I never imagined those words coming out of my mouth but I had a $50 test drive certificate from the Greenville Auto Show so I went to my local Ford dealer and test drove one. Easiest $50 I ever made as it was something fun to do anyway. This new 2019 edition was a bare bones example except for the wheels and automatic tranny and priced at $28k. Very comfortable cloth type seats and a push button start. The sound coming out of the exhaust was wimpy to say the least. I did not like it. Driving the car though was quite impressive. I've always been a V8 guy and probably will stay that way for awhile but the acceleration was just about equal to my current '07 GT/CS. The 10 speed auto was not a problem during my short run. It shifted and down shifted well. All the controls were still buttons/switches and not associated with the backup camera screen. Another plus for me personally. I don't like NAV screens with controls in them. While I would still rather have the V8 Mustang in the future too, I have to give top marks to this Eco-Boost guy, except for the exhaust note. Nice going Ford!

 

Good stuff. Lots of 2018 ecos still on the lots waiting to be sold.

 

hmmm . . . sounds like a V8 soundtrack, played through the stereo system, would make it all good!
;-)

I am glad to hear it has buttons and switches instead of a touch screen, there are few things worse than fumbling through menus when you are trying to turn on the defroster in bad traffic

 

True Dave, the Mustang has come a long way since this 197's. The wife's first test drive in a Mustang was a 2010 V6. She really like the car, and thought she would like the engine. I told her that she at least needed to test drive a GT to make sure. She didn't get 1/2 mile from the dealer, looked over, and said "I like this one a lot better". Like us she was used to the V8 engines with the sound, and the extra power. The car also felt better with the extra weight out front. So yeah, you would need the V8 the be completely happy. Her '18 GT with the 10 spd is an absolutely hoot to drive. Put the tranny in sport mode, along with the active exhaust, and it will give you a tingle in your special place.

BTW, I got one of those test drive coupons at the Charlotte Auto Show. I took my '06 in for an oil change, and went to see my sales guy with the coupon. I ask him if he wanted to take a ride, or would he rather just fill it out. He smiled, and said "Give it here." He's a good guy.

 

Yep I did that same thing three years in a row at NY auto show.