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Before the 2010 Mustang galloped into view droves of Mustangs and a massive, passionate owner body converged on the tarmac to pay homage to the original pony car. VehicleVoice contributors were there outside Barker Hanger at the Santa Monica airport (the day before the LA auto show) to take in this Mustang-only car show… and we must admit the turnout was spectacular.

1964.5 and later

1995 – Present Day

The first row of Mustangs was set up so that each model year was represented one next to another from left to right beginning with the 1964.5 model year to present day. This first row was made up of mostly O.E.M. spec cars that had either been carefully maintained or methodically restored back to original. It was amazing to see the passion, respect, and enthusiasm for this American icon. There were notchbacks, fastbacks, and convertibles with police, race, and other special editions all showing off their stuff. The owner body seemed to drink 91 octane for breakfast and sleep in their garages. These guys were hard-core gear heads with Mustang fever and we loved every minute of it. It was great to see car people enjoying their cars… not as appliances… but works of art with history, heritage and pride of ownership.

1966 Mustang GT350
Shelby 500KR

2010 Mustang
The 2010 Ford Mustang will prove once again to be a meat and potatoes kind of car. Like many ‘new’ vehicle debuts at the LA auto show the Mustang will prove to be more evolutionary than revolutionary. Some of the original rumors a few months ago had it that Ford may follow the new Camaro and Challenger with independent rear suspension. As it turns out, the rumors were false and the Mustang will continue with a solid rear axle. We think it’s a bit of a drawback but Ford seems to think their buyer demographic won’t care too much, especially if it means a lower MSRP.

Underneath 2010 Mustang

2010 Front Left Quarter
Isle ’10: Cosmetics
There are significant interior and exterior cosmetic changes. As for the exterior, the hood has much more dimension and is a little more bullas than the ’05-‘09 Mustangs. It looks as if it were pulled down a tad lower in the front, so much so that it shaves off the tops of the two GT lights inside the grille. The front lights and grille seem to be raked inward at the bottom and pulled out a bit at the top where it meets the hood (Oddly enough that design cue reminds me a little bit of the 2009 Dodge RAM). The turn signal is now integrated into the HID headlight assembly and of course a new front valance that tucks in a little tighter before it dumps underneath the car which completes the changes to the front fascia.

Down the side of the car the two styling creases seem more pronounced, not just the one running down the mid-section about a foot up from the rocker panel, but also one just below the belt line that pretty much runs the length of the car.

The tail end of the new Mustang is also more interesting than the last generation. It’s not quite so blocky and not so upright. The taillights are completely different and the rear quarters seem to be shaved, giving them two softer angles rather than one sharp one. This new tail lamp design features three LED bulbs that fire sequentially from the inside for turn indication. If we remember correctly this sequential bulbs were used on some late 1960’s models and Mercury Cougars. Neat that they’re bringing it back!

2010 Mustang Interior

1964.5 Mustang Interior
Interior
The interior changes might be subtle but they were much needed. We think one of the major drawbacks of the last generation Mustang was the hard plastic interior. We can say honestly that many of the build materials on the new Mustang are a big improvement. We were happy to see that much of the design and layout remains the same, including the e-brake location in the center console, the great gauges, and tri-bar steering wheel. The most noticeable changes came in the form of the center stack and HVAC vents at the top of the center stack. Also, there is a bewildering array of cool interior colors and finishes, giving the interior the potential to be truly tailored to your tastes. Check back with us soon for an exclusive video interview with the 2010 Mustang’s interior designer.
Technology
The new center stack design adds the latest version of Ford SYNC, with new features like 911 assist and Vehicle Health Report. Drivers also can customize their ambient and instrument lighting through the MyColor system which features 125 color options.

Driving One
No, we were not given the opportunity to drive one (at least not yet). Although we are told that the 2010 Mustangs feel more controlled in terms of steering and handling due to adjusted springs, stabilizer bars, and shocks to better balance the ride. For reference, we were told that all of the Bullitt Mustang elements were used as the basic foundation for the new 2010 GT.
In conclusion
Overall, if you weren’t an enthusiast and your eyesight wasn’t all that good you’d have to take a second look to make sure it was a 2010 Mustang. We will say that the improvements are welcome and Ford did a good job with an evolutionary change. The exterior styling changes are tasteful and subtle enough to keep the retro look but move forward at the same time. The hard plastic dash pad is gone, and some softer touch points have been integrated into the interior, where the Mustang had really been lacking. Although, we would have liked the hard plastic interior door panels to have gone with it (Maybe a running change? Trim level upgrade in the future?). While we’re dreaming we’d also like that IRS please…