2015 Mustang - Media Reviews
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Joined: September 17, 2014
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Really Boss 0960? You quote the worst part of that Road and Track article to make it sound like they absolutely hated the car. Heck the guy who wrote the part you quoted ended up loving the car. How about these parts?
Seems like they liked it. A lot. Well everyone but this guy:
Originally Posted by Road and Track
The first thing you’ll think when you sit in the new car is the same thing you thought when you saw the outside: whoopdie-doo, it’s a Mustang. Inside, it looks like a Mustang, feels like a Mustang, sounds like a Mustang, and smells like a Mustang. I was immediately disappointed. You know, because that sorta thing just isn’t my sorta thing.
It all changed the instant the wheels began to turn. It’s no exaggeration to say that the new car has kept everything I loved about the last car (that awesome 5.0-liter V-8) and vanquished everything I didn’t.
The Mustang is no longer aloof. It’s no longer distant, recalcitrant, or wooden. You start moving, and it feels like a compact car. The V-8 revs like a four-cylinder. Rather than denying them completely, the shifter encourages quick shifts. The clutch’s takeup is right where, when, and how you expect it to be. The steering is quick enough to be lively, relaxed enough not to be neurotic.
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The new global Mustang will be the best ambassador possible for what an American muscle car should be, and now is.
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In Ohio's Hocking Hills, where we took our 2014 Performance Car of the Year candidates for real-world drive impressions, it was comfortable, fast, involving, predictable, and composed. The car has matured—a lot. It's not just 5.0 muscle and tire smoke; there's real agility to exploit. Mind you, I drove the GT in a group that also included the Porsche 911 GT3, the Lexus RC F, and the Italian-superhero Ferrari 458 Speciale. It confidently, casually held its own in that heady company.
I'd take it over the BMW M235i without a second thought. The Mustang, you see, is livelier and more engaging, gleefully invalidating many import-car arguments. That's a handy thing, since it's now being sold where the import cars actually come from. All I thought when I was behind the wheel was that if the regular GT is this good, the Shelby GT350 will have rivals smashing office furniture next year.
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This is the best mustang ever, the best ponycar ever, a mutant with DNA from the Fox 5.0 and the BMW e46 in seemingly equal measure.
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I want this. Bad.
It all changed the instant the wheels began to turn. It’s no exaggeration to say that the new car has kept everything I loved about the last car (that awesome 5.0-liter V-8) and vanquished everything I didn’t.
The Mustang is no longer aloof. It’s no longer distant, recalcitrant, or wooden. You start moving, and it feels like a compact car. The V-8 revs like a four-cylinder. Rather than denying them completely, the shifter encourages quick shifts. The clutch’s takeup is right where, when, and how you expect it to be. The steering is quick enough to be lively, relaxed enough not to be neurotic.
----------------------------------
The new global Mustang will be the best ambassador possible for what an American muscle car should be, and now is.
----------------------------------
In Ohio's Hocking Hills, where we took our 2014 Performance Car of the Year candidates for real-world drive impressions, it was comfortable, fast, involving, predictable, and composed. The car has matured—a lot. It's not just 5.0 muscle and tire smoke; there's real agility to exploit. Mind you, I drove the GT in a group that also included the Porsche 911 GT3, the Lexus RC F, and the Italian-superhero Ferrari 458 Speciale. It confidently, casually held its own in that heady company.
I'd take it over the BMW M235i without a second thought. The Mustang, you see, is livelier and more engaging, gleefully invalidating many import-car arguments. That's a handy thing, since it's now being sold where the import cars actually come from. All I thought when I was behind the wheel was that if the regular GT is this good, the Shelby GT350 will have rivals smashing office furniture next year.
----------------------------------
This is the best mustang ever, the best ponycar ever, a mutant with DNA from the Fox 5.0 and the BMW e46 in seemingly equal measure.
----------------------------------
I want this. Bad.
Originally Posted by Road and Track
What was a revelation on the street disappoints on the track. The Mustang GT is soft and wallows. OK, good front-to-rear balance, I can convince the tail to wag and impressed how well the brakes held up, that’s been a Mustang weakness in the past, but in this group, I feel like I’m driving mom’s Taurus.
Shelby GT350 Member
Joined: June 9, 2008
Posts: 2,061
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From: Rochester NY
I think because this was so dragged out the media reviews seem lazy. The car may be the best Mustang ever built but its not a revelation. The car is heavier, performance is the same, the interior is were it should have been awhile ago as with the suspension. So it being a great Mustang its nothing that has not been done for yrs with other cars.
Cobra Member
Joined: October 12, 2004
Posts: 1,188
Likes: 7
From: Milwaukee, WI
For our friends across the pond, here's the Top Gear take on the UK spec Mustang.
http://www.topgear.com/uk/car-news/n...ear-2014-09-17
I think it's interesting that the performance pack bits are standard over there.
Also interesting is the pictures show LHD.
http://www.topgear.com/uk/car-news/n...ear-2014-09-17
I think it's interesting that the performance pack bits are standard over there.
Also interesting is the pictures show LHD.
Last edited by AWmustang; Sep 18, 2014 at 06:20 AM.
Bullitt Member
Joined: July 20, 2012
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Bullitt Member
Joined: December 31, 2013
Posts: 359
Likes: 9
From: Valrico, FL
I am disappointed really. Sure the handling is "better" but not enough to cause great praise from any of the reviews. It handles bumps better sure but I wasn't exactly complaining about the bumps in my current car. The weight is a problem but I would have liked to have seen more engineering done to reduce this because we knew there would be added weight from the IRS system. I don't know what Ford is trying to do with the four and six but the new ecoboost is slower than previous years v6 and has a little more power. The fuel economy is hardly better. I really hope Ford learns from this car and makes it into something very capable but 2015 is not the year. Maybe 2017 or 2018.
Bullitt Member
Joined: August 13, 2013
Posts: 261
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From: Burlington
I said NEARLY Universally!
You took that quote from Road and Track totally out of context! He mentions his predisposition to hating it (as he has all previous Mustangs), then he goes on to say he absolutely loves this one!!
As for Motor Trend - yup, those are the negatively skewed ones that give the "NEARLY". Their reviews say basically "more of the same" as the previous models. Mind you, first thing they say about the ecoboost is that they are disappointed they only got an automatic, instead of a manual. Then their article is basically an analysis of how the car does on a dyno.
And next, for Motor Trend's negative comments about the GT, they say it doesn't handle as well as the Boss 302. Really? They are comparing the handling of the new GT to the old Boss 302? That's like comparing acceleration and saying "I'm disappointed that the 2015 GT doesn't accelerate as quickly as the 2014 Shelby".
You can read into these reviews in any way you like, but my opinion is that in general, other than Motor Trend, they have been really positive.
You took that quote from Road and Track totally out of context! He mentions his predisposition to hating it (as he has all previous Mustangs), then he goes on to say he absolutely loves this one!!
As for Motor Trend - yup, those are the negatively skewed ones that give the "NEARLY". Their reviews say basically "more of the same" as the previous models. Mind you, first thing they say about the ecoboost is that they are disappointed they only got an automatic, instead of a manual. Then their article is basically an analysis of how the car does on a dyno.
And next, for Motor Trend's negative comments about the GT, they say it doesn't handle as well as the Boss 302. Really? They are comparing the handling of the new GT to the old Boss 302? That's like comparing acceleration and saying "I'm disappointed that the 2015 GT doesn't accelerate as quickly as the 2014 Shelby".
You can read into these reviews in any way you like, but my opinion is that in general, other than Motor Trend, they have been really positive.
Last edited by Mrsuitcase; Sep 18, 2014 at 09:27 AM.
Banned
Joined: August 2, 2013
Posts: 3,090
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From: Little north of Stuttgart, Germany
After reading the reviews I love my 2014 GT TP even more. The gap between my Track Pack and the new mustang is less than it was hyped to be. I ordered a 2014 because I didn't like how the 2015 looks. Iconic is not even close to how I would describe the looks of a 2015. Conversely the late model S197s are quite iconic in my mind.
Second, my mustang ties the 2015 in straight line performance, while being edged out by a slim margin in the twisties. According to the MT article the new mustang is 0.3s quicker in a figure 8. Getting a 1% bump in performance but trading the looks is not worth it in my opinion.
I made a decision in 2013 that I prefer the S197 over S550, and man was I right!
Second, my mustang ties the 2015 in straight line performance, while being edged out by a slim margin in the twisties. According to the MT article the new mustang is 0.3s quicker in a figure 8. Getting a 1% bump in performance but trading the looks is not worth it in my opinion.
I made a decision in 2013 that I prefer the S197 over S550, and man was I right!
Last edited by 5.M0NSTER; Sep 18, 2014 at 10:24 AM.
Bullitt Member
Joined: December 23, 2013
Posts: 243
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He was disappointed until he found out how well the car drove. He loved the engine. I even requoted those parts in my next post. I assume that everybody here can read and tell that he loved the dynamics of the car. It just seems to me that a lot of people are glossing over the parts of these reviews that they didn't want to hear...so I highlighted those parts for them.
Bullitt Member
Joined: December 23, 2013
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LOL. I'll give you that "nearly".
The point is that Ford redesigned this new Mustang specifically to counteract the predisposition of people like this. It's an all new, supposedly modern design that appeals to non-traditional Mustang buyers and Europeans. Yet this new body and interior did not even generate an honorable mention in this review. All it generates is a whoopdie-doo and immediate disappointment. He loves this one because of the engine and how it drives. I stand by the 5.0L engine as the best part of this car and if you haven't ordered the 5.0L, you are missing out on the best feature of this car.
This is important because Ford wants you to buy the Ecoboost. They have specifically disallowed the Premium Package on the V6. Most of those who move up to the Ecoboost to get the Premium Package will also choose the automatic trans. It's just the way it is for those who want heated and ventilated leather seats, nav and back up cameras in their Mustangs. So the disappointment that Motor Trend finds in the Ecoboost automatic is the review that covers one of the most popular, mainstream Mustang models.
Actually, they said they still consider the Boss 302 the best Mustang ever built. The comparison is valid because Ford said that the 2015 will out handle the Boss 302. The raw numbers look good so we will have to see if others can beat the Boss 302 around Laguna Seca, as Ford claims. Also, we're not comparing the 2015's acceleration to the Shelby. The 2015 GT will have difficulty matching the 2014 GT Track Pack.
Overall, I expected more glowing reviews. I really did. Taken as a whole, I think the reviews we see now are underwhelming. I think we've been set up to expect great things from the new platform that are not meeting those expectations in real life.
Except for the 5.0L engine. That gets all the praise it deserves.
As for Motor Trend - yup, those are the negatively skewed ones that give the "NEARLY". Their reviews say basically "more of the same" as the previous models. Mind you, first thing they say about the ecoboost is that they are disappointed they only got an automatic, instead of a manual. Then their article is basically an analysis of how the car does on a dyno.
And next, for Motor Trend's negative comments about the GT, they say it doesn't handle as well as the Boss 302. Really? They are comparing the handling of the new GT to the old Boss 302? That's like comparing acceleration and saying "I'm disappointed that the 2015 GT doesn't accelerate as quickly as the 2014 Shelby".
Except for the 5.0L engine. That gets all the praise it deserves.
Cobra Member
Joined: October 23, 2009
Posts: 1,312
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From: NW Minnesota
How one interprets these reviews depends on the perspective of the reader. If you like the styling of the 2015, you'll probably emphasize the positive parts of the reviews. If you dislike the styling (and especially if you already own a late-model Mustang), you will probably emphasize the negative.
As is usually the case when going from one generation of a car to the next, nearly everything is going to be a little bit better with only a few areas where the leap forward is substantial. Better ride on bumpy roads, telescopic steering wheel, electronic line lock, better brakes; these are all improvements but they aren't transformative. The 2014 Mustang had few problems that really had to be overcome so it's not surprising that the 2015 isn't night-and-day different.
It sounds like the one thing that the highest number of reviewers have a complaint about is the quietness of the exhaust on the GT. It might be smart for some Ford dealers to sell aftermarket exhausts in their shops.
As is usually the case when going from one generation of a car to the next, nearly everything is going to be a little bit better with only a few areas where the leap forward is substantial. Better ride on bumpy roads, telescopic steering wheel, electronic line lock, better brakes; these are all improvements but they aren't transformative. The 2014 Mustang had few problems that really had to be overcome so it's not surprising that the 2015 isn't night-and-day different.
It sounds like the one thing that the highest number of reviewers have a complaint about is the quietness of the exhaust on the GT. It might be smart for some Ford dealers to sell aftermarket exhausts in their shops.
Now one from Automobile:
Excerpt or two:
Excerpt or two:
Even in traffic, you’re aware that this Mustang GT has a beast within, since there’s no other way to describe a 435-hp 5.0-liter V-8 matched with a six-speed manual transmission. Fortunately, this powertrain has been to charm school. The engine’s docile personality at low rpm, the slick short-throw shift linkage of the Getrag-built gearbox, and the smooth clutch take-up combine to help you drive like a pro. You can make the shift from first to second gear so seamlessly that your passenger’s head will barely bobble. And if you come to a bad place where the nose of the car points skyward at a stoplight, hill-start assist takes care of your getaway.
Making your getaway
There’s no reason to drive any Mustang slowly for too long, so we soon break out of town and head for the San Gabriel Mountains bordering L.A. The 2015 Mustang gives new meaning to the phrase “pounding down the freeway,” because mostly it doesn’t. Just as advertised, the new multi-link independent rear suspension makes you forget all about the pony-like kick that the old solid-axle Mustang would make at every mismatched seam in a concrete freeway.
Making your getaway
There’s no reason to drive any Mustang slowly for too long, so we soon break out of town and head for the San Gabriel Mountains bordering L.A. The 2015 Mustang gives new meaning to the phrase “pounding down the freeway,” because mostly it doesn’t. Just as advertised, the new multi-link independent rear suspension makes you forget all about the pony-like kick that the old solid-axle Mustang would make at every mismatched seam in a concrete freeway.
What you notice most, of course, is the new suppleness with which the Mustang negotiates the corners. The wheels move up and down with a sure-footed style that feels carefully damped, and the old springy skittishness is long gone. A bit of anti-dive and anti-squat in the suspension adds a measure of control. It’s really quite something to feel this Mustang GT’s optional 40-series, 19-inch Pirelli P Zero tires soak up the undulations of the road as you feed in some steering lock, then sense the chassis rolling predictably and finally sitting down noticeably on its outside rear tire as the car carves around the corner.
The 2015 Mustang’s resilient suspension calibration makes the car feel amazingly graceful. You’re aware of the big, heavy 19-inch wheels moving up and down, of course, but never do they feel as if they’re steering the car. This car is gloriously happy on its tires.
The 2015 Mustang’s resilient suspension calibration makes the car feel amazingly graceful. You’re aware of the big, heavy 19-inch wheels moving up and down, of course, but never do they feel as if they’re steering the car. This car is gloriously happy on its tires.
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Joined: December 14, 2007
Posts: 19,953
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From: State of Jefferson Mountains USA
excerpts:
<EB: The torque's fine--the noise that comes with it is flat, artificial, buzzy, entirely disconnected from what a musclecar sounds like. It does us all a favor and gives us permission to ignore the base V-6, but it's no GT substitute.>
<GT: The second one: launch control and line lock. Knock off impeccable 0-60 mph runs with the former, smoke away as much tire as you can afford with the latter. Line lock only works on level ground with steering set straight ahead and takes a half-dozen button clicks to access, so practice makes perfect before you make your coffee-and-octane debut, word to the wise. >
<The gut feeling of heft is no mirage: the Mustang rides on a 107.1-inch wheelbase, and is 188.3 inches long--almost as big as a Fusion sedan.>
They said Fusion!
..... 
Banned
Joined: August 2, 2013
Posts: 3,090
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From: Little north of Stuttgart, Germany
So far none have slammed the Getrag. Improvements made?
excerpts:
<EB: The torque's fine--the noise that comes with it is flat, artificial, buzzy, entirely disconnected from what a musclecar sounds like. It does us all a favor and gives us permission to ignore the base V-6, but it's no GT substitute.>
<GT: The second one: launch control and line lock. Knock off impeccable 0-60 mph runs with the former, smoke away as much tire as you can afford with the latter. Line lock only works on level ground with steering set straight ahead and takes a half-dozen button clicks to access, so practice makes perfect before you make your coffee-and-octane debut, word to the wise. >
<The gut feeling of heft is no mirage: the Mustang rides on a 107.1-inch wheelbase, and is 188.3 inches long--almost as big as a Fusion sedan.>
They said Fusion! .....
excerpts:
<EB: The torque's fine--the noise that comes with it is flat, artificial, buzzy, entirely disconnected from what a musclecar sounds like. It does us all a favor and gives us permission to ignore the base V-6, but it's no GT substitute.>
<GT: The second one: launch control and line lock. Knock off impeccable 0-60 mph runs with the former, smoke away as much tire as you can afford with the latter. Line lock only works on level ground with steering set straight ahead and takes a half-dozen button clicks to access, so practice makes perfect before you make your coffee-and-octane debut, word to the wise. >
<The gut feeling of heft is no mirage: the Mustang rides on a 107.1-inch wheelbase, and is 188.3 inches long--almost as big as a Fusion sedan.>
They said Fusion!
..... 
Legacy TMS Member
Joined: January 6, 2006
Posts: 14,053
Likes: 166
From: Bay Area, CA
So far none have slammed the Getrag. Improvements made? excerpts: <EB: The torque's fine--the noise that comes with it is flat, artificial, buzzy, entirely disconnected from what a musclecar sounds like. It does us all a favor and gives us permission to ignore the base V-6, but it's no GT substitute.> <GT: The second one: launch control and line lock. Knock off impeccable 0-60 mph runs with the former, smoke away as much tire as you can afford with the latter. Line lock only works on level ground with steering set straight ahead and takes a half-dozen button clicks to access, so practice makes perfect before you make your coffee-and-octane debut, word to the wise. > <The gut feeling of heft is no mirage: the Mustang rides on a 107.1-inch wheelbase, and is 188.3 inches long--almost as big as a Fusion sedan.> They said Fusion! .....
excerpts: <EB: The torque's fine--the noise that comes with it is flat, artificial, buzzy, entirely disconnected from what a musclecar sounds like. It does us all a favor and gives us permission to ignore the base V-6, but it's no GT substitute.> <GT: The second one: launch control and line lock. Knock off impeccable 0-60 mph runs with the former, smoke away as much tire as you can afford with the latter. Line lock only works on level ground with steering set straight ahead and takes a half-dozen button clicks to access, so practice makes perfect before you make your coffee-and-octane debut, word to the wise. > <The gut feeling of heft is no mirage: the Mustang rides on a 107.1-inch wheelbase, and is 188.3 inches long--almost as big as a Fusion sedan.> They said Fusion! ..... 
Banned
Joined: May 29, 2014
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I thought it was going to be 300lbs lighter, 450hp and smoke an S197 5.0 like it was standing still. It was suppose to slay the Corvette with flames and shoot lighting from its ars!! What happened? Hahaha! The fact of the matter is Ford did such a good job with the 2014 that it made the new S550 seem blah! Im so glad i bought my 14' $28k is all i paid, hell a Honda Accord cost more than that lol!
Bullitt Member
Joined: August 22, 2006
Posts: 279
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Jalopnik didn't have any problems with the shifter, they had a problem with the clutch.
http://jalopnik.com/we-drove-the-201...a-v-1636142850
http://jalopnik.com/we-drove-the-201...a-v-1636142850
Legacy TMS Member
Joined: February 2, 2004
Posts: 7,648
Likes: 675
From: Insane
I know I'm late to the party and all on this... But man. I would like the equivalent of an LX 5.0.
The GT is just freakin' *LOADED*, which is nice I guess, but perhaps I would want cloth seats, regular air conditioning, no gadgetry of any kind except power seats and windows, and all those shiny bits gone.
I, for one, think Ford's making just a bit of a mistake in trying to force the Ecoboost in this manner, because that's what it looks like to me. "You want not-everything? Take a lesser engine choice."
But that's me I suppose. Also 15MPG for the GT, city. That... sucks. But I shouldn't be surprised either I guess. Car's heavier and makes more power.
Ok, I think I've said what I need to. Dang pretty car overall.
The GT is just freakin' *LOADED*, which is nice I guess, but perhaps I would want cloth seats, regular air conditioning, no gadgetry of any kind except power seats and windows, and all those shiny bits gone.
I, for one, think Ford's making just a bit of a mistake in trying to force the Ecoboost in this manner, because that's what it looks like to me. "You want not-everything? Take a lesser engine choice."
But that's me I suppose. Also 15MPG for the GT, city. That... sucks. But I shouldn't be surprised either I guess. Car's heavier and makes more power.
Ok, I think I've said what I need to. Dang pretty car overall.
Legacy TMS Member
Joined: January 6, 2006
Posts: 14,053
Likes: 166
From: Bay Area, CA
I know I'm late to the party and all on this... But man. I would like the equivalent of an LX 5.0. The GT is just freakin' *LOADED*, which is nice I guess, but perhaps I would want cloth seats, regular air conditioning, no gadgetry of any kind except power seats and windows, and all those shiny bits gone. I, for one, think Ford's making just a bit of a mistake in trying to force the Ecoboost in this manner, because that's what it looks like to me. "You want not-everything? Take a lesser engine choice." But that's me I suppose. Also 15MPG for the GT, city. That... sucks. But I shouldn't be surprised either I guess. Car's heavier and makes more power. Ok, I think I've said what I need to. Dang pretty car overall.