Friday, April 25, 2025
59.4 F
Roseville

2018 Ford Mustang maintains winning formula

2018 Ford Mustang fast muscle car – tons of fun, affordable, and sexy

Roseville, Calif. – The Ford Mustang has truly been one of America’s iconic cars for the past 54 years. And with a purposeful new redesign three years ago, there’s little doubt that the Mustang has picked up some additional admirers.

The winning formula for more than a half century remains unchanged: The Mustang is a fast muscle car that’s tons of fun, affordable, and sexy. However, the modern Mustang is also way more sophisticated than when it was first introduced.

Ford debuted the Mustang in 1964. It was the first of the so-called pony cars, which were characterized by being compact, affordable, stylish and most importantly – possessing high performance.

Wanting to capitalize on the new concept, many imitators quickly followed because the Mustang became a car for people who craved performance and wanted to be noticed. A half century later, getting noticed is still no problem, thanks to that satisfying engine growl.

2018 Ford Mustang

* Performance: turbocharged 2.3-liter, four cylinder, 310 horsepower; 5.0-liter, V8, 460 horsepower; 5.2-liter, V8, 526 horsepower
* Mileage estimate: 21-50 mpg; 15-25 mpg; 14-21 mpg
* Price:  $26,600 to $65,200
* Warranty: 3 years/36,000 miles; drivetrain 5 years/60,000 miles; corrosion 5 years/unlimited; roadside assistance 5 years/60,000


The Mustang developed a following instantly and has gathered many more in its five decades of production, evidenced by the more than 9 million-plus in sales generated over that time span. The Chevrolet Camaro and Dodge Challenger remain the Mustang’s most formidable rivals.

There has never been an issue of mistaken identity with the Mustang. It still features a long hood, tri-bar taillights and sloping fastback, which combine to give it an aggressive appeal.

There were some exterior changes made to the 2018 Ford Mustang. For starters, the grille is lower and has a more forceful look. Ford also reshaped the LED headlights and taillights, and offers a dozen different wheel designs.

That aggressive appeal carries over to the engine, another cherished Mustang quality since inception. No matter what model is chosen, performance continues to be a huge selling point. For 2018, Ford added an automatic 10-speed manual transmission that’s quick-shifting and very smooth. All Mustangs are rear-wheel drive.

Ford dropped the V6 engine this year. It kept the turbocharged model that was introduced in 2015. It features a 2.3-liter, four-cylinder engine that produces 310 horsepower and 350 pound-feet of torque. Don’t be too quick to judge its capability; the turbo model goes 0-60 in 4.9 seconds and gets an estimated 21-30 mpg, the best of the three in terms of making a tank of gas go the furthest.

The standard Mustang engine is a 5.0-liter, V8 with 460 horsepower and 420 pound-feet of torque. The third option is Shelby GT350 model, a 5.0-liter, V8 that generates 526 horsepower and 429 pound-feet of torque. Ford says both V8s are capable of going 0-60 mpg in under 4.0 seconds.

Although the clutch engagement takes some getting used to, the best way to enjoy driving a Mustang is choosing manual transmission. It gives the driver a much better feel for the road and allows for enhanced confidence in many driving situations. In either manual or automatic mode, the Mustang corners well and has good overall handling.

The Mustang seats four people, but the rear seats are uncomfortable for adults because of the limited space, low roof and rear glass. Like all coups, the Mustang entry and exit can be annoying chore, especially for larger folks. The cargo area is decent at 13.5 cubic feet (11.4 for convertibles).

Most buttons and levers are straightforward, so there’s no major guesswork in figuring out the Mustang’s interior layout. The backup camera is a major help, although the Mustang’s visibility is above average for the segment, aided by windshield pillars that aren’t too wide and expansive rear glass that gives a decent rearward view.

If you were a previous fan of the Mustang, then you’re really going to like the 2018 version because it’s superior to any previous model.



Join the local fun!

Coming Up!

Coming Up!

Trending

Folsom Pedal Quest returns May 3 in Historic Folsom

Folsom, Calif.- Folsom Pedal Quest returns Saturday, May 3 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. in Historic Folsom. This free community event invites riders of all ages and abilities to explore Folsom's trail network

Folsom trail closure due to construction for water improvement project

Folsom, Calif. - As part of the ongoing Folsom Water Improvement Project, a section of the trail corridor near Willow Creek Drive will be temporarily closed for approximately 10 to 12 weeks starting Tuesday, April 30.

Roseville DMV Office opening on Saturday, May 3, for REAL ID Appointments

Roseville, Calif. - The California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) recently announced the Roseville office at 7200 Galilee Road will offer appointments on Saturday, May 3, from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m., to accommodate customers who want to get a REAL ID

Rocklin Florist

Order flowers online from your florist in Rocklin, Calif.. Rocklin Florist, Inc., offers fresh flowers and hand delivery right to your door in Rocklin.

Lincoln Chamber hosts heartwarming and creative fundraiser

Lincoln, Calif. -The Lincoln Area Chamber of Commerce hosted a heartwarming and creative fundraiser, bringing together the spirit of community and local business support.

Topics

Folsom Pedal Quest returns May 3 in Historic Folsom

Folsom, Calif.- Folsom Pedal Quest returns Saturday, May 3 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. in Historic Folsom. This free community event invites riders of all ages and abilities to explore Folsom's trail network

Folsom trail closure due to construction for water improvement project

Folsom, Calif. - As part of the ongoing Folsom Water Improvement Project, a section of the trail corridor near Willow Creek Drive will be temporarily closed for approximately 10 to 12 weeks starting Tuesday, April 30.

Roseville DMV Office opening on Saturday, May 3, for REAL ID Appointments

Roseville, Calif. - The California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) recently announced the Roseville office at 7200 Galilee Road will offer appointments on Saturday, May 3, from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m., to accommodate customers who want to get a REAL ID

Rocklin Florist

Order flowers online from your florist in Rocklin, Calif.. Rocklin Florist, Inc., offers fresh flowers and hand delivery right to your door in Rocklin.

Lincoln Chamber hosts heartwarming and creative fundraiser

Lincoln, Calif. -The Lincoln Area Chamber of Commerce hosted a heartwarming and creative fundraiser, bringing together the spirit of community and local business support.

Placer County community organizations receive grants from Athens Renewable Energy

Auburn, Calif. - Athens Renewable Energy is proud to recognize Placer Community Foundation, Roseville Urban Forest Foundation, and Gold Country Wildlife Rescue as the grant recipients for the first quarter

Roseville Iron Rose FC Soccer announces 2025 season schedule

Roseville, Calif. - Iron Rose FC kicks off its second season with both a women’s and men’s team competing in the WPSL and TLFC. After a successful women’s season last year the men join the club in 2025.

Western Placer County adds 279-acres of protected woodland

Auburn, Calif. - A partnership between Placer Land Trust, Placer County, and the Placer Conservation Authority to conserve 279 acres of blue oak woodlands recently closed escrow.

Related Articles

Local Spotlight

Stanford Ranch Family Dentistry in Rocklin serving the local community since 2000

Rocklin, Calif.- For nearly 25 years, Jason and Heather have grown their successful Stanford Ranch Family Dentistry practice by faithfully serving patients throughout the Rocklin, Roseville, and greater South Placer County region. Their business has grown to now employ over a dozen employees which helps them meet the growing demands of a successful local business.

Making a Splash in Roseville at Steve Wallen Swim School

Roseville, Calif. - Steve Wallen Swim School in Roseville teaches swim lessons and water safety for infants, kids, and adults of all skill levels.

Paul Black’s Solar Panel Cleaning in Roseville serving the region for over 30 years

Roseville, Calif. - Money-saving solar panels in Roseville, Rocklin and throughout South Placer County have become ubiquitous From new residential solar communities continue to big business and after market installation, solar seems to be a smart choice to shred those high monthly electric costs.