MUSTANG SOLDIERS ON AS NUMBERS DWINDLE IN PONY CAR SEGMENT
With a 2024 redesign moving the Mustang into its seventh generation, Ford saw little reason for major changes to the 2025 Ford Mustang. If it wasn’t broke, why fix it?
As virtually the only survivor in a shrinking “Pony Car” segment, the 2025 Ford Mustang embodies the spirit of the original model that hit the ground running. Ford expected to sell 100,000 Mustangs in its first year back in the spring of 1964
Instead, despite a late release in April, Ford topped that number with over 121,000 sold in the U.S.. With a full year on the market in 1965 sales reached nearly 560,000 and continued to soar with over 607,500 old in the U.S.in 1966.
Even with the gas crunch of the 1970s and the addition of such competing Muscle Cars as the Chevrolet Camaro, Dodge Challenger, and Pontiac Firebird, Mustang sales still hit 385,993 in 1i974
Recent numbers, perhaps reflecting buyers’ love affair with SUVs and the availability of performance versions of traditional sedans, are much more modest for the Mustang; Since hitting the 10 million mark in all-time US. sales in 2018, the U.S. annual sales high is 48,200 in 2019.
Sales were at the 44,000 mark for 2024, thrown off by supplier issues according to many sources, and got off slowly this year with a drop to under 10,000 for the first quarter. They rebounded in the second, however, to over 14,000 to bring the number to over 23,500 for the first half of 2025.
One factor behind the Mustang’s continued success is the numerous configurations it comes in. The 2025 Ford Mustang is offered with 4- or 8-cylinder engines, a 6-speed manual or 10-speed automatic, transmission, and in coupe/fastback, or convertible form. (We’re not including the Mach-E electric Mustang here, which is more SUV-like than Pony Car.)
Pricing runs the gamut from the low $30,000 for the 4-cylinder EcoBoost coupe to just under $50,000 for the base 8-cylinder GT, to $60,000 for the Dark Horse Fastback.
If a high price is not a porblem, the Ford Mustang GTD unveiled this year.offers super car performance (815 horsepower) with a price tag well over $325,000, according to reports.
The 2025 Ford Mustang Convertible that this review is based on carried a starting price of $43,045 before extras were added on that ran the total to $51,905
It came with the turbocharged 4-cylinder EcoBoost engine that not only delivered peppy performance but also had the throaty, deep-bass engine exhaust tones the Mustang is famous for. Car & Drivcer clocked the turbocharged 4-cylinder EcoBoost at 4.5 seconds which was just a couple of 10ths off the time for the GT V8.
The EcoBoost has a big advantage in fuel economy, earningEPA ratings of 22 miles per gallon city, 33 highway, and 26 combined to the 16-24-19 for the for the 5.0-liter V8 in the GT.
The 2025 Ford Mustang Convertible could use a bit of in the way of cabin refinement but it is nicely equipped. Front-seat occupants get nice room but you can’t say the same for anyone hoping to ride along in back. Legroom there is extremely tight even if those in front move their seats far forward.
Standard features on the 2025 Ford Mustang Convertible Premimum model include a 13.2-inch centerstack screen for operation of infotainment features that include navigation. FordPass Connect with 4G wi-fi gives you the ability to operate some functions like remote starting and stopping and remote locking and unlocking via your cell phone
You also get a leather-wrapped steering wheel with tilt-and-telescoping capability, 12.4-inch LCD instrument cluster, LED headlights and taillights as standard.
Bu the main thing the 2025 Ford Mustang Convertible offers is motoring fun. There is no price tag on that.
What I liked about the 2025 Ford Mustang Convertible: The EcoBoost 4-cylinder engine has surprising acceleration. The top is easily lowered and raised. Just unlock the overhead clamp and push a button. Infotainment features are user-friendly. There is even a knob to adjust radio volume. Fuel mileage is decent for what you get in performance.
What I didn’t like about the 2025 Ford Mustang Convertible: The rear seat has little in the way of legroom for adults. But it can serve for extra storage. The interior overall could use a little dressing up.
Would I buy the 2025 Ford Mustang Convertible: A strong yes vote here. If you budget can fit in the 8-cylinder GT model, that is the way to go, but you won’t be disappointed in the sound or performance of the Ecoboost engine.
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