So I rented a 5.0 Mustang GT this last week...

[Sixt9coug]

This last week I took a trip to NorCal with a friend to visit a few breweries and to just relax (Firestone Walker, Lagunitas and Russian River if you care). I decided to make the trip a little more fun that I would rent something nicer than your standard Impala, Malibu, etc. So I rented a 2013 Mustang GT with the 5.0/auto (they don't rent sticks... you should know this.)

 

I went into the trip fully expecting to love the car and come back wanting to buy one. However, I am as surprised as anyone to come back and think that's not really the case. Now, don't get me wrong, it's a great car but the whole time driving it, there was just a nagging feeling with me that there is something just missing from the car.

 

The vehicle is faster anywhere than my current 94 Mustang is. It's quicker through a straight line or a curve. It rides better over the road, and it got 23mpg out of the trip overall on regular fuel. These are things my car has not been able to do. All of this adds up great on paper, but there was a certain "sanitized for your protection" feel to the car. It was almost too smooth. Too polished. Too watered down. The car also felt huge. It may not seem like much, but the height of the doors was actually bothersome and the corners were a pain to see from the drivers seat. Plus the general hood/cowl height just felt like it ruined the sleekness some of the older cars had. That and the fact that they made the center console so huge in order to try and hide the fact that the interior was as wide as it really is.The center console is big, and if they make it 1/2 narrower, you might lose some of that "cozy" feel they were going for in the car. However, the car is so wide already, I didn't get that coziness that was attempted.

 

I don't know if driving a manual trans version might change my mind, but to come back, and say that I don't lust after a 420hp, RWD, V8 rocket ship is something that confuses me.

I liked the car, but I did not love it. And I don't think anyone is more shocked than I am at this revalation.

 

A pic... bonus points to who can guess the significance of the market. You may have to be a Mopar fan though.

 

[twmalonehunter]

Well if you prefer your 94 to this car then you're crazy. I owned a 95 gt and rented a 2012 V6 earlier this year, and even the 12 V6 is superior in almost every way the the 95. And I loved my 95, just sayin.

[silvrsvt]

Well if you prefer your 94 to this car then you're crazy. I owned a 95 gt and rented a 2012 V6 earlier this year, and even the 12 V6 is superior in almost every way the the 95. And I loved my 95, just sayin.

 

I have to agree with you, I was super excited to get my 1998 Mustang GT when I got out of the army, but I was kinda let down by it...it had the same refinement out as my first car, a 1986 Escort GT. It only lasted 4 years before being replaced by a SVT Focus (I won't talk about that car!)...

 

My 2006 Mustang GT is just about perfect (for me) and I imanage that the 2010+ are even better yet.

 

As for the complaints about refinement....I think he' just used to "rough" cars like the SN95 Mustang and Ranger. I know my old Mustang sucked driving around for long periods (1+ plus) I never noticed it till I was driving a minivan for a company I worked for...and was so much more refreshed at the end of the day. The SVT Focus was a nice improvement over the 98 Mustang and the 2006 Mustang GT is just as nice as the SVT Focus was. I can drive 2+ hours in the new Mustang and be ok afterwards, but I'd never be able to do that in the old one.

 

"Rough" cars can be fun, I drove 427 Cobra kit car a couple weeks ago and it was the best go-cart ever...but I won't want one for every day driving (love to have it for the weekends though!)

[Sixt9coug]

To be honest, I think I'd prefer the Coyote engine and a 6 speed in my floppy SN95 over the new car as a whole.

 

I really, really hated the high doors on the new car. That and the wide console bothered the hell out of me the whole time while I had the car. The engine was very nice, with smooth power delivery that's much more reminicent of a new car versus something old (as it should be). The car IMO lacked character though. I'd love to drive one with a stick though to see of that changes my mind. I'm sold on the engine, just not on the rest of the car.

 

BTW, I'm ok with refined cars, but I just feel the level of refinement is out of place on a performance car. The last Fusion I rented was refined in a very welcomed way.

Edited September 9, 2012 by Sixt9coug

[silvrsvt]

out of curiosity...how tall are you?

[Sixt9coug]

6'0 and about 245lbs. I'm a big boy. Headroom oddly enough wasn't a problem in the car as I've heard in other reviews. Although a telescoping wheel would have been nice I still fit behind the wheel ok.

 

Hell, we put about 1,200 miles on the over 4 days so I got plenty of interior miles lol

[timmm55]

Fundamentally the 12 is a refreshed refresh of the 05 Mustang that I had. All of the size comments have been covered in the last 7 years! I also had a 69 Cougar (think 3rd generation Mustang + in size) and the 05 was larger. The Camaro is larger, the Challenger is larger still.

I also had a 90 5.0/5 speed LX Mustang convertible (225 HP!) in the past and without question the current crop of Mustangs are much more refined. Yes it is bigger and heavier. Does putting on a tux make a body builder look more refined? Yes, but the muscle is still there.

 

If you had an older Mustang, 420 HP sounds like it would be a real handful. It would have been. It still can be. But almost anyone can drive a 2012 Mustang GT, just leave the traction control ON! It's deceptively quick, caught myself driving over 100 MPH a few times without noticing it. That's good engineering/refinement. Cars in general have gained 500-1000 lbs. A Honda CRX weighed 1800 lbs in 1984, a 2012 CR-Z weighs 2700 lbs. Safety isn't light, or cheap.

 

The 2015 Mustang should shed 300 lbs or more. But expect it to be more refined.

[Sixt9coug]

I, of course, also have a 69 Cougar Tim . The weight of the new Mustang wasn't really noticeable. They are around 3,600lbs iirc, and that's not toooo bad in today's market. It's only about 100lbs heavier than my Cougar (3,520) and 200 more than my Mustang (3,400). I know the size issue has been covered, but after getting a ton of seat time in this one the whole "bathtub" experience of the interior really came through. The car was actually even pretty hard to see out of when backing up, although not anywhere near in the same league as the last Camaro I was in (dear god, you'd think that car was mid-engined with it's rear sight lines).

[MKII]

Try it with the manual, maybe that is what you were missing and would help you not notice the other issues that bother you.

If you need good ole raw Stanger dynamics, drive the GT500 Shelby.

[timmm55]

I, of course, also have a 69 Cougar Tim . The weight of the new Mustang wasn't really noticeable. They are around 3,600lbs iirc, and that's not toooo bad in today's market. It's only about 100lbs heavier than my Cougar (3,520) and 200 more than my Mustang (3,400). I know the size issue has been covered, but after getting a ton of seat time in this one the whole "bathtub" experience of the interior really came through. The car was actually even pretty hard to see out of when backing up, although not anywhere near in the same league as the last Camaro I was in (dear god, you'd think that car was mid-engined with it's rear sight lines).

 

I got used to the lack of relative visibility in my 05 Mustang GT. Not much better than a 71 sportsroof Mustang! I did bump into a Caravan once, backing out of my garage into the alley.........^%$* was in a no parking spot. I knew he was there, my other car, a Miata has a much smaller turning radius and would have cleared it. Back up Camera comes to mind now! Stupid I know, but most accidents are. Now I just have a newer Miata, but wanting a new Mustang.

 

I drove a 2011 Mustang V6 last year, felt a lot like my 05.......both with 300 HP or so. Would be great with a stick.

Edited September 9, 2012 by timmm55

[JasonM]

I rented from Hertz the same color 5.0 you did, same wheels and accessories too, like the 'dealer added' side and window louvers and the black stripe.

 

What you call sterilized, I would call refined. I was frankly suprised at how refined the '13 is. I was expecting a lot of compromises in a 420HP car but the '13 could easily be a daily driver, with the only real compromises being a small rear seat and small trunk. It was extremely solid and tight as well as quiet and smooth. It had great steering, awesome braking and perfect programming of the automatic, oh, and it was wicked fast when you wanted it to be.

 

The rear spoiler and the side window louvers did impede visibility, but I certainly didn't mind the height windowsills or notice the size of the center console. I didn't have any problems knowing where the corners of the car was, its not that big of vehicle.

[aneekr]

A pic... bonus points to who can guess the significance of the market. You may have to be a Mopar fan though.

 

Nice photo! Is this the same Save-Mart that sponsors the NASCAR road course event at Sonoma Raceway, along with Toyota?

[StangBang]

Well I have had five Mustangs and the last two, the 08 and 10 have been the best so far! I don't have any complaints about them being too refined.

[GT-Keith]

The Mustang is moving away from its archaic muscle car roots to a more sophisticated sports car. You think it has lost some of its soul, but I think it has gained a new one entirely. Comparing it to a 94 is just wrong on so many levels. I understand what you mean, though.

 

BTW, the automatic has 3.15-3.31 gears so it isn't as quick off the line as the manual with 3.73. In order to match that, you need at least 3.55 in the auto due to it having deeper gears.

A 3.73 Man = 3.55 Auto, essentially.

[Sixt9coug]

I rented from Hertz the same color 5.0 you did, same wheels and accessories too, like the 'dealer added' side and window louvers and the black stripe.

 

What you call sterilized, I would call refined. I was frankly suprised at how refined the '13 is. I was expecting a lot of compromises in a 420HP car but the '13 could easily be a daily driver, with the only real compromises being a small rear seat and small trunk. It was extremely solid and tight as well as quiet and smooth. It had great steering, awesome braking and perfect programming of the automatic, oh, and it was wicked fast when you wanted it to be.

 

The rear spoiler and the side window louvers did impede visibility, but I certainly didn't mind the height windowsills or notice the size of the center console. I didn't have any problems knowing where the corners of the car was, its not that big of vehicle.

 

I HATED the side window louvers. They were HORRIBLE to live with. I did not mention those because well, yeah they are a dealer add-on thing and I know that without them the car would have better visibility. The wing was bad too. It cut probably 20% of the rear windows view.If I bought one I would forgo the stripes. In fact, If I was gonna buy one, it would be a GT with a manual trans, Brembos, SYNC, leather, spoiler delete, no stripes and the 3.55s. So basically, the go-fast goodies and a plain wrapper.

 

Hmm.... basically it would be the 2013 version of what my 94 looks like.... minus the P71 wheels....

 

 

As far as the 2013, the steering was great, and it was fun to dial through the menus to change the steering feels from "sport", "comfort" and "normal". You really did feel a difference. You mentioned brakes..... well, I thought the brakes were a little iffy to be honest. My 94 with the Cobra front brakes seemed more confident. I am running larger and probably slightly more aggressive tires though so that's probably not really fair. Plus the 2013 can get the Brembo upgrade too so... ehh.... it can be dealt with. I thought the trunk was a good size. We got 2 duffel bags, two laptop bags and a cooler in the trunk of ours with some room to spare. Not bad.

 

I went into this last week with high hopes of possibly talking myself into buying one of these cars and somehow, I really came away thinking that my 94 is "more fun" to drive overall.

 

In fact, my Mom has been wanting a new Mustang too recently. However, I took her for a drive in the rental and she even told me today that she thinks she's gonna wait to see what the 2015(?) has in store. She thinks the 2013 is too big for her. (especially when I parked it next to her '02) This is coming from a woman who has had 3 Mustangs already and she wouldn't want to drive anything else.

 

As far as the market.... if you are in to old car chase movies, this is the market featured at the beginning of Dirty Mary, Crazy Larry. As part of our trip, my buddy and I ran around the walnut groves of Linden, CA and went through Sonora, CA in search of a few of the filming locations from the movie. A nice little side trip after our week of brewery hopping. HOPping...... get it? yuck yuck yuck

Edited September 10, 2012 by Sixt9coug

[BB390fe]

I thought that was the supermarket from Dirty Mary... although your Mopar comment threw me off... Wasn't it a 427 Impala?

[NickF1011]

I'd actually agree with the original poster's complaints. The new one is definitely a more refined car, and would probably be easier to live with every day with all the new tech and features. And of course, no one can complain about the power. But yes, it does feel big. Just doesn't feel as "tossable". Of course, it has been a loooong time since i've driven an SN95 that was close to stock, but I love the nimbleness of my '97 now compared to any S197 I've driven, which has included a couple GT500's.

 

I'm looking forward to the next gen Mustang and the rumors that it may be going slightly smaller again.

[Sixt9coug]

I thought that was the supermarket from Dirty Mary... although your Mopar comment threw me off... Wasn't it a 427 Impala?

 

It had a 66 Impala for a good chunk of the film before they ended up in a Yellow/Green 69 Dodge Charger. Running from the cops through the California walnut groves. Yee haw!

 

[TomServo92]

My 2011 is my third Mustang ('85 and '92 5.0 LX's) and it's by far my favorite. The 2011 is much more refined which I suppose would lead you to that numb feeling. When I was younger, I didn't mind the "rough" Mustangs but now I want refinement. I hope the next gen gets even more refined.

[NickF1011]

My 2011 is my third Mustang ('85 and '92 5.0 LX's) and it's by far my favorite. The 2011 is much more refined which I suppose would lead you to that numb feeling. When I was younger, I didn't mind the "rough" Mustangs but now I want refinement. I hope the next gen gets even more refined.

 

I'm all for the refinement. I'm not for the overall size of the package though. That's really my only complaint about the current one.

[Project-Fairmont]

The fact is, the 6F automatic does not like to have fun, and takes alot of the charector away. I have rented a Coyote 5.0 and Camaro SS 6.2 both equiped with a slushbox that wants to get in as high a gear as possbile and stay there. Fine for maximum acceleration from a stop, in fact quicker than a manual, in the real world though it makes these cars as exciting as your average light duty pick up truck.

 

Incidently, the Coyote makes as much torque as the 6.2, revs faster and higher (excting) and uses about the same amount of fuel.

[Sixt9coug]

The fact is, the 6F automatic does not like to have fun, and takes alot of the charector away. I have rented a Coyote 5.0 and Camaro SS 6.2 both equiped with a slushbox that wants to get in as high a gear as possbile and stay there. Fine for maximum acceleration from a stop, in fact quicker than a manual, in the real world though it makes these cars as exciting as your average light duty pick up truck.

 

Incidently, the Coyote makes as much torque as the 6.2, revs faster and higher (excting) and uses about the same amount of fuel.

 

I hated to make the comparison for fear of hate and ire, but off idle around town, with the automatic the car really, REALLY reminded me of an F150 while driving it.

 

Higher in the revs it was much more entertaining but.... well... yeah.

[TomServo92]

 

 

I'm all for the refinement. I'm not for the overall size of the package though. That's really my only complaint about the current one.

 

I suppose that because I went from a Lincoln LS to the '11, I don't notice the size much.

[Tico]

I own an '04 GT. Last of the SN95s and last of the "unrefined " Mustangs with that old school "real muscle car feel". I totally understand what Sixt9coug is talking about. There are some of us who appreciate the old Mustangs ride and feel. But I think we are in the minority as Pony cars go global and a younger generation expects a "refined" and yes more sterilized experience. I also hope the 2015+ Mustangs will get back to the Mustangs smaller roots but the ride will only get smoother and more refined. I guess there will always be plenty of pre 2005 Mustangs around the drag strips for sale to those who want a more "soulful" experience.

[NickF1011]

I own an '04 GT. Last of the SN95s and last of the "unrefined " Mustangs with that old school "real muscle car feel". I totally understand what Sixt9coug is talking about. There are some of us who appreciate the old Mustangs ride and feel. But I think we are in the minority as Pony cars go global and a younger generation expects a "refined" and yes more sterilized experience. I also hope the 2015+ Mustangs will get back to the Mustangs smaller roots but the ride will only get smoother and more refined. I guess there will always be plenty of pre 2005 Mustangs around the drag strips for sale to those who want a more "soulful" experience.

 

Eh, I much prefer the smoother ride of the newer models. One can still feel connected with the car without feeling every pebble on the road. I think part of the sanitized feeling of the current model though comes from the more cocoon-like feeling of the cockpit. There's just too much car around you. I would absolutely love it if my '97 was as buckled down and smooth-riding as the S197. I'm hoping a bit of a mix of the two is the type of experience the next generation Mustang can deliver.