Driving enthusiasts who want American muscle with modern tech. The GT is the definitive buy — V8, manual available, $43K. The Dark Horse is for track-day buyers who want the most focused naturally aspirated Mustang ever. The EcoBoost base is a practical daily driver with the Mustang identity.
Every available trim — starting price, key features, and who it's for.
| Trim | Starting Price | Key Features & Who It's For |
|---|---|---|
| EcoBoost Fastback | $30,920 | 315hp turbo 4-cyl. Manual or auto. Best entry. |
| EcoBoost Premium | $36,370 | 315hp. Full SYNC 4. Leather. Better suspension. |
| GT Fastback | $43,745 | 486hp 5.0L V8. Manual or auto. The definitive Mustang. |
| GT Premium | $49,535 | 486hp. Full luxury + performance package available. |
| Dark Horse | $59,925 | 500hp 5.0L. Tremec 6-speed manual standard. Track-focused. |
| GT500 | $79,995+ | Shelby-developed. 760hp supercharged. The legend continues. |
Every cost, reliability, and buying question answered on dedicated pages.
The most searched questions about the Mustang — answered with data.
The Ford Mustang averages $195/month for full coverage — $47/month more than an F-150. The performance classification and high accident rates among young drivers push premiums up. The GT costs more to insure than the EcoBoost base (approximately $215 vs $178/month). The GT500 and Dark Horse are the most expensive: $250-285/month. Drivers over 30 with clean records see significantly lower rates.
The S650 generation (2024+) Mustang earns above-average reliability scores in Consumer Reports — the most reliable generation yet. The S550 generation (2015-2023) scored average overall, with the 10-speed automatic transmission being the most common complaint on 2018+ models. The 5.0L V8 is extremely durable with proper oil changes. The EcoBoost 4-cyl has proven reliable over its production run.
The 2024+ Mustang GT produces 486hp from its 5.0L Coyote V8 with manual transmission, or 480hp with automatic (due to different tune). The Dark Horse variant produces 500hp through additional refinements to the 5.0L. The GT500 uses a 5.2L supercharged V8 producing 760hp.
The EcoBoost at $30,920 is the most accessible Mustang. The 315hp turbocharged 4-cylinder is genuinely fun and fuel-efficient (24 hwy). Purists prefer the V8 GT for sound and character. For buyers choosing between the two: if budget allows, step up to the GT — the $12,825 premium delivers a fundamentally better driving experience, and the V8 GT holds its value better than the EcoBoost.
2024+ S650 Mustangs are the most reliable based on initial quality data. For used buying: 2015-2017 S550 Mustangs with the 5.0L V8 and 6-speed manual are strong choices. Avoid the 2018-2019 with the 10-speed automatic (early transmission calibration issues). The 2020-2023 10-speed is significantly improved.
The GT is the better all-around Mustang: $43,745 base, daily-drivable, 486hp, available with manual or automatic. The Dark Horse ($59,925) is purpose-built for the track — Tremec 6-speed standard, specific oil cooler, stiffer suspension, more aggressive setup. If you track your car regularly, Dark Horse. If you daily drive and occasionally enjoy back roads, GT.