Ford Mustang Model Years and History

The 2026 Ford Mustang is largely a carryover, introducing only minor trim updates and package changes.

After a redesign in 2024 the Ford Mustang carries over with minimal changes in 2025.

The Ford Mustang is fully redesigned for 2024.

For 2023, the Mustang carries over with minimal changes.

For 2022, the Mustang carries over with minimal changes and adds three new appearance packages Ice White, Stealth and Costal.

For 2021, the Mustang has announced the resurrection of the Mach 1, it is a limited-edition model matched with the 5.0L V8 that can produce 480 horsepower, paired with either a Tremec six-speed manual or a 10-speed automatic transmission. The Mach 1 introduces several exterior appearance elements like exclusive wheels, aerodynamic components, heritage inspired exterior stripes. Ford's Co-Pilot 360 is now standard for all mustang trims, it includes multiples advanced driving assistance systems. The Mustang EcoBoost Premium now gets standard ActiveX leatherette seat upholster and four new exterior colors are now available for the Mustang lineup.

The Mustang returns for 2020 with a few additions to its normal lineup including A new Ecoboost handling package that adds sportier suspension, tires and 265mm sway bars similar to the GT PP. The performance package now bumps Ecoboost peak horsepower to 330. The big news however is the new GT500 makes its debut this year. This new GT500 is powered by a supercharged version of the GT350's 5.2L flat crank V8 engine, has unique body paneling and hood styling but best of all the GT500 makes an astounding 760 horsepower and 625 lb-ft of torque. The lonely shifter option is 7-speed dual clutch automatic transmission means manual transmission enthusiasts are left out but Ford claims a sub 3 second 0-60 mph with 10 second quarter mile passes.

After a pretty major refresh last year, the Mustang returns for 2019 with minimal updates to the chassis, however a new special edition, the Bullitt makes its debut this year. The new Bullitt Mustang pays homage to the classic movie starring Steve McQueen. Available in just two colors (black or the iconic green from the movie) the Bullitt features unique badging, a unique grill and a little more horsepower. It also gets wheels which, while not identical to the ones in the movie, at least bear a passing resemblance.

For 2018, the Ford Mustang receives updated styling to the front and rear, including standard LED headlights. The chassis is now more capable thanks to a retuned suspension, with new shocks and improved stabilizer bars and magnetic dampers now available across the lineup as part of the Performance Pack. Transmissions are upgraded as well, with a new 10-speed automatic optional and the standard 6-speed now sporting a twin-disc clutch. Ford has discontinued the V6 engine, leaving the EcoBoost 2.3L turbocharged 4-cylinder as the base engine. That unit now has increased torque. Finally, the V8 has increased power, torque and fuel efficiency thanks to direct and port injection, while the GT features an optional 2-mode exhaust system for a throatier sound.

After a complete redesign last year, the Ford Mustang returns in 2017 essentially unaltered throughout much of the range. The high performance GT350 now comes standard with magnetic shock absorbers.

The Mustang was fully redesigned for 2015, and for 2016, minor updates include the available SYNC 3 infotainment system, which replaces the previous MyFord Touch. On the GT, secondary turn signals are now incorporated into the hood vents. That model also features new wheels and stripes, while new packages include the Pony, California Special, and Black Accent packages. EcoBoost and V8 GTs can now be ordered with black roofs.

The Mustang gets a full redesign for 2015, its first complete redesign in a number of years. The styling is all new, looking far more modern and far less retro than the previous two generations. Despite this, one look is all it takes to instantly identify the new car as a Mustang. For the first time in a number of decades, the Mustang will be available with a 4-cylinder power plant, helping to improve fuel efficiency. A turbo however, ensures that even the new 4-cylinder Mustang will be no slouch at the local drag strip.

As the Mustang will see a complete redesign in 2015, changes to the 2014 Mustang are minor. New colors include Oxford White and Ruby Red Metallic, while Red Candy Metallic, High Performance White and School Bus Yellow are gone. Elsewhere, V6 and V8 appearance packages have been changed subtly from those of the outgoing model, and the high-performance BOSS 302 Mustang has been discontinued.

For 2012, the Mustang gets a new hood and grille, plus LED accent lighting and standard HID headlamps. All Mustang models with the automatic transmission now get a SelectShift feature that allows full manual control. A Track Package has been introduced for GT models for 2013; it's offered only in manual GT Mustangs with the 3.73 axle and includes upgraded cooling, performance Brembo vented front discs, 19-inch alloy wheels and performance tires, and the Boss 302's Torsen differential. Also new to the Mustang lineup is a 4.2-inch LCD productivity screen that includes trip-computer functions, as well as a new Track Apps function--displaying performance metrics like g forces and acceleration times. And the Recaro sport seats that have until now been the exclusive domain of the Shelby GT500 and Boss 302 models are now available on other Mustangs. Deep Impact Blue and Gotta Have It Green are new exterior hues added to the Mustang palette for 2013.

Last year the Mustang received an all-new engine lineup. For 2012, a new track-oriented Boss 302 model--inspired by the 1970 racing legend--joins the 2012 Mustang lineup, offering a higher-output version of the new V8. The serious racing-oriented model includes adjustable front struts and rear shocks, a quad exhaust and a number of additional upgrades and appearance enhancements. Otherwise, the changes for 2012 are relatively minor. The electric power steering system gets a selectable effort feature throughout the entire Mustang lineup and all Premium models get a universal garage-door opener. Three new option packages are offered: a Recaro Sport Seats and Helical Differential package; a Reverse Sensing System and Security package; and an HID Headlamps and Security package. The new Lava Red interior is offered on V6 and GT Premium models. Lava Red Metallic is the new color throughout the Mustang line for 2012, while Sterling Gray Metallic has been discontinued. Competition Orange is a new color exclusive to the Boss 302.

For 2011, Ford's Mustang sees few exterior upgrades to supplement the major facelift given in 2010, but all new powerplants are offered, including a 3.7L Duratec V6 making 305 horsepower and 280 lb-ft of torque and the 5.0L V8--a name well known to Mustang lovers--which makes its debut in the GT and features 412 horsepower and 390 lb-ft of torque. The new Mustang also features a redesigned power steering system and a few suspension changes, and the GT gains three new colors: Yellow Blaze Tri-Coat, Race Red and Ingot Silver. Additional soundproofing and updated instrumentation round out the package. The GT500 now is powered by an all-new 5.4L supercharged aluminum V8 making 550 horsepower--10 more than the 2010 model. Ford's MyKey system, which can be set up to limit top speed and stereo volume levels for new drivers, is also now standard.

The Mustang gets some very significant improvements that bring Ford's pony car a refreshed character. Changes include resculpted sheetmetal, a more powerful V8 engine in the GT model and a retuned suspension. The interior has also been upgraded extensively, with new materials and an all-new look for the instrument panel. The high-performance Shelby GT500 model inherits many of the same design changes as the standard Mustang, with the addition of the more powerful 540-hp engine that powered last year's GT500KR model.

A new glass roof option, optional on the V6 and GT Mustang Coupe models, is the big news in the Mustang lineup for 2009. Standard equipment on the Premium models has been expanded to now include a satin aluminum instrument panel, ambient lighting, and satellite radio, and a new Security Package with wheel locks and an upgraded alarm system is now available on the GT.

The iconic Ford Mustang remains largely unchanged for 2008, though new exterior colors are available; Vapor Clearcoat Metallic, Dark Candy Apple Red Clearcoat Metallic, and Silver Clearcoat Metallic replace Tungsten, Redfire, and Satin Silver. The top-tier Shelby GT500 adds only Vapor Clearcoat Metallic. Ambient interior lighting and high intensity discharge (HID) headlights will debut as an option on all Mustangs. V6 coupes will now offer 18-inch premium polished forged wheels, and all V6 cars will offer an optional Safety & Security Package, which includes anti-lock brakes, traction control, an active anti-theft system, and a wheel locking kit. Front side air bags become standard across the range. V6 and GT convertibles can be ordered with the same high-quality fabric top found on the Shelby GT500 Mustang convertible. Three special-edition Mustangs are planned for 2008: the "Warriors in Pink" Edition on V6 Premium coupes and convertibles with the automatic; the 315-hp Bullitt Mustang; and the 540-horsepower Shelby GT500 KR "King of the Road" Mustang, with just 1,000 available.

The current generation of the Ford Mustang was introduced in 2005; for 2007 the "Standard" trim has been dropped. New standard features include an audio input jack, tire pressure monitor, and cruise control. Sirius satellite radio is now available, as are heated front seats. A new California Special package is offered on the GT Premium trim that includes leather front seats, a unique front fascia and chin spoiler, side scoops and stripes, as well as 18-inch aluminum wheels. The big addition for 2007 is the high-performance Carroll Shelby-designed GT500. Equipped with a 5.4L supercharged and intercooled V8, a six-speed Tremec manual transmission, a limited slip differential, a solid rear axle, and an SVT-tuned suspension, it's a legitimate factory hot rod.