10 Most Popular Cars of the Year
Ford Mustang
The iconic Mustang celebrates its 45th anniversary in relatively calm fashion, but now brings the option of a panoramic glass roof on both V-6 and GT models. This huge expanse of laminated, tinted and reflective glass maintains roof structural integrity while being said to reduce air-conditioning energy consumption by 20 percent. This new treatment complements the current hardtop and convertible models, which are offered with a 4.0-liter V-6 packing 210 horsepower or the V-8 powered GT, which wrings 300 horses from its 4.6-liter engine. Buyers can choose between the standard 5-speed manual or an optional 5-speed automatic.
The Mustang is also about special models. In addition to special appearance packages, there are performance upgrades available, particularly in the “Warriors in Pink” package—which supports breast-cancer research, and the Bullitt. Both V-8 models are tuned to produce a more potent 315 horsepower. With a revised final drive ratio, as well as sharpened engine calibration and suspension tuning, the Bullitt is one of the most responsive, best-handling and best-sounding Mustangs ever produced by the factory. And it looks pretty cool too, with no badging or rear spoiler and subtle cues such as the gunsight motif on the rear gas cap, the billet aluminum shifter and the choice of only Highland Green or black paint schemes. Only 3000 copies of the latest Bullitt will be issued for 2009.
Four years after its 2005 launch, the retro-inspired Mustang is a modern classic. The first major redesign of the car will make its debut at the Los Angeles Auto Show, so buyers will get a chance to decide whether to go with the current model or wait for the redesign next spring.
Up Next: Honda Accord Sedan
What’s Hot:
- The Bullitt
- Glass panoramic roof
- Classic styling
Compare To:
- Chevrolet Camaro
- Hyundai Genesis Coupe
MSRP: $19,735–$31,685
EPA Fuel Economy: 17 mpg city / 26 mpg hwy
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