Ford has sold the Mustang continuously since April 17, 1964, when the original car debuted at the New York State Fair. In recent years, Mustang design has reprised elements of mid-1960s styling, from a chrome-corralled galloping pony emblem and inset fog lights at the front to vertical tri-bar taillights and a faux fuel filler door in back. Inside, Mustangs of late exhibit a strong ‘60s flavor thanks to round, recessed gauges with retro fonts, dual dashboard brows, and liberal use of authentic aluminum trim. For 2010, the heritage design cues continue, but a significant update borrows heavily from the late 1960s and 1970 Mustang.

Highlights of the 2010 Ford Mustang include:

• Restyled body panels except roof and glass
• Redesigned, quieter interior with upgraded materials
• Standard stability control, with Sport mode on GT models
• Increased V-8 horsepower
• Improved V-8 exhaust note
• Revised suspension tuning
• Larger wheels and tires with 19-inch summer tire option
• New 911 Assist and Vehicle Health Report technology
• LED, sequential-signaling taillights
• Redesigned Mustang emblem
• Standard Easy-Fuel capless fuel filler system

Model Lineup

The 2010 Ford Mustang is available in V6, GT, and Shelby GT500 trim levels as either a coupe or convertible, but because the Shelby version is a dedicated performance car with numerous modifications over the standard and GT models, we’ve elected to exclude it from discussion in this review.

The Mustang V6 coupe starts at less than $22,000 and includes air conditioning, cruise control, a tilt steering wheel, a stereo with CD player and auxiliary input jack, power windows with one-touch operation, power mirrors, power door locks, remote keyless entry, and 17-inch aluminum wheels.

The Mustang V6 Premium model adds interior ambient lighting, a MyColor gauge cluster, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, aluminum interior trim, a Shaker 500 audio system with a six-disc CD changer and Sirius satellite radio, SYNC hands-free communications with 911 Assist, 6-way power driver’s seat, leather upholstery, and machined aluminum wheels. Selecting the Premium model is also the path to a richer list of available options, such as an Electronics Package, a Comfort Package, a V6 Pony Package, and an Exterior Sport Appearance Package. Exclusive options for the V6 Premium model include a rearview camera, a Shaker 1000 premium audio system, automatic headlights, HID headlights, fog lights, body color mirrors, a panoramic glass roof, racing stripes, and 18-inch alloy wheels.

The Mustang GT builds on the V6 model with a powerful V-8 engine, GT-specific grille and front fascia with fog lights, a rear spoiler, dual rolled tip exhaust outlets in a bright finish, automatic headlights, body color mirrors, and 18-inch alloy wheels. The Mustang GT Premium adds the same equipment to the basic GT as the V6 model, and is the car to order if you want a long list of options from which to choose. In addition to, or instead of, the options offered on the V6 Premium, the GT Premium can be outfitted with the performance-oriented Track Pack, a Premium Trim Package, 19-inch wheels, and a 3.55:1 rear axle ratio. Fully loaded, a Mustang GT Premium convertible tops $43,000.

Under the Hood

The 2010 Ford Mustang is equipped with a 210-horsepower, 4.0-liter V-6 engine that makes 240 ft.-lbs. of torque, while the Mustang GT comes with a 315-horsepower, 4.6-liter V-8 engine making 325 ft.-lbs. of torque. Both engines drive the rear wheels through a five-speed manual or five-speed automatic transmission. According to the EPA, the Mustang V-6 is rated to return 18 mpg in the city and 26 mpg on the highway with the manual and 16 mpg in the city and 24 mpg on the highway with the automatic. The Mustang GT’s V-8 is expected to deliver 16 mpg in the city and 24 mpg on the highway with the manual and 17 mpg in the city and 23 mpg on the highway with the automatic. Both engines are designed to operate on regular unleaded fuel.

Our review vehicle, a Ford Mustang GT coupe with a manual transmission, averaged 21.9 mpg in primarily highway driving. Combined with the Mustang’s standard 16-gallon fuel tank, this actual fuel economy figure results in an approximate 350-mile highway range between fill-ups of regular unleaded.

Safety Features

Standard safety equipment on every 2010 Ford Mustang includes dual front airbags and side impact airbags for the front seat occupants. Ford’s AdvanceTrac stability and traction control system is also standard, and the braking system is a four-wheel-disc antilock setup. The Mustang also comes standard with SOS Post-Crash Alert, which activates the flashers and sounds the horn when the airbags deploy.

Taking SOS Post-Crash Alert to the next level, the Mustang V-6 Premium and GT Premium come standard with SYNC communications technology, which includes a 911 Assist system which automatically contacts emergency personnel when the airbags deploy, sending help to the car’s location immediately.

Another safety feature on the Mustang is an optional reversing camera, offered on the V-6 Premium and GT Premium models. Embedded into the rear spoiler, this camera displays what it sees on the Mustang’s auto-dimming rearview mirror or, if so equipped, on the navigation system display in the dashboard.

The Competition

JDPower.com says the 2010 Ford Mustang competes against other sporty midsize cars such as the Chevrolet Camaro, Dodge Challenger, Honda Accord Coupe, Mitsubishi Eclipse, and Nissan Altima Coupe.

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Note: This review was published on October 27, 2009. It may not reflect data that has become available for this vehicle since that date.