In fairness to Ford, what if they are “cheapening out” or decontenting in order to avoid having to raise prices, or raise prices even more? In a way I like the idea of evaluating all features and deciding if the added cost is worth it to buyers, who will undoubtedly end up paying for it one way or the other IMO.
I’ve only had one car that came with a moonroof, a Ford, and probably didn’t open it more than one or two times a year on average, so I may be slightly biased in that it did not add much value to me.
I think it’s more about the changing auto industry marketplace than competition.
25 years ago you couldn’t get a “performance SUV” and sedan options where limited. Nor where their EVs that offer carrier catapult like acceleration
The two door market is small and getting smaller because it’s so limited in functionality. The market place seems to favor vehicles that appear to be multi purpose, even if the features are only used once or twice in the vehicles lifetime.
The Mustang will always have a market, but it’s not going to sell 1 million units like it did almost 60 years ago.
I think you make valid points, as I think one and three are most likely the biggest culprits. Though the front fascia is acceptable I don’t think it is particularly good looking. I personally think it is bad enough that it should be redesigned for 2026. The current design does not feel cohesive to me and the leading edge of the hood is too flat.
With the discontinuation of the Camaro and the Charger/Challenger, the Mustang should have seen a sales increase, not a decline. Not every person in that segment is brand loyal, and since you are the only kid on the block now there really isn’t an excuse.