Lots of Attitude With the 2010 Ford Mustang

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I’ve always had a soft spot for Mustangs, but the 2010 Ford Mustang had me melting like butter in a skillet. This stylish new Mustang coupe is a head-turning, confidence-building honey of a muscle car that is as much fun to drive as it is to ogle.

When the Sunset gold metallic Mustang V6 Premium Coupe turned into my drive, it seemed to sparkle much brighter than the noonday sun. I could hardly wait to jump into the driver’s seat and go for a ride around the block, which was so much fun I decided to drive to town.

In fact, I dreamed up quite a few errands that day, even taking back library books I hadn’t read yet. Too bad it was a holiday and I couldn’t go show off at the office.

My Mustang was just as impressive on the inside as it was on the outside, with charcoal black trimmed leather seats, updated technology (including the newest version of Ford SYNC®), and easy to read gauges that lit up like the cockpit of an airplane.

The new exterior design features sculptured front-end designs for each model (both the V-6 and the GT) and all-new exterior sheet metal for 2010. Front and rear fenders have sculptured wheel flares, and the rear end design boasts angled rear corners, sculptured deck-lid and prominent rear badge. Of course, the galloping Mustang is still prominently displayed on the front grille.

Also new on the 2010 Mustang are improved headlamps, lower fascias, fenders and grille capped by a power-dome hood to enhance appearance while allowing for enhanced air cooling of the engines, and washer-fluid nozzles tucked into the cowl with the antenna moved to the rear to create a cleaner appearance while reducing wind noise. The Mustang has a new tail lamp design with three LED bulbs. Wheel and tire combos are 1-inch bigger, from 17–19 inches, for improved handling and braking, and the upgraded instrument panel has new sound deadeners for improved quietness.

Safety features include standard front seat and side air bags, dual-stage drive, and front passenger air bags; safety belt pretensioners; passenger seat sensing and crash severity sensing; AdvanceTrac® with ESC; and all-speed traction control and anti-lock braking system.

Warranties include a 3-year, 36,000-mile bumper to bumper; a 5-year, 60,000-mile powertrain, and 5-year/60,000 mile roadside assistance. The 2010 V6 Coupe has a 4.0L SOHC V6 Engine and 5-speed auto transmission.  Estimated fuel economy is 16 miles per gallon in town and 24 on the highway, which is not bad at all for a sports car.

Ford built its 9 millionth Mustang in May of 2008, and they claim the Mustang has been America’s favorite muscle car for 45 consecutive years. After driving the 2010 Mustang Coupe for a week, I can definitely see why we love those pony cars.

Jo Ann Holt is a journalist and car columnist based in Dallas, Texas, and a member of the Texas Auto Writers Association (TAWA).