Ford Mustang Mach 1 2021 Review

For more than 55 years, the Mustang has built a reputation for stirring performance at prices that the average shopper could afford. Sure, there have been countless improvements along the way, but the tried-and-true formula of two doors, lots of power and rear-wheel drive remains. This doesn't include the curiously named Mustang Mach-E, which is a completely different all-electric, four-door quasi sedan/SUV.

There are a few changes for the 2021 Ford Mustang. The Bullitt edition is gone, but in return Ford has brought back another historically inspired version: the Mach 1. This revived Mach 1 is the most well-rounded and capable yet and fills in the gap between the GT and the monstrous GT500. It comes standard with many of the performance features that are optional on the GT plus specifically tuned MagneRide adaptive shock absorbers and an available Mach 1-specific Handling package for even greater capability. The Mach 1 also gets a 20-horsepower bump over the standard GT (up to 480 hp from 460 hp) and can be had with the six-speed manual from the GT350 or a quick shifting 10-speed automatic. This Mach 1 is definitely more than just a nostalgic sticker pack.

Overall, the Mustang remains our top muscle car pick, eclipsing the Chevrolet Camaro and Dodge Charger. How does it do that? Check out our Expert Rating below to read our in-depth evaluation.

What's it like to live with?

Want more real-world information? Check out our long-term test of a 2019 Mustang GT Convertible where we cover the ownership experience over the course of a year. Many of our observations still apply to the current Mustang, whether it's a drop-top or coupe.

Which Mustang does MatoCar recommend?

The 2021 Ford Mustang is available in five main trim levels: EcoBoost, EcoBoost Premium, GT, GT Premium and Mach 1. The standard body style is a two-door coupe. A folding fabric-top convertible version is also offered in all but the Mach 1 trim. Convertibles add more security features and active noise cancellation, but the rear seatbacks are not foldable. There's also the Shelby GT500 that's such a giant leap forward in performance that we cover it in a separate review.

EcoBoostThe entry-level Mustang EcoBoost is powered by a 2.3-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine (310 horsepower, 350 lb-ft of torque). A six-speed manual transmission is standard, and a 10-speed automatic is available as an option. Feature highlights include:

• 17-inch wheels
• Rain-sensing wipers
• Limited-slip rear differential
• Line lock (locks the front wheel brakes to allow for drag-strip burnouts)
• Keyless entry and ignition
• Wi-Fi hotspot
• Remote monitoring and control through a smartphone app
• 4.2-inch center display
• Six-speaker audio system
• Ford Co-Pilot360 suite of advanced safety features:
• Forward collision mitigation (warns you of an impending collision and applies the brakes in certain scenarios)
• Blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert (warns you if a vehicle is in your blind spot during a lane change or while reversing)
• Lane keeping assist (makes minor steering corrections to help keep the vehicle centered in its lane)
• Automatic high beams

The 2.3L High Performance package is available for the EcoBoost and Premium trims. It adds:

• Increased power output of 332 hp
• 19-inch wheels with performance tires
• Rear parking sensors (alert you to obstacles that may not be visible behind the vehicle when parking)
• Upgraded brakes
• Sport suspension
• Shorter rear differential gear ratio
• Active exhaust system
• Paddle shifters (automatic only)
• Unique exterior and interior trim elements

The EcoBoost Handling package can be added to the High Performance engine option and adds:

• Wider wheels and tires
• Larger rear spoiler
• Torsen limited-slip differential
• Adaptive suspension dampers (MagneRide)

EcoBoost Premium Adds many convenience, technology and comfort features, such as:

• 18-inch wheels
• Heated mirrors
• Upgraded interior materials
• Partial leather upholstery
• Dual-zone automatic climate control
• Power-adjustable driver's seat
• 8-inch touchscreen
• Nine-speaker audio system
• Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration
• Heated and ventilated front seats
• Interior ambient lighting

GT The GT trim receives a 5.0-liter V8 (460 hp, 420 lb-ft). A six-speed manual is standard, and a 10-speed automatic is optional. The GT has the same features as the standard EcoBoost trim and further adds:

• 18-inch wheels
• Rear parking sensors
• Upgraded brakes
• Rev-matched downshifts (manual transmission)
• Power-adjustable driver's seat

GT Premium Includes the EcoBoost Premium features plus full leather upholstery.

Both GT trims are eligible for the GT Performance package that adds:

• 19-inch wheels with performance tires
• Brembo brakes
• Sport suspension
• Torsen limited-slip differential

Mach 1 The new Mach 1 model increases power output to 480 hp. Compared to the base GT, you get:

• Special 19-inch wheels with performance tires
• Special active exhaust system
• Mach 1-specific sport suspension with adaptive dampers
• Mach 1-specific styling details
• Brembo brakes
• 8-inch touchscreen
• Digital gauge cluster display
• Nine-speaker audio system
• Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration
• Dual-zone automatic climate control

Besides several aesthetic and mechanical enhancements pulled from the Shelby GT500, you get:

• Upgraded features from the GT Performance package
• Unique active exhaust system
• Digital instrument panel
• Cue-ball shift knob (manual transmission)

All Mustangs are eligible for the Ford Safe and Smart package that includes:

• Adaptive cruise control (adjusts speed to maintain a constant distance between the vehicle and the car in front)
• Navigation system

Some extra features that come with the Premium trims, such as the 8-inch touchscreen, are available on the base EcoBoost and GT trims as options. Other significant optional upgrades include:

• 12-speaker Bang & Olufsen audio system
• Recaro front sport seats (heating and cooling is not available)
• Heated steering wheel
• Exterior and interior styling packages (e.g., the Pony package)
• Mach 1 Handling package (wider wheels and tires, adjustable top front strut mounts, and special front bumper and rear spoiler)