Best Car Reviews - 2015 Ford Mustang
Introduction
The 2015 Ford Mustang marked a major redesign of Ford’s classic pony car, combining familiar long-hood styling with a more refined chassis and cabin. This rear-wheel-drive GT specification targets drivers who want a naturally aspirated V8, a six-speed manual gearbox and everyday usability alongside strong straight-line performance.
Design and Exterior Features
The redesigned Mustang retained its recognizable fastback proportions but adopted a lower, wider, more aerodynamic body than its predecessor. Its sculpted hood, sharply angled headlights, triple-bar rear lamps and muscular rear haunches give it a modern look without losing the traditional Mustang identity. The GT adds functional hood vents, dual exhaust outlets and a more purposeful appearance.
- Long-hood, short-deck fastback silhouette
- Standard 18-inch GT alloy wheels with available larger wheels
- Hood-mounted air extractors and dual exhaust tips
- Available GT Performance Package with front splitter and performance hardware
Interior and Comfort
The cabin was a substantial improvement over the previous Mustang, with a driver-focused dashboard, metal-look toggle switches and a more upscale overall presentation. Front-seat space is good for a two-door performance car, and the steering wheel, pedals and manual shifter are positioned for an engaging driving experience. Rear seats remain best for occasional passengers, while Premium models add more luxurious trim, leather seating and additional convenience equipment.
- Supportive front bucket seats and a tilt-and-telescoping steering column
- Available leather-trimmed, heated and cooled front seats
- More front-seat travel and knee room than the outgoing model
- Available Recaro sport seats for enthusiast buyers
Performance and Handling
The Mustang GT uses a 5.0-litre naturally aspirated V8 producing 435 horsepower and 400 lb-ft of torque when using 93-octane fuel. It sends power to the rear wheels through a six-speed manual transmission. Ford specified regular unleaded fuel as acceptable, although maximum quoted output was measured on premium fuel. Independent testing recorded 0-60 mph in about 4.5 seconds. The all-new independent rear suspension made this generation noticeably more composed over uneven roads and more controlled in corners than the previous solid-axle Mustang. The manual GT’s published fuel economy is approximately 15 mpg city and 25 mpg highway, equivalent to about 15.7 l/100 km in city driving and 9.4 l/100 km on the highway; real consumption rises quickly with enthusiastic V8 use.
- 5.0-litre V8 with 435 horsepower and 400 lb-ft of torque
- Rear-wheel drive and six-speed manual transmission
- Independent rear suspension for improved ride and cornering control
- Approximately 4.5-second 0-60 mph capability in independent testing
- Available GT Performance Package with Brembo front brakes and Torsen differential
Technology and Connectivity
Every 2015 Mustang included Ford SYNC voice control, Bluetooth connectivity, USB input and 911 Assist. Higher trims and option packages offered SYNC with MyFord Touch, an 8-inch touchscreen, navigation, Shaker audio systems and SiriusXM capability. The Mustang also brought performance-oriented technology through selectable drive modes, configurable electric power steering and Track Apps, which can display acceleration, braking and g-force data.
- Standard SYNC voice control, Bluetooth and USB connectivity
- Available 8-inch touchscreen with MyFord Touch and navigation
- Available Shaker Pro 12-speaker audio system
- Selectable Normal, Sport+, Track and Snow/Wet drive modes
- GT Track Apps with launch control and electronic line-lock
Safety Features
Standard equipment includes front airbags, front-seat side airbags, side-curtain airbags, a rearview camera, antilock brakes, traction control and electronic stability control. Available driver-assistance equipment included blind-spot monitoring with cross-traffic alert and adaptive cruise control with forward collision warning and brake support. IIHS evaluations rated the Mustang Good in moderate-overlap frontal, side, roof-strength and head-restraint tests, while the driver-side small-overlap result was Acceptable.
- Rearview camera, stability control and traction control
- Front, side and side-curtain airbags
- Available blind-spot monitoring with cross-traffic alert
- Available adaptive cruise control and forward collision warning
- Strong IIHS results in several crashworthiness categories, with an Acceptable small-overlap score
Pricing and Variants
The 2015 Mustang GT fastback started at about $32,300 before destination charges in the United States, while a GT Premium and convertible cost more. The range included V6, turbocharged EcoBoost and V8 GT models, each available as a fastback or convertible, with Premium trims adding more comfort and technology. Its natural competitors included the Chevrolet Camaro SS, Dodge Challenger R/T, Nissan 370Z and Hyundai Genesis Coupe. The Mustang stood out by pairing V8 performance with a modern independent rear suspension and a manual transmission.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Powerful, characterful 5.0-litre V8 engine
- Engaging six-speed manual transmission
- Major handling and ride improvement over earlier Mustangs
- Iconic styling with a more modern, premium cabin
- Strong performance value for a V8 rear-wheel-drive coupe
Cons
- High fuel consumption, especially in urban driving
- Rear seats are cramped for adults
- Visibility to the rear is limited by the fastback shape
- Some interior materials do not match premium European sports coupes
- Early SYNC with MyFord Touch systems can feel dated and occasionally slow
Maintenance and Common Issues
A published average annual repair and maintenance estimate for a 2015 Mustang is about $766, though age, mileage, location and driving style can change costs substantially. Common owner-reported areas to inspect include air-conditioning evaporator leaks, weak passenger-side defroster heat, water intrusion around body seams on affected early cars, rearview-camera faults and collision-warning sensor shutdowns in heavy rain. Buyers should also confirm that all recall work has been completed and inspect the clutch, manual transmission operation, tires and brakes carefully on a V8 performance car.
Rating
Overall rating: 8.4/10. Design: 9/10. Comfort: 7.5/10. Performance: 9/10. Technology: 7.5/10. Safety: 8/10. The 2015 Mustang GT succeeds because it feels far more polished than older versions while retaining the V8 sound, manual-transmission involvement and rear-drive character enthusiasts expect.
User Reviews and Feedback
Owner feedback commonly praises the V8 soundtrack, strong acceleration and dramatic styling, while recognizing that the car requires realistic expectations about fuel costs, rear-seat room and ownership of an aging performance vehicle.
- Owners regularly praise the Coyote V8’s sound and high-revving character
- The manual gearbox is widely appreciated for adding involvement to daily driving
- Many drivers value the improved ride quality and independent rear suspension
- Fuel economy is a frequent concern for commuters and city drivers
- Buyers often recommend checking service history, recalls and air-conditioning performance before purchase
Best Cars in This Category
- 2015 Chevrolet Camaro SS
- 2015 Dodge Challenger R/T
- 2015 Nissan 370Z
- 2015 Hyundai Genesis Coupe 3.8
- 2015 BMW 2 Series M235i
Summary
The 2015 Ford Mustang GT is best suited to drivers who want an affordable modern V8 coupe with a manual transmission, rear-wheel drive and genuine everyday usability. It is not the most economical or spacious choice, but its redesign delivered a meaningful gain in refinement, handling and cabin quality. For buyers who value sound, performance and classic American coupe appeal, a well-maintained example remains a compelling enthusiast car.