2021 Ford Mustang

Among Ford’s SUVs and pickups, the smallest options usually earn our highest ratings. Consumer Reports has recommended the Mustang Mach-E EV, the thrilling Mustang coupe and convertible, and the Maverick, a small pickup truck available with a hybrid powertrain. Most other vehicles, however, score low in our road tests and have average to below average reliability. With some exceptions, used Fords can be a risk. The Ford F-150 pickup combines true truck capabilities with quiet, roomy cabins, making it one of the best-selling vehicles in the U.S. However, our tests found that recent F-150s have a stiff ride, unresponsive handling, and below average reliability. The Lightning, an EV version of the F-150, drives better and is faster than its gasoline equivalent. The Bronco SUVs has exceptional off-road ability and classic boxy styling, but suffers from issues like wind noise and long stopping distances.

The biggest news for the 2015 version of the Mustang is the adoption of a turbocharged four-cylinder engine, marking only the second time in the history of the car a four-cylinder engine can be found under the hood. Styling, while redolent of the Mustang's past, is fresh and quite handsome. Soft-touch materials and retro cues improve interior quality considerably and an independent rear suspension system is finally applied to the original Pony Car. Blind-spot warning and rear cross-traffic alert are available, as are forward-collision warning and adaptive cruise control. New equipment for the 2020 model year includes a 2.3-liter High Performance package for the entry-level four-cylinder model, (basically the Focus RS engine, making 330 horsepower). Upgraded brakes and suspension components are also part of the package, and will be offered on both the coupe and convertible body styles. Other 2020 updates include a new Shelby GT500, which produces 760 hp from its supercharged 5.2-liter V8 engine. The 2021 model year brings the return of the performance-oriented Mach 1. Also, the Ford Co-Pilot360 suite of advanced safety systems is standard on all but the Shelby models, and includes forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, blind spot warning, rear cross traffic warning, lane departure warning, and lane keeping assistance.