2015 Mustang Ecoboost Premium: The Review

"Jayhawk Jake" (jayhawkjake)
03/01/2016 at 22:18 • Filed to: None

After I finally realized my Sonic was boring me and the autocross season was approaching, I decided to make a change. That change was moving to something more sporty to experience that style of car. I needed something that looked good, had rear wheel drive, and to trade my Sonic in for at least what I owed.

My budget was anywhere between $25k and $30k. I didn’t want another FWD hatchback, and once you factor in all the bullshit extra dealership fees and financing a V8 sports car probably wasn’t going to happen

Basically to get what I needed out of my Sonic I had to buy new, or close too it. I threw out my brand bias and checked out the Mustang Ecoboost. I didn’t really want a Ford, but the first one I test drove made a good impression on me so I made an impulsive decision.

So, I bought a 2015 Mustang Ecoboost Premium with a 6 speed manual. A car that blew me away on a first drive and sold me on a second with a manual.

What makes it an Ecoboost Premium though? Well, it’s simple. 2.3L turbo engine, heated and cooled leather seats, and a touchscreen. I’m only listing a handful of things here, there’s actually a ton more equipment. Underneath it’s still a brand new Mustang on the S550 chassis with IRS.

Power 8/10

The 2.3T sounds like something special-ish, and it is. 60 mph is achieved in...5.5 seconds. All the ambitions of being “sporty” are there. The gearing is pretty solid and the 320 foot pounds of torque don’t really leave much to be desired. You don’t have to downshift to avoid lugging around while doing anything you could do in a normal car. It never feels bogged down and it doesn’t need the extra 100 hp of the GT to feel like any more of a sports car.

Transmission: 10/10

It has 6 gears. The shifter is notchy and feels great, gears slot in perfectly. The gearing is nice and tall, you really don’t have to downshift to get useable power. I will admit that 6th is definitely a highway gear, if you aren’t doing 60 you need to downshift to get the car to move. Lower gears have plenty of power under 3K. The throws are nice and night, it’s one of the best shifters I’ve ever used.

Handling 8/10

Standard suspension, no performance pack. It’s still a Mustang, low to the ground, not too stiff and not too bouncy. That’s pretty much it. It handles good, wooo Ford.

Steering 8/10

Not numb, feels connected. It steers great. There are 3 different steering modes to chose from. Comfort is like your run of the mill Ford Focus, while sport is nicely weighted and responsive.

Exterior 10/10

It looks like an embodiment of American freedom and ingenuity with a dash of the coolest fucking tail lights on the planet. The wheels look okay and the body lines are great. I’ve had 3 people compliment the car in like a week. I’m going to keep a tally

Interior 10/10

Lots of leather, no blank buttons. The seats are black leather with white stitching, and are very comfortable. The steering wheel, shift knob, e-brake, center console, door cards are all leather wrapped. No sunroof, but power seats with power lumbar and memory. I don’t really care for sunroofs.

Toys 10/10

Reverse camera with parking sensors, Nav System, fantastic 12 speaker Shaker Pro sound system, selectable driving and steering modes, blind spot monitoring, MyColor selectable LED lighting, sound symposer, large touchscreen with Sync 2, voice commands, automatic climate control, heated and cooled power memory seats, HD radio with Sirius satellite radio, push button start with wireless entry, automatic headlights, pony projection puddle lights, probably some other shit I’m forgetting. No automatic wipers.

Value 10/10

If you’re a car person, or a car enthusiast who’s nit picky. I got it for essentially $26k, and it’s absolutely worth it. If you’re really hung up on a V8 shell out an extra $10,000 and buy a GT premium for fucks sake.

What did I make? A great decision. I call this a victory. I’ve driven less than 1,000 miles and I’m already in love with this car. I don’t regret buying it. For 2/3rds the price, I had my Sonic. The Sonic was MUCH slower (0-60 in 8.5 seconds), was FWD, had only a single scroll turbo, felt not quite as special as the Mustang and I had gotten bored of driving it.

Would I recommend it? Absolutely. The Ecoboost Mustang may just be the best S550, but in a chassis that comes in a V8 a lot of people think it isn’t anything special. On the other hand it’s a fantastic car with an under-appreciated engine that looks fantastic and returns great fuel economy.

Total: 74/80

Disclaimer: Don’t try to bitch at me, yes I test drove the V8. I liked it, but this was more affordable and I actually prefer it as a package.

Here’s my picture contribution. Getting a used sports car is probably nice, but don’t ignore the thrill of buying new. I’m not kicking myself for not buying an older, fatter, less featured 5th Gen Camaro or S197 Mustang. If anything this experience has made me realize that brand biases are dumb and at heart I just like good cars. I’ve never owned a Ford until now, I just thought the new Mustang was cool.

DISCUSSION (61)

JR1 > Jayhawk Jake
03/01/2016 at 22:28

I think you are too worried about people bitching you didn’t get a V8! I know I personally asked the question but I know I wasn’t thinking, “man this guy is stupid for not buying the V8.”

Anyway. Nice review! Does it have a bunch of turbo lag or is the power pretty linear?

Sweet Trav > Jayhawk Jake
03/01/2016 at 22:28

Calling BS on Power, Interior and Exterior.

If it’s slower than a SHO it can’t be 8/10. If a 4400lb family sedan is faster than you in both 0-60 and in the quarter mile, your car isn’t approaching fast.

If it looks looks like a melted Ford Fusion out front, but that damn sexy in the back it cant be 10/10

If the interior is of Ford, not BMW quality it cant be 10/10. I’ll give you that Ford has better interiors than GM but it it most certainly not “10/10.”

Not meaning to rain your parade, Yes, the Mustang Ecoboost is a great car, but balance is important for readers.

fhrblig > Jayhawk Jake
03/01/2016 at 22:30

Great review! I wasn’t sure about the new Mustang’s styling but it’s growing on me quickly.

G_Body_Man: Sponsored by the number 3 > Sweet Trav
03/01/2016 at 22:34

Well, when your baseline is a Sonic RS...

Jayhawk Jake > Sweet Trav
03/01/2016 at 22:35

I haven’t driven a SHO. This feels fast. It’s faster than any standard V8 Mustang was until like 2005. It’s faster than the vast majority of craigslist specials this website goes gaga over.

Looks are subjective. I don’t really see this melted Ford Fusion you do. The front isn’t as good as the back, I’ll agree, but the side profile and rear are damn near perfect.

Have you been in one? This is BMW quality, at least at my trim. My mom has a 2013 A5. My Mustang is as nice as her Audi. Sure it doesn’t have wood trim, but that’s about the only place it falls short. I think it’s a 10/10, especially at the price.

I’m just sharing my opinion of my car. If you don’t like it, sorry.

Jayhawk Jake > JR1
03/01/2016 at 22:38

I’m not worried about it, but I figured I’d address it before the questions.

So far it’s been the most common question. ‘Why didn’t you get the V8?’

Power seems pretty linear. I honestly haven’t floored it, I’m waiting for break-in. My Sonic had crazy lag, this is nothing like it.

they-will-know-my-velocity > Jayhawk Jake
03/01/2016 at 22:40

If I was in the market for a new vehicle, I would be buying an Ecoboost.

The 6R80 auto would be my choise however.

1. It comes with paddle shifters. Which are the bee’s knees.

2. Rated to 700 hp automated manual.

3. My girlfriend/family can drive my car if necessary.

I have loved all the new S550's I have driven. The GT is exactly what I expected. The Ecoboost is something truly unique. Economical, probably reliable (jury is out still but it seems Ford has done their homework on all the Ecoboost motors), and doesn’t sacrifice too much power over the GT.

Plus, Cobb has been hitting near the 400hp mark with some bolt-ons and tuning.

Jayhawk Jake > fhrblig
03/01/2016 at 22:40

As soon as I started considering one the styling grew on me. I think it’s a sharp looking car. Ford did a good job of making it feel special too, it’s very much a Mustang and not a Ford. That really helps.

Jake - Has Bad Luck So You Don't Have To > Sweet Trav
03/01/2016 at 22:41

Calling BS on your BS.

I’ve driven the SHO and the Ecoboost. They might get to the same 60mph in similar times, but the way the power is delivered definitely feels sportier and more engaging in the ‘stang, possibly attributed to the manual transmission.

Looks are subjective. I happen to think the Mustang looks amazing (The fusion isn’t horrible either, though)

...what? So a roundel is the difference between a good interior and a bad interior? I will be completely honest and say the S550's interior surpasses any BMW I’ve sat in (mostly 3-series from pre-2009) and is equal with a 2005 fully-loaded S-class. From a budget-minded American sports car. Regardless of “muh chevy quality” or “muh ford quality” (though honestly Chevy does generally do interiors better) it’s an excellent place to be.

JR1 > Jayhawk Jake
03/01/2016 at 22:45

Gotcha. Break in is a good rule to follow. I wish this has some badging to distinguish it from the rental spec V6 though. An ecoboost badge or something would be nice. But that's just my shouty persona coming out of me

fhrblig > Jayhawk Jake
03/01/2016 at 22:46

I’m noticing a pattern in my tastes lately.

Step 1: “That is HIDEOUS.”

Step 2: “Meh, it’s ok.”

Step 3: “GIB ME PLS NOW”

A.D.D. is a bitch.

Bman76 (no it doesn't need a WS6 hood) M. Arch > Jayhawk Jake
03/01/2016 at 22:47

Silver really works well on it, great choice!

Jayhawk Jake > JR1
03/01/2016 at 22:48

I agree. I have something on the way to help from the rear, and I’m eyeing some options for the fenders. I’m glad it doesn’t have an ecoboost badge, but something would be nice.

JR1 > Jayhawk Jake
03/01/2016 at 22:49

Still hate they didn't call this an SVO

Jayhawk Jake > they-will-know-my-velocity
03/01/2016 at 22:51

I drove the auto, it sucked. Paddle shifters are only good if they actually shift when you tell them, which it doesn’t. Who cares if it’s rated to 700 HP, you’ll blow the block before you hit that point, and do you really plan to do a build that will make 700 hp out of a 2.3? The driveability would be shit. 400-450 I can see, and I plan to tune it eventually, but not go crazy. You can alwyas teach people to drive stick.

Jayhawk Jake > JR1
03/01/2016 at 22:52

Kinja'd!!!

In the mail for the rear. Replica of the original badge. I’m considering SVO badges for the fenders, but at $20 a piece...ehhhhhhhhhhhhh maybe. I like the clean look of the sides for now.

TheNeonDriver - Now with More BMW! > Sweet Trav
03/01/2016 at 22:53

I have a 2012 BMW 335i coupe. The Ecoboost was a close second when I bought my car (mine is used, the Mustang was a bit cheaper, but not much here in Canada). The interior is very close to BMW quality. Audi quality (of interior ) is typically higher than BMW IMO, and if his mom has an A5, and he can directly compare, I would believe him.

He may still be in the honeymoon phase, but it is not nice to shit on someone’s parade...

Sweet Trav > Jake - Has Bad Luck So You Don't Have To
03/01/2016 at 22:57

You’re the only person that I know that argues your subjective (and wrong) views against fact.

AM3R shamefully returns > Jake - Has Bad Luck So You Don't Have To
03/01/2016 at 22:57

I lol’d at “equal with a 2005 fully loaded S-class”

Not even close. Especially when we’re talking about quality.

Kinja'd!!!

Jake - Has Bad Luck So You Don't Have To > Sweet Trav
03/01/2016 at 22:58

“It looks like a melted fusion” is still subjective.

Jake - Has Bad Luck So You Don't Have To > AM3R shamefully returns
03/01/2016 at 22:59

I’ve spent a decent amount of time in an ‘05 S600. The ‘stang doesn’t have “massage” or alcantera b-pillars but it’s equally as comfy and felt equally as solid. It really shouldn’t be that hard to believe; the S600 is an 11 year old car.

JR1 > Jayhawk Jake
03/01/2016 at 22:59

I like it! And maybe something like a 2.3 badge on the side.

AM3R shamefully returns > Jake - Has Bad Luck So You Don't Have To
03/01/2016 at 23:03

Very surprising you feel that way IMO. I’ve been in many designo W220's and they all still feel solid and superbly comfortable, even after 11 years. I wonder how the mustang will feel after 11 years...

Bryan doesn't drive a 1M > Jayhawk Jake
03/01/2016 at 23:04

Nice review. I was so close to getting an ecoboost Mustang, but nothing felt like it was in the right place for me. Steering, the shifter, the windshield, all felt awkward. Too bad, because I loved almost everything about the car, especially in premium trim.

Congrats on the new car, and good luck not murdering the 5000th person who asks why you didn’t get the V8.

Sweet Trav > Jayhawk Jake
03/01/2016 at 23:04

Ten year old cars are often a poor performance benchmark for current vehicles.

Yes, looks are subjective, However giving a perfect rating for something only emphasizes a bias.

Yes, I have been in one, and multiple German Luxury vehicles, Is it better than a 2002 GT? Yes. But it’s no S-class, which would be considered a “10" in my book.

I’m not trying to be shitty, I’ve driven one of these, they are fun, good cars. I think for the money they are great cars, but to put them at 10/10 in any category (short of value for money) is biased.

Jayhawk Jake > Sweet Trav
03/01/2016 at 23:07

Yes, because your opinion of the quality of my car’s interior and the style of its exterior is nothing but fact.

lone_liberal > Jayhawk Jake
03/01/2016 at 23:09

Brand biases are for the immature and insecure.

Sweet Trav > Jayhawk Jake
03/01/2016 at 23:13

Never claimed it was, just trying to keep a balance of the car, vs all others I have been in/looked at.

Jake - Has Bad Luck So You Don't Have To > AM3R shamefully returns
03/01/2016 at 23:14

The only things wrong with the S600 I speak of is some cracks developing in the wood, and the alcantera is a bit worn in places.

PorkchoPlissken > Jayhawk Jake
03/01/2016 at 23:16

I do really like this idea, although I don’t love the car. But I’ve also never been a new mustang guy, they always take several years to grow on me.

But if you can add a few tasteful touches (like the SVO badging) to pay “tribute” to an older, comparable model, I can dig it. Nice write up, by the way, glad you like it. Always the most important thing.

Jayhawk Jake > Sweet Trav
03/01/2016 at 23:21

Okay, even by today’s standards the Ecoboost isn’t slow, especially in its price bracket.

Let’s list new cars priced between 25k and 30k and their 0=60 times

Fiesta ST: 6.7

Focus ST: 5.9

Subaru WRX: 5.2

Volkswagen GTI: 5.7

Turbo Camaro: 5.4

Mustang Ecoboost: 5.5

So within it’s class it’s not slow by any means. For the money it’s actually quite fast. 8/10? You betcha.

You are taking this far too seriously. Am I biased toward my own car? You’re damn right I am. Do I care? Fuck no. This isn’t some attempt at Pulitzer Prize winning journalism. I’m an aerospace engineer writing a car review as a parody of another member of this forum because I’d rather do this than study for my Managerial Economics test tomorrow.

Chariotoflove > Jayhawk Jake
03/01/2016 at 23:23

Good review on a car spec’d pretty much how I would do it. And a great deal, too!

Jayhawk Jake > AM3R shamefully returns
03/01/2016 at 23:24

WOOD MEANS IT’S NICER

Not sure how it’s not even close. Instead of wood veneer I have an aluminum plastic panel thing. Otherwise? Leather: check. Nice carpeting: check. Good looking infotainment system: check. Leather panel on the door card: check. Heated and cooled seats: check.

Sweet Trav > Jayhawk Jake
03/01/2016 at 23:28

Something tells me Managerial Economics would suit you better than Automotive Journalism.

Jayhawk Jake > Sweet Trav
03/01/2016 at 23:36

Personal insults now, eh?

I’m not trying to be an auto journalist. I’m a friggin engineer, I just bought a Mustang. I think I’m doing just fine.

McChiken116 - Patrick H. > Jayhawk Jake
03/01/2016 at 23:47

I just had the COBB stage 3 Ecoboost as a presscar, and if you liked the regular, you will love the COBB car

Sweet Trav > Jayhawk Jake
03/01/2016 at 23:48

No, You’re trying to defend a value proposition through personal opinion as opposed to providing the known data the car will offer a buyer at a given price. Econ will suit you well.

thebigbossyboss > Jayhawk Jake
03/01/2016 at 23:51

Hm. Interesting. I’m considering a Challenger myself but maybe I should give a Mustang a look.

they-will-know-my-velocity > Jayhawk Jake
03/01/2016 at 23:59

Well, that was kind of my point. Rated to 700 so it should be fine for whatever build I come up with. And I never had an issue with slow shifting but I didn’t buy one, so I wasn’t paying close attention. I love the simplicity of my manual but sometimes it would be nice to just put it in D and chill.

Jayhawk Jake > they-will-know-my-velocity
03/02/2016 at 00:00

I like good dual clutches, but I have yet to drive a torque converter I liked as much as a manual. When I test drove the one I ultimately bought my first thought was wow, this is just a better car with the manual

Jayhawk Jake > thebigbossyboss
03/02/2016 at 00:09

The challenger is very different. I had a Scat Pack Manual rental last summer. The motor was FANTASTIC, the rest of the car was pretty mediocre. They’re enormous.

Jayhawk Jake > McChiken116 - Patrick H.
03/02/2016 at 00:10

Power mods are certainly in the plans. Handling comes first though. I have new wheels waiting for summer tires right now and I plan on getting a strut tower brace soon. Then I’m saving up to get a handling pack from Ford Racing.

AM3R shamefully returns > Jayhawk Jake
03/02/2016 at 00:24

Quality>features. You know what’s annoying as shit? When your interior starts rattling at 40k, or when your nice leather seats start to crack after a year.

VW beetle: leather seats, heated seats, and good looking infotainment screen. Basically an S-class, right?

Jayhawk Jake > AM3R shamefully returns
03/02/2016 at 00:27

Only time will tell how my interior holds up. I’ve been in plenty of BMWs with interiors falling apart though.

I never said my car was an S-class. God forbid I give it an artificially high score on a parody review

AM3R shamefully returns > Jayhawk Jake
03/02/2016 at 00:30

Oh I know, I originally replied to murdersofa Jake, who made the S-class comparison.

For what it’s worth, my 2007 328i is rattle fucking city but my 2009 335i coupe is as mint as when it was new. 2 model years can make a huge difference, so I'm sure the mustang won't be bad.

Jake - Has Bad Luck So You Don't Have To > AM3R shamefully returns
03/02/2016 at 06:55

I’ve been in plenty of ‘80-ish BMWs that were falling to bits.

AM3R shamefully returns > Jake - Has Bad Luck So You Don't Have To
03/02/2016 at 07:38

And I’ve been in many mid 2000's fords that are falling apart.

atrombs > Jayhawk Jake
03/02/2016 at 07:44

I saw an Ecoboost Mustang the other day that had big “2.3" badges where you would normally see the “5.0" badges. I thought that was a little funny. That said, love the car, and if I were in the market I would almost definitely go for the Ecoboost too!

nafsucof > AM3R shamefully returns
03/02/2016 at 09:10

I've got 3+ year old ford leather on my recaros. No cracks?

Tripper > Jayhawk Jake
03/02/2016 at 09:55

Congrats man! Nice car, nice write up.

Rico > Jake - Has Bad Luck So You Don't Have To
03/02/2016 at 11:01

You’re not missing much 2016 3 Series looks the same inside as a pre 2009 3 Series, down to the lame ass gauges. It’s quite sad really.

thebigbossyboss > Jayhawk Jake
03/02/2016 at 11:09

I kinda want a boat. Is it only V8 challengers that come with a stick?? I think I could go for a V6, but I am not willing to compromise on getting a manual.

Jayhawk Jake > thebigbossyboss
03/02/2016 at 11:23

I have no idea, I’ve never shopped them. I doubt you couldn’t get the V6 in a stick.

Tuned-Port-Injected-Rage > Jayhawk Jake
03/02/2016 at 11:42

Bit late on this post, but, what made you decide on the EcoStang over the Turbo 4 Camaro? Never driven one of the Camaros, but I’ve driven plenty of Ecoboost Mustangs in several different flairs. I’m not a massive fan of them, but they are a very good value, especially when optioned like yours (since they are kinda junk in auto form, IMO). Just curious how they stacked up against each other, since there’s not much first hand experience with the Camaro yet.

Jake - Has Bad Luck So You Don't Have To > AM3R shamefully returns
03/02/2016 at 12:01

I own a 2005 Ford that’s falling to bits. Doesn’t mean they haven’t changed. All domestic cars in the mid-aughts were utter trash.

Jake - Has Bad Luck So You Don't Have To > Rico
03/02/2016 at 12:02

Friend of mine has a TT 2008 3 series. It’s fast as hell but the interior is terrible.

Jayhawk Jake > Tuned-Port-Injected-Rage
03/02/2016 at 12:42

Impatience. No one has driven a turbo Camaro yet, and I saw this and bought it. Price helps too, to get a similarly optioned Camaro would have cost the same or more MSRP, and I would not have gotten the same deal I got.

Tuned-Port-Injected-Rage > Jayhawk Jake
03/02/2016 at 12:50

Gotcha. Didn’t know if you had driven one, since I’ve seen a few at a large Chevy dealership around here, and I’m not sure if they were letting anyone drive them yet.

RazoE > Jayhawk Jake
03/03/2016 at 19:15

Same engine as my Mazdaspeed 3, so if mine bites the dust, I’m coming after you with a spanner and an engine hoist. Just sayin’.

What differentiates the Eco boost from the GT exterior-wise?

K-Roll-PorscheTamer > Tuned-Port-Injected-Rage
03/04/2016 at 01:03

Wait you actually saw a genuine turbo 4 camaro already?? Which dealers and where?? Like Mattick and Serra?

Tuned-Port-Injected-Rage > K-Roll-PorscheTamer
03/04/2016 at 07:26

Al Serra in Grand Blanc. They had a black Turbo 4 Camaro a little bit ago, not sure if it’s there anymore.