I got it.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ford_Mustang

 

"Congrats to GM and all our Camaro owners for producing and owning the 2010 muscle car king!"

Kings are not crowned because of popularity, nor should cars be called a king because of sales figures. The manufacturer is the only one concerned with sales because their future depends on it. Owners are concerned with details more relevant to them. A manufacturer’s win at sales is, at best, an empty victory for owners. Who buys a car just because it’s popular? Owners want more.
It’s interesting to note that the many auto magazines and journalists bestowing accolades and awards upon the Mustang never took sales stats into account. They measured performance. That’s what truly matters.

 

The same can probably be said for those who felt turned off by the 2005-09's plain, vanilla styling (hence the reason GT500 front end conversions are so popular with that model). The 2010+ Mustang -- and I'm just speculating here -- may have attracted buyers that otherwise would have automatically passed up past Mustangs. In fact, I know of a couple Nissan 350/370Z owners that have purchased 2011 Mustangs. I've owned a 2007 Mustang GT; I'm now the proud owner of a 2011 5.0L. Yeah, the rear end could have been better-integrated, but the new car is superior in every, single conceivable way when compared to the outgoing model, IMO, styling included (which is expected from a newer model, but I digress). The 2005-09's were far from perfect; it was just the right car at the right time. Retro was popular and Ford hit a homerun (the fact that the Mustang was devoid of competition at the time may have helped bolster sales; the economy was probably in a bit better shape as well). I'd venture to guess that it's virtually impossible to hit said homerun for two consecutive models, and I would bet the next-generation Camaro will suffer the same fate as the 2010+ Mustang.

In the end, I don't think styling has adversely affected the new Mustang; it just appeals to a different demographic, IMO. That, plus the fact that both Chevy and Dodge have invaded Ford's once-unrivaled territory has surely caused Mustang sales to slip.

 

agreed on all accounts as usual Marz

 

Right. I was agreeing with you.

 

a) exactly

b) Why not? That's like accepting defeat because "I just had to do this thing!" lol How would shareholders feel about that?
There was no reason for them to add the diaper. Numerous other non-controversial, non-copy cat choices were available to Ford 'designers'. And what about those consumer surveys? If there were any done, I wanna see pics of those people! lol




My point of view friend, is that it HAS to inspire me in a way that 'clicks' for me to open my wallet. I found the right one for me.
But beyond my opinion, and as to the prev posts, that's why I commented - because I also don't think enough people are 'sparked' enough with the design to open their wallets when they have a great one in the garage that they dig. Not even the 5.0 over the 4.6 has pulled a tide - or the 300+HP V6 - (like many thought they would...). Yet the Camaro has increased sales beyond Mustang's. Even in this economy. Why not the 5.0 Mustang?? The new 5.0 engine is a big deal. The other change for 11 was the body - which has some widely reported (& controversial) styling challenges. Fact is, they simply could have done a lot better - that was more accepted - especially if they wanted to sell more units.

 

I think the price increase on the mustang had something to do with it?

 

exactly... may have lost the battle... but we are winning the war.

 

2002-2010 Mustang sales: 1,102,285

2002-2010 Camaro sales : 142,917

Yeah, not real worried.

 

Those numbers are different than the ones on this website:
https://themustangsource.com/timelin...4/00/index.htm

This site says that 215,693 Mustangs were sold in model year 2000. Wikipedia says 173,676 (American sales). The other years are also different. It could be Wiki is using calender year sales, and this site is using model year sales.

BTW, they made over 1,000,000 Mustangs before the Camaro was built (as a 1967).

 

I think it's kinda funny how the Camaro fan boys will point to the sales numbers as a victory, and then in the next breath brag about how the Camaro a special and uncommon car whereas there are Mustangs on every corner . . . which is it, you can't have both!

To me the sales volume doesn't really mean much about the quality or desireablity of the car, it has more to do with marketing and demographics. I guess I care more about what I like and what I want in a car than what everybody else thinks . . .

 

Funny... Driving around CA, I see a lot more Mustangs than I do Camaros.... Albeit the Mustangs are V6's and everyone gives me a glare as they pass me... =[

 

Am I the only that noticed Camaros and Challengers have their names, in chrome, on the outside of the car, while the Mustang does not have such an identity crisis.

No where on my car does it have to say Mustang...everyone just knows what it is. It is the muscle car, and always will be, with a world wide following. Sales leader or not.

I am happy that I do not see myself coming and going as I do with Camaros'.

 

Like me, you're purely speculating. Yeah, the complainers are typically the loudest, but there seem to be quite a few happy 2010-11 Mustang owners. Devoid of any real competition like the 2005-09 Mustang was, I wonder how the new body style would do, especially with the new powertrains? No one can really say for certain, unfortunately. To me, there's also no question that the current state of the economy, as well as looming $4-5 gasoline, has people looking to cheaper, more-economical means of transportation because of the decrease in disposable income (many had their "wealth" tied up in home equity -- you know what's happened there).

...the 2009 Mustang didn't sell very well, either. ha ha

 

a) That's why I included the



b) so how else would you explain the failing numbers? Camaro faces the same headwinds of the economy, financing, etc. Many Ford people will not by a Chevy or Dodge product but they sure aren't stepping up for the 10/11 - in spite of the leap in engine performance.

I think the proof is displayed in the numbers that Ford made a big mis-step in the mid cycle body makeover. It just isn't a "must have" Mustang styling (and for many its an "avoid") for enough people to bump the sales figures - in spite of the improved performance.

 

Ha guys just a thought with the sales figures,what about bank loans maybe loans for Fords are tighter the loans for GMs?

Tim L

 

Those same "headwinds," in addition to the fact that there's quite a bit of competition for Mustang now, have contributed to the "failed" 2010-11 Mustang sales figures (sales dropped significantly in 2008, the same year the Dodge Challenger was released). Not everyone is a diehard Ford, Chevy, Dodge fanatic (myself included); a lot of people want the latest, "coolest," most-hyped vehicle available (read: Camaro).

According to Wikipedia, the know-all of the 'Net, Mustang sales actually rebounded in 2010 from 2009. Like I said before, I think the Camaro novelty will ultimately die off and Mustang sales, regardless of styling, will rebound significantly.

 

Charlie, why do you say "failing" numbers? I think those numbers are pretty good all factors considered. And I really don't think the styling had much to do with it. It's not like the '05-'09 stang owners went rushing out to buy the camaro since they didn't like the stang refresh. Its just that given the circumstances, it was a smarter financial decision to hold on to what they've got. They had a choice, save much needed money and keep their paid off stang or splurge in a crappy economy and buy a new mustang. Camaro fans don't really have that choice. It's either hold on to thier outdated car or upgrade to the new kid on the block.

Simply put, stang fans have more choices. They could even buy used '05-'09s instead of a '10+, and that data is not included.

 

Search kach22i, if his posts still exist. The 2005 Mustang wasn't exactly praised by everyone for its beauty when it was first released (it was too plain; it needed scoops; it looked nowhere near as aggressive as the outgoing 2004; what did they do to the front end?). I remember seeing debates like these with him, all those years ago. That was several years ago, though. The 2010's unveiling was just a couple of years ago, so the griping -- which typically comes any time a new model is released -- is still fresh in some peoples' minds.

 

The increased competition could apply if we were comparing the restyled S197D to the S197. But we're not comparing those numbers. We're talking the current year ending sales - where both the Chally and Camaro faced those same competitive challenges - including against a historic re-release of a (much improved) 5.0 as well as the 300HP V6, with most all of the mag rags praising the improved performance (engines, handling, fuel economy, interior) of the 11 Mustang over the Chally & Camaro. Yet Camaro takes the Mustang crown.

Many many car buyers (not me) routinely buy new cars every 3-5 years. There are a lot of 05-08 S197 die hard Mustang owners that should have been upgrading to the 11. But....
There has to be a reason.

And it isn't that the motors or improved handling has fallen short. There is no controvery there. The controversy lies in the body style as this and many other forums have posted relentlessly.