2016 Ford Mustang | CarGurus Test Drive Review

A year after Ford finally did away with the live rear axle in favor of a more sophisticated independent rear suspension, The Mustang returns with a series of “heritage cues” to drum up further interest in the pony car. In this review, Mike Perkins takes a look at how the 2016 Ford Mustang California Special looks against a classic 1966 Mustang coupe.

Special Editions keep drawing Mustang shoppers through dealership doors, and to help bolster interest in the 2016 model, Ford has introduced a series of throwback design quirks. The California Special features unique 19-inch wheels, a front splitter and rear spoiler, and California Special accents on the interior and exterior of the car. The result is a Mustang that won’t necessarily blend in with the other 9.5 million sold in the past 51 years.

The Mustang features a range of engines, with an EcoBoost 2.0-liter and a big V8 being the most notable. The impressive 2.0-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder proves much more potent than the last turbo-4 seen in a Mustang back in 1986, and the 5.0-liter Coyote V8 in Mike’s GT is a superior engine than the predecessor. It generates more power over a greater band and weighs the same as the outgoing V8, despite more advanced hardware.

Of course, $48,000 is a lot to spend on a Mustang, even if it is a stylish California Special. Much of the experience, including a cramped back seat, small trunk, less-than-dynamic steering, and poor fuel economy, leaves a lot to be desired.

Mustang buyers, however, are a loyal bunch. If their willingness to live with a live rear axle for 49 years of Mustangs is anything to go on, these shortcomings won’t deter them from making their purchases. What’s more, the Mustang’s true heritage lies in its ability to deliver value across the lineup. If a $48,000 California Special falls on the expensive side of the spectrum, an EcoBoost Mustang for about 25 grand or a GT at roughly $32,000 still deliver all the pony car enjoyment for a compelling price.

Presenter: Michael Perkins
Producer: Carl Nenzen Loven

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[DarrenBanks]

they never show the car with ruff down and windows up....