2019 Ford Mustang GT Review
2019 Ford Mustang GT
Price as tested: $51,225
Engine: 5.0 Liter V8 (woo Murika)
Horsepower and Torque: 480 hp // 420 ft/lbs
0-60: 3.9 Seconds
Text and Photography: Richard Maneen
The Mustang created the muscle car phenomenon back in the 1960s. It’s safe to say that the Stang has cemented itself as one of the most iconic muscle cars of all time. With it’s loud exhaust and attractive styling, you’ll always know a Mustang when you see (and hear) one. The iconic muscle car is back and better than ever for 2019.
The 2019 Mustang GT is as powerful and refined as ever. With 460 horsepower and 420 lb-ft of torque, you’ll be thrown back in your seat as you punch the throttle. Ford was kind enough to give us a GT with their performance package, which includes Brembo brakes, summer tires and a limited slip differential. Our test vehicle also had a six speed manual transmission with active rev matching, Recaro bucket seats as well the active exhaust system. Our model came in at $51,000 due to the trim package and optional upgrades.
Driving the Mustang GT in a straight line is fantastic. The car holds it’s line very well and shifts incredibly smooth for such a heavy vehicle. Now, if you’re looking to take the GT into the mountains to play around with some Japanese boy racers…think again. Cornering at high speeds is pretty nerve racking, especially when you are sloshing around in a “racing seat” that is designed to hold the driver in place. The few times I was ballsy enough to take a corner faster than usual were instantly regretted half way through the corner. The GT’s back end will feel a little uneasy, almost like the car isn’t planted to the ground. There is also a lot of body roll, even with Ford’s included strut bar. Perhaps the handling could be tightened up with some aftermarket parts, but for what its worth, keep this Stang at high speeds in a straight line.
Braking with the GT was fantastic. The pedal was firm and stopping power was quite impressive, thanks to the optional Brembo brake system. Fuel economy for a V8 was exceptional. Ford quotes 15 city and 24 highway. Our test vehicle returned 13 city and 22 highway. Not bad at all for an American V8.
The interior of the Mustang GT was a bit displeasing. The plastics seem to be of low quality and the backseat is pretty much pointless due to size and absence of headrests. The black and red leather combo of our test vehicle was a nice touch. The leather was soft and of good quality. My only complaints with the interior are the size of the steering wheel and the optional Recaro seats. The steering wheel seems out of place in an otherwise fair interior setup, due mainly to it’s size and thickness. The Recaro seats are also a nice touch, but are kind of pointless due to the bolsters on the seat. Don’t get me wrong, the seat holds you in place when the vehicle isn’t exhibiting much movement. When you start to thrash the vehicle around, the “racing seat” doesn’t seem to do it’s job well enough.
Overall, Ford did a great job with the 2019 Mustang GT. I was honestly a little upset that I had to give the car back. I personally am more of a mountain carver, JDM fanboy. But, this GT really surprised me with what it had to offer. If you’re in the market for a modern day muscle car, don’t pass up Ford on your way to the Chevy and Dodge dealership.
