Author Topic: Test Drive: 2015 Ford Mustang V6 (Read 27567 times)

Autos_Editor · « **on:** March 10, 2015, 06:30:16 am »

Bargain hunter's delight
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JohnnyMac · « **Reply #1 on:** March 10, 2015, 07:39:02 am »

I definitely find the V6 mustang appealing. Mainly due to the price. I would never buy a ecoboosted 4 cylinder mustang, to me it's either go cheap on the V6 or full hog in the V8 GT. Too bad Ford decided to release the Mustang at the mid October mark (extremely late in my car shopping journey). I still think Ford could have done better with cutting weight and adding power.

Benhaze · « **Reply #2 on:** March 10, 2015, 07:39:12 am »

I am glad to finally see an honest review of the new Mustang V6. Ford and the media in general have overlooked or downplayed the V6 version, with Ford clearly doing what it could to redirect the media attention to the Ecoboost model.

This review though is omitting to mention one important point that has me seriously peeved at Ford. There are literally no options available on the V6... No performance package. no radio or navigation option, no advanced safety options ( BLIS: once you experienced it you want it on your next ride, forward collision warning), no trim option.

It particularly a darn shame for the convertible model: hard core fan will go for the coupe but the majority of Canadian customers go for the convertible. The Mustang V6 could have been the ideal top down cruiser by being more affordable and by letting customer get what they want.

I drove the Ecoboost and yes it has good power but I don't care for it, at all. It sounds terrible and falls well short of bringing any excitement of driving a Stang. It will do great overseas but here it is missing the mark and by a long way IMO. We would likely get a V6 convertible for my wife who has been wanting a convertible for a long time but we probably won't...

Snowman · « **Reply #3 on:** March 10, 2015, 08:17:55 am »

" See, that Mustang GT was a $50,000 sports car."

A base Mustang GT starts at $37,349. Lets compare apples to apples here.

JacobBlack · « **Reply #4 on:** March 10, 2015, 08:19:45 am »

Quote from: Snowman on March 10, 2015, 08:17:55 am

" See, that Mustang GT was a $50,000 sports car." A base Mustang GT starts at $37,349. Lets compare apples to apples here.

Fair point, well made, I'll tidy that up.

pcsp · « **Reply #5 on:** March 10, 2015, 08:31:38 am »

Quote from: Benhaze on March 10, 2015, 07:39:12 am

I am glad to finally see an honest review of the new Mustang V6. Ford and the media in general have overlooked or downplayed the V6 version, with Ford clearly doing what it could to redirect the media attention to the Ecoboost model.

This review though is omitting to mention one important point that has me seriously peeved at Ford. There are literally no options available on the V6... No performance package. no radio or navigation option, no advanced safety options ( BLIS: once you experienced it you want it on your next ride, forward collision warning), no trim option.

It particularly a darn shame for the convertible model: hard core fan will go for the coupe but the majority of Canadian customers go for the convertible. The Mustang V6 could have been the ideal top down cruiser by being more affordable and by letting customer get what they want.

I drove the Ecoboost and yes it has good power but I don't care for it, at all. It sounds terrible and falls well short of bringing any excitement of driving a Stang. It will do great overseas but here it is missing the mark and by a long way IMO. We would likely get a V6 convertible for my wife who has been wanting a convertible for a long time but we probably won't...

Not sure how much "more affordable" can be expected here. $25,000 for an updated, powerful, gorgeous, sports coupe is outstanding. Lack of options and packages for the V6 doesn't bother me. I think Ford understands the mindset of the V6 buyer - great value. Add overpriced options and the comparison with the GT becomes a factor. New Mustangs can exceed $70,000, so becoming part of the club for well under $30,000 is pretty cool. 0-60 is around 5 seconds is also not too shabby.

Noto · « **Reply #6 on:** March 10, 2015, 08:42:38 am »

I've driven 3 Mustangs in my (admittedly shorter-than-most-of-yours) life. Two convertibles in Hawaii (both 'base' V6 trims) and a V6 fastback in Palm Springs.

Honestly, I get the whole "MOAR POWAH" thing, but for daily use? We're still talking 300hp here for $28,999 AS-TESTED!

Quote

It’s thirsty at 13.5/8.3/11.2 L/100 km city/highway/combined. I ended the very cold week at 12.1. The Ecoboost is rated a touch better at 10.6/7.5/9.2.

In Hawaii, I averaged 31ish MPG over 800mi per island (both are very hilly). In Palm Springs (flatter, 'some' elevation driving, but with more city), I would average about 28ish MPG. Both of those figures absolutely smash the ratings, suggesting that the highway mileage should be very attainable. I liked that it happily drank 87 octane.

Something tells me I would get markedly worse fuel economy with the boosted 4-pot.

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Braking feel is solid even after multiple quick stops, and the discs all around provide decent stopping power. Two attributes that will come in handy when this edition hits the rental lots.

While I should be sad to read that, I'm not. I don't mind if the 'basic' engine is as good as this V6 is, and I don't mind if it's relegated to the place where I'm most likely to buy it. If I'm going RWD coupe with a cramped interior, I'm getting the bloody Z4.

...speaking of which, if anyone will remember my Z4 review, I posted a picture of 2 fullsize 25" upright suitcases, WITH our carry-on backpacks ALL fitting in the trunk of the Z4. I COULD NOT, in both convertible and fastback guises, fit both suitcases in the trunk of the Mustang. It is TINY.

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but you should know that the Fiat 500 we had the week after the Mustang was described as “bigger” and “more roomier” by my four-year-old.

Cute, but let's teach her some proper Canadian grammar so she doesn't grow up speaking sillyness like her father

Speaking of her father, here's what happens when he and I get in a fist-fight:

OliverD · « **Reply #7 on:** March 10, 2015, 08:51:11 am »

Quote from: pcsp on March 10, 2015, 08:31:38 am

Not sure how much "more affordable" can be expected here. $25,000 for an updated, powerful, gorgeous, sports coupe is outstanding. Lack of options and packages for the V6 doesn't bother me. I think Ford understands the mindset of the V6 buyer - great value. Add overpriced options and the comparison with the GT becomes a factor. New Mustangs can exceed $70,000, so becoming part of the club for well under $30,000 is pretty cool. 0-60 is around 5 seconds is also not too shabby.

I think the issue is that you used to be able load up a V6 but now Ford forces you into the EcoBoost if you want anything beyond the bare bones (and a base Mustang is very bare bones). A lot of customers buy the Mustang for its style and perceived performance and the V6 is adequate for these people – but they may not want to give up features and amenities.

OliverD · « **Reply #8 on:** March 10, 2015, 08:51:59 am »

Quote from: NoTo on March 10, 2015, 08:42:38 am

I've driven 3 Mustangs in my (admittedly shorter-than-most-of-yours) life. Two convertibles in Hawaii (both 'base' V6 trims) and a V6 fastback in Palm Springs.

Honestly, I get the whole "MOAR POWAH" thing, but for daily use? We're still talking 300hp here for $28,999 AS-TESTED!

I agree with you in theory. On paper, 300 hp is excellent. But I didn't find the V6 automatic to "feel" particularly fast.

Noto · « **Reply #9 on:** March 10, 2015, 09:18:21 am »

Quote from: OliverD on March 10, 2015, 08:51:59 am

Quote from: NoTo on March 10, 2015, 08:42:38 am
Honestly, I get the whole "MOAR POWAH" thing, but for daily use? We're still talking 300hp here for $28,999 AS-TESTED!
I agree with you in theory. On paper, 300 hp is excellent. But I didn't find the V6 automatic to "feel" particularly fast.

That's the issue, though. It's not, as Jacob so-rightly describes "kick-in-the-butt" fast, but you'd never be left wanting for more power in daily driving.

northsparrow · « **Reply #10 on:** March 10, 2015, 09:26:16 am »

25K for a 300HP Coupe is a deal but later in the year when they bring in 2016 models this Mustang will be available for even less. For those who can afford a second/summer car this is an incredible bargain.

Considering what the Canadian Dollar is worth these days the price is a steal.

Ace · « **Reply #11 on:** March 10, 2015, 09:48:39 am »

It's a shame the Mustang is not hatchback that could handle golf clubs or a bike. One of my favorites was a 1984 Capri, 5.0, 5 speed, bubbleback hatch.

Kris78 · « **Reply #12 on:** March 10, 2015, 09:50:52 am »

The fact that this is a RWD, 300hp sports coupe for the price of a moderately quipped midsize sedan is pretty awesome! Iconic name, iconic looks, and enough performance to have some fun.

My only gripe with it, and this applies to all Mustangs, is that I fear that the rear seat isn't quite big enough to make it a viable daily driver for me. When both my girls are in forward facing seats, I had hoped that a sportier ride (such as a Mustang) would be in my future. I guess that is one of the reasons why people buy the Challenger!

Fobroader · « **Reply #13 on:** March 10, 2015, 09:55:20 am »

I couldn't do it.....buy a brand new V6 off the showroom floor, no way. With two vastly superior engines available and no track or Brembo package, no way. Its a great deal, but I'd rather save my empties for a 5L.

Sent from my Galaxy S3

redman · « **Reply #14 on:** March 10, 2015, 10:12:02 am »

"... make almost the same power as the V8 did in 2010 (315 hp and 325 lb-ft). Like I said, we’re spoiled these days."

I recall those number of yesteryear, the F.E. was no where near the 6's of today, but fuel costs were also lower.

"The Ecoboost is rated a touch better at 10.6/7.5/9.2."

The key word here being rated. Ford's current turbo ecoboost line-up of engines are shooting considering lower numbers according to real world drivers.

greengs · « **Reply #15 on:** March 10, 2015, 10:44:23 am »

If history repeats itself with end of summer employee pricing, the base price will be around $21,500. I wish I had a bigger garage, a turbo 4 would be a cool addition. Never had a mustang before.

Kris78 · « **Reply #16 on:** March 10, 2015, 11:58:20 am »

Quote from: Fobroader on March 10, 2015, 09:55:20 am

I couldn't do it.....buy a brand new V6 off the showroom floor, no way. With two vastly superior engines available and no track or Brembo package, no way. Its a great deal, but I'd rather save my empties for a 5L.

Sent from my Galaxy S3

Let's see here. Base V6 is $25,349 and the base GT is $37,349. At $0.10/bottle, that is 5,000 cases of beer. If this is a viable savings route for you, well, we know who has all the parties!

Fobroader · « **Reply #17 on:** March 10, 2015, 12:08:34 pm »

Quote from: Kris78 on March 10, 2015, 11:58:20 am

Quote from: Fobroader on March 10, 2015, 09:55:20 am
I couldn't do it.....buy a brand new V6 off the showroom floor, no way. With two vastly superior engines available and no track or Brembo package, no way. Its a great deal, but I'd rather save my empties for a 5L.

Sent from my Galaxy S3

Let's see here. Base V6 is $25,349 and the base GT is $37,349. At $0.10/bottle, that is 5,000 cases of beer. If this is a viable savings route for you, well, we know who has all the parties!

While I agree thats a very solid argument........that 5L Coyote engine is an amazing piece of kit, I could not for the life of me not have one.

Triple Bob · « **Reply #18 on:** March 10, 2015, 12:49:57 pm »

Quote from: NoTo on March 10, 2015, 08:42:38 am

Speaking of her father, here's what happens when he and I get in a fist-fight:

More like..

nlm · « **Reply #19 on:** March 10, 2015, 12:59:40 pm »

Quote from: Fobroader on March 10, 2015, 09:55:20 am

I couldn't do it.....buy a brand new V6 off the showroom floor, no way. With two vastly superior engines available and no track or Brembo package, no way. Its a great deal, but I'd rather save my empties for a 5L.

Sent from my Galaxy S3

Agreed. For a proper Mustang, it's V8 or bust. I ain't no secretary.