Welcome to the world of the Ford Mustang, a significant part of car culture for 60 years. Whether you've
wanted a Mustang for years or decades, the wait is finally over. Now that the purchase is complete, it's
time to embrace the ownership experience fully. Keep reading as we explore practical tips for keeping
your Mustang running smoothly and dive into interesting Mustang lore. The opportunities are endless for owners looking to put a unique stamp on their Mustang. From subtle
cosmetic changes to significant performance upgrades, your imagination and budget are the only
limitations. What's especially interesting is that modification components are readily available for
Mustangs of all ages. Some owners focus on appearance, while others concentrate on performance. And some incorporate both.
There's no right or wrong. The Mustang aftermarket parts industry is massive. So you'll find upgrades of
every type, from gear shift knobs to
supercharger
kits.
In truth, all these choices can be overwhelming. So, it's best to plan your mods, even if the projects
stretch over the years. This way, you'll have goals in mind and can prioritize what's most meaningful.
Where to start? That's up to you, but exhaust system and
suspension upgrades are at the top of the list
of many Steeda customers.
With Mustangs in continuous production for six decades and seven generations, this Ford has a massive
following. Ten million Mustangs sold since 1964 translates into scores of enthusiast groups, car shows,
and track days. Online Mustang forums like Mustang6G and the subreddit r/Mustang are an endless
source of information and camaraderie. In the real world, the Mustang Club of America brings together
enthusiasts through over 100 regional chapters across the U.S. You're never alone when it comes to
Ford's original pony car. Yet, this enthusiasm isn't just an American phenomenon; the Mustang is sold the world over. While the
Mustang has been enjoyed across the globe since its early days, its popularity took on a new meaning
with the arrival of the sixth generation in 2015. From day one, the S550 Mustang was designed with a
worldwide audience in mind. There are right-hand drive versions, and in 2016, the Mustang claimed the title of Germany's best-selling sports car.
Part of the Mustang's broad appeal is the range of available models. Going back to the original Mustang,
Ford wisely offered options ranging from a “sporty” car to a true sports car. Today, even the
entry-level EcoBoost offers a genuine
performance vehicle experience thanks to a potent turbocharged
four-cylinder under the hood. Stepping up to the GT adds legendary V8 power, while many Mustang
generations have embraced top-end status with the Shelby GT350 and GT500 variants. No matter the need or price range, there's a Mustang that fits the bill. Nowhere is this more evident
than in the second-hand market. Those
with $5,000 can easily find a project car ready to roll, while an
enthusiast with a six-figure budget will have no trouble adding a superior Mustang to their collection.
If you own a 2015 or newer Mustang, one key difference you'll experience is its independent rear suspension
(IRS). Before the S550 generation, Mustangs used a solid rear axle. Switching to an IRS
vastly improved the Mustang's handling capabilities, ride comfort, and chassis balance. As the name suggests, an independent rear suspension allows each rear wheel to move independently,
following road contours better and providing more predictable handling. IRS also lowers unsprung weight
compared to a heavy solid axle. Owners report that these newer Mustangs feel tighter and more agile than
their predecessors while retaining that signature Mustang rear-wheel drive feel. At the same time,
turn-in is sharper, body roll is reduced, and cornering is more neutral. The IRS transformation helped
turn the Mustang into a world-class sports car. April 17, 1964, is a date every Mustang owner should know. That's the historic day the first Mustang went
on sale. Ford dealerships received their first shipments of the new Mustang, and sales exploded
immediately. Buyers snapped up over 22,000 Mustangs on day one, and Ford sold over 417,000 Mustangs
within that first year. April 17 is now celebrated as National Mustang Day, with Mustang club gatherings, car shows, and parades
marking the iconic car's birthday. Each year, on April 17, Mustang owners commemorate the vehicle's
legacy with tributes to that memorable 1964 debut. There are even official National Mustang Day badges
you can proudly display to honor the original pony car's launch. While there's no denying that the Ford Mustang is remarkable, this status doesn't exempt owners from
performing regular maintenance. Following the recommended service schedule will keep your Mustang
running strong for years. Don't neglect routine oil
changes, fluid top-offs, tire rotations, filter
changes, and belt replacements. In addition, be alert for any new noises, leaks, vibrations, or warning
lights indicating potential trouble. Addressing issues early can prevent more significant (and
expensive) problems down the road. At the same time, learn your Mustang's unique quirks and inspect it regularly. Connecting with
knowledgeable Mustang mechanics can help you stay on top of servicing needs. Keep in mind that you may
need to shorten the maintenance intervals if your plans include performance use or extreme
modifications. Taking care of your Mustang from day one protects your investment and enhances
reliability. If your Mustang is newer, it's vital to know that proper maintenance preserves your
Mustang's warranty coverage.
One area that can get overlooked by a new Mustang owner is what connects the car to the road: the tires.
Even if you've got a factory-fresh Mustang, understanding the importance of selecting the right tires is
essential. For instance, driving on summer tires is excellent for the hotter months or if you live in a warmer
climate, but these treads will fall short if driving in snow is a factor. It's not unusual for a Mustang
owner to have two sets of tires and wheels that get changed with the season. If your plans include track
days or racing, you'll need ultra-high-performance tires designed specifically to handle the extreme
conditions of competition. However, the softer rubber compounds that provide extra grip mean a shorter
lifespan. Here's where having alternate sets of wheels and tires comes in handy. Before deciding about tires for your Mustang, take some time to learn about tire construction, compounds,
and types. Get advice from experts on the best tires for your Mustang based on your driving
circumstances. The proper tires can take your Mustang's
handling to the next level, while the wrong
tires can be downright dangerous. First-time Mustang owners need to avoid the initial temptation of hammering the gas and lighting up the
rear tires, especially if there's something powerful under the hood. This is besides observing the
1000-mile break-in period for a factory-new Mustang (read the owner's manual). You'll have plenty of opportunities to test your car's capabilities, but first, learning the nuances of
your car's handling is crucial. Start slow, feel the chassis dynamics, and gradually build your
confidence. Get used to inputs from the steering, clutch, shifter, brakes, and throttle. Each Mustang
has its own character and quirks. Safely push the car harder through curves and on straights as your
abilities improve. Work up to checking the full performance potential of your Mustang once you've mastered control at lower
speeds. Patience and prudence behind the wheel will keep you and your Mustang in one piece. Once you
know the limits, there will be plenty of time to have fun. There's often debate: is the Ford Mustang a pony car or a muscle car? In reality, it's both. When
launched in 1964, Ford (along with the Plymouth Barracuda) helped create a new vehicle segment dubbed
“pony
cars.” Later, the Chevrolet Camaro and Pontiac would join in to offer consumers small, sporty,
affordable coupes with long hoods and short rear decks. During the late 1960s, big block V8 engine options also transformed the Mustang into a formidable muscle
car. So, the Mustang straddles both categories, blending pony car style and proportions with traditional
muscle car power. It's this combination that gives the Mustang its universal appeal. At its core, the
Mustang is the quintessential American pony AND muscle car. As a first-time Mustang owner, you may not be aware of the model's history. After all, it's Ford's
longest-running nameplate still in production. Here's a brief overview of each generation: Ford's
original pony car set Mustang design standards that are still used today. Ford launched the Mustang II due to energy and environmental concerns, but the
effort fell short with
fans. The second-generation Mustang is the least appreciated today, but there's a growing recognition
for how this edition kept the nameplate alive. That said, the Cobra II still can turn heads among
Mustang enthusiasts. Ford breathed new life into the Mustang franchise with the launch of the Fox Body generation. Styling
paid tribute to the original edition while incorporating more modern elements. This period marked the
introduction of the legendary Mustang GT 5.0 and helped maintain the Mustang legacy. Ford had initially
intended to replace the Fox Body with a
front-wheel-drive Mustang (that went on to become the Ford
Probe). Yet fans revolted, preserving the rear-wheel-drive orientation that purists appreciate. After the Fox Body's record run, Ford introduced the fourth-generation Mustang. Called the “SN95” in
Ford's internal language, this edition shifted from softer lines to a more sculpted look while retaining
original Mustang design cues. A comprehensive refresh followed for the 1999 model, earning these
Mustangs the “New Edge” moniker. However, some refer to the entire fourth generation as the SN95 Mustang. The S197 Mustang finally cast aside the
remaining remnants of the Fox Body platform in the SN95. The
fifth generation returned to a more retro look, and its new platform improved weight distribution and
handling. Seeking to keep the Mustang relevant in the face of competition (the resurrected Dodge Challenger and
Chevrolet Camaro), Ford gave the S550
contemporary styling. More importantly, adding an independent rear
suspension radically transformed the Mustang's handling for the better. Worried about hybrid and all-wheel-drive rumors, Mustang loyalists relaxed when the S650 debuted with the
model's original formula intact (rear-wheel drive and conventional power). Crisp styling and the right
amounts of modernity (like an all-digital dashboard) keep the Mustang a head-turner in a world dominated
by SUVs and trucks. The Dark Horse edition is the Mustang's first new performance variant in over 20
years. How To Find Local Mustang Clubs Near You How To Buy A Used Mustang Does Modifying My Car Void My Warranty? Source: MustangSpecs10 Things You Should Know as a First-Time Mustang Owner
1. Modifications and Aftermarket Equipment Await Your Mustang
2. The Ford Mustang Has One of the World's Largest Enthusiast Communities
3. There's a Mustang for Every Budget
4. Independent Rear Suspension Changed the Mustang forever
5. Celebrate April 17
6. Understand the Importance of Regular Maintenance for Your Mustang
7. Get the Right Tires for the Right Job
8. Drive Gentle at First
9. Is the Mustang a Pony Car or a Muscle Car?
10. Know Your Mustang Generations
First Generation (1964-1973)
Second Generation (1974-1978)
Third Generation (1979-1993)
Fourth Generation (1994-2004)
Fifth Generation (2005-2014)
Sixth Generation (2015-2023)
Seventh Generation (2024-Current)
Related Articles
