2018 Mustang GT test drive review- I want one SO bad!

"KingT- 60% of the time, it works every time" (kngt)
08/02/2018 at 16:41 • Filed to: mustang gt, Mustang, Ford, Ford Mustang, Oppo review, Car Review, Review, ford mustang gt

GT Black Accent package

Test drove the 2018 Mustang GT with the 10 speed and I was super impressed! It was a bare bones base model and it didn’t matter, Ford really hit this one out of the park. Hands down my absolute favorite car I have driven in all these years.

I’ll address the elephant in the room right away. For me, 2018 Mustang GT is better than the 2018 Camaro SS. I reviewed the Camaro SS sometime back and it was still fresh in my mind. Great car in some areas but just not for me overall. The Mustang does way better in the areas I had a problem with in the Camaro.

Let me give some context by saying these 2 are the most powerful cars I have ever driven so far and I have not driven any Corvettes, Porsches or other High performance German or Italian cars so this is where I am coming from, and obviously my benchmarks will change as I get to experience different and better cars. Also the last Mustang I drove was a base V6 back in 2010 or something. If you have driven the current 2015-2017 this might be a slight improvement for you but to experience the 2018 not having driven the older ones, given the enhancements was very enjoyable.Yes there are far better cars out there but for the amount of performance for the $, these are hard to beat, especially if you can get a lightly used CPO.

So this was the lowest trim, standard suspension, 10 speed auto, basic infotainment not even heated seats, no multi mode exhaust, no performance pack nothing. MSRP $37K in Ruby Red like the one below

Exact Car I drove, pic not mine

Exterior: I like the 2015-2017 better and I feel there are too many angles and cuts in the 2018 front fascia plus they changed the lights. But it is not a deal breaker however I still prefer the Camaro SS for exterior style

Interior: I Can actually see out of this damn thing. I did not feel claustrophobic like I did in the Camaro. No they are not the same. The windshield doesn’t end this low, the hood is lower, the rear quarter windows help and the B and C pillars are not thick AF. Rear visibility is more or less the same. I felt a lot more comfortable in the first 5 minutes itself and there was no Blind Spot Detection system too. Win for Mustang. Back seats are useless. Side sills are large and you need to get your legs over them but not too bad.

Cloth seats are very supporting, Steering wheel feels good but the interior plastic and trim still doesn’t beat the Camaro. Cheap plastic and vinyl everywhere and the climate control and infotainment buttons felt cheap and too plasticky. Steering wheels controls were good though and you could use them instead for most infotainment functions. But I was so engrossed in driving it I didn’t mind.

The Drive: This is the updated 5.0 Coyote with Gt350 bits and Holy Mother of God is this magnificent! Just pulling out of the parking lot and I was floored! Brutal torque, seemingly unlimited power and it sounds SO good! It rumbles, It growls and it roars, and this wasn’t even the multimode exhaust. The Camaro SS also sounds really good but this has that special something in the rumble. Also interesting that the Camaro has 455 Lb Ft but this one with the 420Lb ft feels like it has way more torque. I not 100% sure where in the rev range it makes it and it could also be the transmission gearing. I was completely smitten in the first 10 mins and then I calmed down and thought more rationally about the overall car. The feeling of having so much torque and power all the time anytime you ask for it is just intoxicating

There’s like a reserve of power like V-tec after 4500 RPM and it is a lot of fun on the freeway. Effortless performance. 0 to 60 in 3.9 seconds according to several publications with launch control.

Steering is electric and has 3 modes. I left it in normal mode as sport mode was too heavy artificially weighted outside of curvy back roads. Brakes are fantastic but it had the same light gas pedal like the Camaro.

Let me preface this by saying yes, the manual would be the perfect pairing with this V8, unquestionably but this transmission is excellent. D mode is smooth but fast and great for city and highway. S mode is brutal with hard shifts and it goes boom! Boom! Boom! Might be too hardcore for city driving. The only situation where there was some lag was this – It was a 45mph 4 lane road and I wanted to pass someone going below the limit. I gave it some gas and I think it went from 10 to 6 th but then it took a second to realize “Oh you want 4?” and then downshifted again. This is a function of having 10 gears. I have not driven the 15-17 6 speed auto so maybe less gears are better. However I only drove it for 30 mins and I really liked the responsiveness in sport mode. A week long test drive or ownership would definitely show other quirks I guess but I liked it overall . You can’t go wrong with a manual obviously.

I will say though that the BMW ZF 8 speeds are easily the best Automatic transmissions I have experienced. It’s like they can read your mind.

Handling is excellent, grips like crazy and was super stable on off ramps taken at double the suggested limit easily. I floored it after coming to stop and turning into a main road and it did it without any drama or fuss. It did not feel overly wide or have that bit ponderous feel like the Camaro. Ride is very good but a little soft for my preference. I think the Mangetic Ride dampers would help it a lot. I wanted it to be a lot more firm. Handling capability wise this and the Camaro are pretty much the same in everyday driving but this had better feel IMO. And you can drive both quite sedately as a daily no problem if you set the right modes and all that.

I would option out this car in Lighting Blue like this just as it is and add just heated seats, Performance Pack 1 and the magnetic ride suspension and skip everything else. I am fine without the fancy infotainment, leather seats, full digital display etc. The Black accents package without the performance back is another build I like (Posted the pic at the top)

I don’t know if this is worth $52K but this is a giant-killer at less than $45K. What both the Camaro and Mustang lack in finesse and refinement they more than make up for it in world-class performance.

Maybe one day I will be in a financial position to get a Mustang GT or similar fast RWD coupe as my personal second fun car for around $15K but till then…I will wish and hope Lincoln or Ford would make a 2018 Mustang based Falcon sedan with this V8 or even the Ecoboost so that I can one do it all car.

Side note: The sales guy took me on a short drive to an offsite storage lot in a base F150 2.7 Ecoboost. This thing Hauls Ass! I was amazed at how fast a full size pickup pulled off the line. Every NA V6 and V8 pickup I have been in was sluggish until you really got on it. It was hilarious! I can’t imagine how much more crazy the 3.5 Ecoboost would be.

So I have been thinking, based on these last few reviews (Camaro SS, C400, G80 Sport, Chevy SS, Stinger GT and this) what I really want is this kind of performance but with the typical German firm but compliant ride quality, all the creature comforts, quality interiors and sophistication of luxury cars, plus actual usable back seats and trunk. So I imagine a RWD or RWD biased AWD V8 or twin turbo v6 premium/luxury sedan would make me very happy indeed.

This was basically me and my wife after she asked me “How did the test drive go?”

DISCUSSION (47)

NKato > KingT- 60% of the time, it works every time
08/02/2018 at 16:36

I have considered getting a Mustang as my second car. But that is something for the future, not today.

Gerry197 > KingT- 60% of the time, it works every time
08/02/2018 at 16:37

Off the line the 2.7L and 3.5L actually don’t feel that different, in fact the 2.7L is generally faster 0-60 than the 3.5L. It has to due with the gearing and tuning setup for heavy towing, since the 3.5L can do up to 13,000 lbs while the 2.7L is max rated at 8,000 lbs.

Also, fully loaded 2018 F150 Supercrew 4x4 with the 2.7L was recently tested by a major magazine doing 0-60 in 5.7 seconds! That’s fast for a big 4x4.

As for the Mustang Vs Camaro, the Camaro been winning most of the performance comparos I’ve seen in so far. However, it’s getting it’s lunch eaten in sales. Why? Because as you noted, it’s easier to live with while still being very fast.

KingT- 60% of the time, it works every time > NKato
08/02/2018 at 16:39

This, the Camaro and Corvette to an extent are the cheapest ways to get big RWD HP performance and with so many mods available they’re are really great bargains used.

KingT- 60% of the time, it works every time > Gerry197
08/02/2018 at 16:40

Very interesting to know. I know the new Ranger is coming with the 2.7 Ecoboost should be a fun truck with the right setup.

Dark chocolate > KingT- 60% of the time, it works every time
08/02/2018 at 16:50

A lmost got a Mustang GT for my second toy car.

Then ended up driving the SS Sedan with 6 speed.

Nibby > KingT- 60% of the time, it works every time
08/02/2018 at 16:50

Kinja'd!!!

NKato > KingT- 60% of the time, it works every time
08/02/2018 at 16:51

I’m not a fan of the over-electronicization of modern cars. That is my biggest hang-up on newer cars today.

Nibby > Gerry197
08/02/2018 at 16:53

have an F150 c re w cab with 4WD + 2.7L, can confirm it’s qu ic k

Jayhawk Jake > KingT- 60% of the time, it works every time
08/02/2018 at 16:56

The performance pack suspension I think is pretty stiff compared to the base. I don’t actually mind the ride enough to think magnetic suspension is necessary, but if I was shopping for a new one I’d certainly tick that box.

KingT- 60% of the time, it works every time > Dark chocolate
08/02/2018 at 17:02

Excellent choice nevertheless

KingT- 60% of the time, it works every time > Nibby
08/02/2018 at 17:02

Gib

nafsucof > KingT- 60% of the time, it works every time
08/02/2018 at 17:03

that blue one up top is the best!

Gerry197 > KingT- 60% of the time, it works every time
08/02/2018 at 17:06

Is it? I thought only the 2.3L Ecoboost 4 is the only available engine in the US.

Even the Raptor Ranger doesn’t get the 2.7L, it gets a 4 cylinder diesel with a lot less power.

KingT- 60% of the time, it works every time > nafsucof
08/02/2018 at 17:07

I know right? Normally I am not a fan of blacked out accent packages but it works so well on the Mustang. And in Orange Fury, I am smitten!

KingT- 60% of the time, it works every time > Gerry197
08/02/2018 at 17:10

Oh, confused the two, whoops! Now I wish they’d put the 2.7 in the Ranger instead of the 2.3, at least in the Raptor version because last I heard Raptor was diesel only.

Gerry197 > KingT- 60% of the time, it works every time
08/02/2018 at 17:16

Oh gotcha.

The Raptor is only international so far, so maybe we can get a 2.7L in the US, especially since Ford uses that motor for “ST” versions of their SUVs.

But I wonder, since the Ranger (like the Canyon, Colorado) are based on international platforms, if the 2.7L would even fit. These international truck platforms are designed with 4 cylinder gas & diesels in mind.

KingT- 60% of the time, it works every time > Jayhawk Jake
08/02/2018 at 17:20

So in that case I would just option a GT Premium in Velocity Blue with the black accent package like so

Kinja'd!!!

Takuro Spirit > KingT- 60% of the time, it works every time
08/02/2018 at 17:38

Kinja'd!!!

Those wheels are unfortunate. They look like some Sport Editions from Tire Rack bought 6 years ago for snow tires and put on the new car ‘cause “they’re in the garage, I’m not wasting money”.

KingT- 60% of the time, it works every time > Takuro Spirit
08/02/2018 at 17:42

Yup, they absolutely suck and make it seem like a penalty for going for the base model. Same thing with the “infotainment” system. I was like WTF is this bargain basement shit, before I started driving and forgot all about it.

Kinja'd!!!

The Peformance pack 2 wheels(12) are my favorite followed by the Black Accent wheels(7) like in the first pic up top.

Kinja'd!!!

Takuro Spirit > KingT- 60% of the time, it works every time
08/02/2018 at 17:45

Gimmie #6

GimmieGimmie

KingT- 60% of the time, it works every time > Takuro Spirit
08/02/2018 at 17:46

Best thing is it comes with the Performance P ack 1 which is a worthy addition from what I’ve read and seen

Kinja'd!!!

Nibby > KingT- 60% of the time, it works every time
08/02/2018 at 18:08

dibs

SHARPSPEED > KingT- 60% of the time, it works every time
08/02/2018 at 18:09

How tall are you? I’m 6' and I sat in a pre-facelift ‘stang of this gen and the seats were too tall. Shame as this is my favorite gen.

gmctavish needs more space > KingT- 60% of the time, it works every time
08/02/2018 at 18:11

“I will wish and hope Lincoln or Ford would make a 2018 Mustang based Falcon sedan with this V8 or even the Ecoboost”

This, so much this ^

CRider > KingT- 60% of the time, it works every time
08/02/2018 at 18:18

“ I don’t know if this is worth $52K but this is a giant-killer at less than $45K. What both the Camaro and Mustang lack in finesse and refinement they more than make up for it in world-class performance....

Well, an M4 starts at about $70k (and goes up quickly) , while a 2019 Mustang BULLITT with 475 hp and Highland Green paint can be had with every option and come i n under $53k.

gettingoldercarguy > KingT- 60% of the time, it works every time
08/02/2018 at 18:21

Base mustang and throw kw v3 dampers on it. You'll get the exact ride you're looking for.

KingT- 60% of the time, it works every time > SHARPSPEED
08/02/2018 at 19:01

5'11" it was perfectly fine for me

KingT- 60% of the time, it works every time > gmctavish needs more space
08/02/2018 at 19:04

It would be a kickass Ford version of the Chevy SS with more attractive styling. Just imagine

Kinja'd!!!

nafsucof > KingT- 60% of the time, it works every time
08/02/2018 at 21:49

that’s a cool color too, my friend has a tangerine scream fost, but this is oranger and i like it alot too!

Wagon Guy drives a Boostang > KingT- 60% of the time, it works every time
08/02/2018 at 23:58

Well, it’s too bad you can’t get a ‘19 in Lightning blue. It’s a 17-18 only color at this point. Maybe they’ll bring it back, but they’ve got Kona Blue for ‘19 which is a good color.

I’ll stick with mine as it is.

Kinja'd!!!

KingT- 60% of the time, it works every time > Wagon Guy drives a Boostang
08/03/2018 at 00:01

Looks great. love those wheels

Grabber Blue is my absolute freaking favorite but too bad they stopped it

TheD0k_2many toys 2little time > KingT- 60% of the time, it works every time
08/03/2018 at 03:58

Yea but have you driven a 500WHP DSM?

Jayhawk Jake > KingT- 60% of the time, it works every time
08/03/2018 at 08:25

The problem with that rendering is you’d have the same headroom in the backseat as the car has right now. Which is to say you’d have no headroom.

Generally though, I agree. I really don’t understand why Ford hasn’t built other vehicles on the Mustang bones. I don’t think they should make a true sports car Lincoln, that's not the brand, but making like the Taurus Sho a Mustang based vehicle would do well I think.

Jayhawk Jake > KingT- 60% of the time, it works every time
08/03/2018 at 08:27

They’re so much better in silver

Kinja'd!!!

Jayhawk Jake > KingT- 60% of the time, it works every time
08/03/2018 at 08:28

I need to see velocity blue in person. I like it in pictures.

I feel like the performance package is worth it for the brakes alone. The 6 pot brembos are incredible.

Jayhawk Jake > Gerry197
08/03/2018 at 08:30

I need to drive a Camaro to compare. I sort of wonder how much these performance comparisons come down to tires. I think even now the SS 1LE comes with stickier, wider rubber than the PP. PP Level 2 might even it out a bit.

razorbeamteam > KingT- 60% of the time, it works every time
08/03/2018 at 09:28

Aww yeah! I’m glad your review confirmed a lot of things I’ve been reading elsewhere. I’m thinking this will be in my life in the near future. That ruby red too, ooooooohhhh weeeee!

2018 and they’ve made the mustang a car you can live with everyday, what a time to be alive.

Gerry197 > Jayhawk Jake
08/03/2018 at 10:27

I think it’s down to the suspension setting and tires as well. But enough where it’s a hands down winner on the track. Where the Camaro is comparable to a European sportscar in suspension tuning and the Mustang is still a traditional Muscle Car.

KingT- 60% of the time, it works every time > razorbeamteam
08/03/2018 at 10:32

Glad to be of help!

Tapas > KingT- 60% of the time, it works every time
08/03/2018 at 11:19

Ok now I want to know how this compares against the pre-facelift Mustang.

Because that face is just....yikes!

KingT- 60% of the time, it works every time > Tapas
08/03/2018 at 11:50

Me too. I wish they had kept the 2015 face and made these improvements.

My bird IS the word > KingT- 60% of the time, it works every time
08/04/2018 at 11:39

honestly with my FOST i am impressed with 250hp, so 460 must be insane.

KingT- 60% of the time, it works every time > My bird IS the word
08/04/2018 at 11:48

It is like you never have to plan, or wait for power. Instant on because of so much power and torque and you are supremely confident that yo u can close any gap merge anywhere and pass anything on the road. I loved that aspect of it. I guess it’s the same wth most high powered sportscar. The delivery of the power .

My bird IS the word > KingT- 60% of the time, it works every time
08/04/2018 at 11:53

I’ ve driven alot of nice cars, but nothing that is really fast like that. I did love the torque of my v8 when it was still running.

KingT- 60% of the time, it works every time > My bird IS the word
08/04/2018 at 13:09

Some of it is gearing as well but not having to wait for a turbo in a free revving torquey V8 helps a lot

Chan - Mid-engine with cabin fever > Jayhawk Jake
08/05/2018 at 02:42

I test drove a ‘15 with the performance pack suspension. IMO it’s an unacceptable stiffness for a car like the Mustang. It doesn’t offer the lightness of a Porsche and it doesn’t feel comfy enough to commute in—hard pass. If I were buying a Mustang, base or magnetic/ adjustable suspension for me; I’d rather let it be a Mustang (i.e. a fast GT car , perhaps without the G ) and not pretend to be something that it’s not.

Jayhawk Jake > Chan - Mid-engine with cabin fever
08/05/2018 at 07:44

To each their own I guess. I’ve daily driven a GT PP for more than a year, 16000ish miles, and I haven’t found it to be that uncomfortable.

Obviously it does n’t offer the lightness of a Porsche, it’s not that light. If you’re expecting a Mustang to drive like a 911 that isn’t the Mustang’s fault...