. The 444-horsepower Boss 302 model is not available for 2014.
Autotrader’s Advice:
V6-powered Mustangs used to be for buyers who prized sporty looks and nimbleness but not necessarily the sharp handling or sound and fury of a muscular V8. But the 2014 Ford Mustang’s 305-hp V6 is both quick and rated at up to 31 mpg hwy. The sleeper of the year may be the V6 Performance package with the short-throw manual shifter. Still, it’s hard to ignore the timeless appeal of the 420-hp 5.0-liter Mustang GT. As long as there are warm summer nights and streets to cruise on, the Mustang GT will always be in demand.
What We Like:
Healthy-output V6 and V8 engines; less bulky than the Camaro or Challenger; automatic gets SelectShift manual shift control.
What We Don’t:
Front seats lack support; door trim looks chintzy; no telescope feature on steering wheel; car lacks side-curtain airbags.
Original MSRP:
$24,530 - $63,825 (when new).
MPG:
With four valves per cylinder and dual independent variable-valve timing, the 3.7 V6 generates 305 hp and 280 lb-ft of torque on a diet of regular fuel. It also has an impressive Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) rating of 19 miles per gallon in the city and 31 mpg on the highway with the 6-speed automatic. Six-speed manual-transmission models receive a 19 mpg city/29 mpg hwy rating. The 5.0 V8 also has a DOHC design with four valves per cylinder and dual independent variable-valve timing. EPA ratings for the 5.0-liter V8 are 15 mpg city/26 mpg hwy with the 6-speed manual and 18 mpg city/25 mpg hwy with the 6-speed automatic.
Standard Features & Options:
The 2014 Mustang is available in V6, V6 Premium, GT and GT Premium trims.
Base V6 equipment includes air conditioning, cruise control, a tilt steering wheel with remote audio controls, remote keyless entry, a 4-speaker AM/FM/CD stereo with MP3 decoder, a compass, a trip computer, an outside temperature readout, a split folding rear seat, 17-in alloy wheels, speed-sensitive steering, stability and traction control, anti-lock brakes, limited-slip differential, dual exhausts and power doors, windows and mirrors. Convertibles feature a power-operated soft-top and a glass back window with a defogger.
2014 Mustang GT models get the 5.0-liter V8, plus front fog lamps, a rear spoiler, Sport mode for the stability control system, automatic headlamps and 18-in alloy wheels.
Opting for the
2014 Mustang V6 Premium trim not only adds standards such as leather upholstery, a leather shift knob, a power driver’s seat, a garage-door opener, an auto-dimming rearview mirror and an 8-speaker Shaker audio system, but it also makes available optional automatic air conditioning, a navigation system, heated front seats, backup sensors, DVD audio, heated side mirrors and a power passenger seat.
The
2014 Mustang GT Premium trim puts V8 power and all of Mustang’s best pieces together, throwing in a Shaker premium audio system. A GT Track Package adds a 3.73:1 final drive ratio, Torsen differential, an engine oil cooler, a bigger radiator, upgraded brakes and 19-in alloy wheels wrapped with summer performance tires. Optional on the GT is a Brembo brake package consisting of calipers, rotors and wheels from the Shelby GT500.
Safety:
NHTSA gave the 2014 Mustang coupe a 4-star rating overall, with four stars for frontal and side impacts and a 5-star rating for rollover performance. NHTSA didn’t rate the 2014 Mustang convertible for impacts but gave it five stars for rollover performance. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) gave the 2014 Mustang coupe Good ratings for moderate-overlap front impacts, head restraints and seats, but rated it just Acceptable for side impacts. The 2014 Mustang convertible netted a Good rating in all test categories.
Behind the Wheel:
The Mustang remains an evergreen used-car choice due to its popularity, resale value and readily available parts and services.
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