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2014 Ford Mustang Road Test Review by Martha Hindes - American Muscle Issue

2014 Ford Mustang GT Road Test Review

by Martha Hindes

Road & Travel Magazine's - American Muscle

Chevy Camaro

Dodge Charger

Chevy Corvette

Ford Mustang

If the "must" in Mustang means just that, then you're one of a large number of autophiles who won't stand for any other vehicle but this one. Call it "pony car" as originally known. Call it "muscle car," as eventually dubbed. That terminology can be debated. What isn't up for grabs is the current "must have" version that takes its proper place on the sanctified "Stang" pedestal – the 2014 Ford Mustang GT.

This rock 'em, sock 'em symbol of the earthiest American driving past time that burst out of the 1960s has established itself as an undeniable classic in the half century since then. Who’d a thunk that a sassy little two-door, rear-drive compact sporty car with an equine name that caught on back then? Or, would have had the staying power and magnetic attraction to foster countless worldwide fan clubs, cruise events, movie appearances and high priced auctions ever since? This genuine piece of American muscle continued to grow and expand while numerous other superlative auto names have simply vanished from showrooms, streets and even memories.

The Ford Mustang hit the deck running back in mid-1964 when it could be purchased for a little over $2,000. According to parent company, Ford, a man who won the first Mustang on sale in a bidding war slept in it overnight to make sure it wouldn't be sold to someone else before his check had cleared. That shows the kind of passion that took sales to a million within two years. Since then, the Mustang has been downsized (Mustang II), up sized, gone topless, super power sized (Cobra, Boss), and even survived a threatened extinction.

Cinematic credits, almost from day 1, include its debut in the Bond film Goldfinger and later in Steve McQueen's Bullitt with its infamous and still revered car chase. (RTM’s cast of best car commercials)

Perhaps it was those die-hard fans whose protests are credited with helping rescue the Mustang from potential oblivion some 25 years ago at the time it was expected to be phased out by Ford when the company had ramped up the short-lived, front-drive ("gasp") Probe to take its place. Whatever caused the company to rethink its decision probably will continue to be debated, although consumer protest goes to the top of the credit list. The outcome remains a welcomed gift for the uncountable folks who have owned, adored or plan to own one – especially as the Mustang approaches its 50th Anniversary as a 2015 model.

For now, the gorgeous, highly praised and ultimately capable GT fills the "gotta have" gap and undoubtedly will take its place in some collector car garages for years to come.

And what makes it so special?

For 2014, here's a Mustang, AKA affectionately known as "Stang" now in its 5th generation, with more than 8.5 million manufactured so far. This GT has a no apologies 5.0-liter V-8 at its core ready to churn out a throbbing 420 horsepower for those brave enough to get behind the wheel. If you doubt the muscular intent, consider the optional GT Track Package for the stick shift model designed to make sure those who actually do take their Stang's into competition with others or with their own previous challenge times have a hoof up in the process.

The 2014 GT has what Ford calls an "aggressive" and "emotional" design that continues to capture the Mustang performance-oriented look that is visually reminiscent and respectful of its past even as it adopts more contemporary styling. Optional appearance packages include black painted aluminum alloy wheels on the GT's 19-inch wheels.                       

Inside, GT offers optional leather trim or cloth Recaro seats, plus the high tech audio and connectivity, including voice control of such apps as Pandora that has led Ford to the forefront of the industry charge into advanced consumer electronics. Ruby Red and Oxford White join the 2014 Mustang exterior color palette.

Behind the wheel, want to gauge true track talent? There's a 4.2-inch LCD screen that allows the driver to monitor performance such as g forces, acceleration times for a quarter-mile and 0 to 60, braking and countdown starts when it's time to run. Selectable steering accommodates sport, standard or comfort settings.

Mustang also continues to woo those who relish it more for its dash and swagger than for racing with a 3.7-liter, 305-horsepower V6 as well as V8 powerplant, coupe and convertible models, and available six-speed SelectShift automatic transmission rather than the six-speed manual.

In racing situations, that automatic won't override the driver when nearing redline while in manual mode, says Ford. That's a plus for weekend warrior racers and part of the "something for everyone" philosophy that's a long-time part of Mustang history.

The price, from a shade above $20K to around $40K, can accommodate many wallets, so that real folks (the kind who make car payments rather than forking over cash to buy one) won't be dissuaded. The "Stang," whether a top performer, or less endowed, still gets the kiss of approval, with such thumbs up assessments as "kicks butt," "fun" "handling," "mileage" "bang for the buck," and simply "awesome."

Those who have worked on this iteration, like chief designer Darrell Behmer, laud its respect for the Mustang heritage at the same time it continues to evolve as a more futuristic example of what America's street racing contenders have become.

Should muscle or pony cars ever become an endangered species as electrification and hybridization continue to dig into all aspects of automotive life, we think that Mustang lovers will again fight tooth and nail for the survival of this mainstay of American muscle.

And if some futurists are correct, there may not be many more years before such performance-driven gas-powered autos become relics of a previous age. But with the kind of cheerleading the Stang continues to get, we think the last non-electric vehicle around could very well be the Mustang.