2017 Ford Mustang: What's Changed

CARS.COM

• Most significant changes in the new Ford Mustang: Secondary turn signals on hood vents are no more.
• Price change: V-6 models are $770 higher, turbo four-cylinder models are $275 higher and V-8 models are $525 higher.
• On sale: Now
• Which should you buy, 2016 or 2017? The 2016 Mustang is a better bet. 

The Ford Mustang lineup receives only minor cosmetic and equipment changes for 2017 after easily outselling its main rivals, the Chevrolet Camaro and Dodge Challenger, during 2016. Among the changes, the secondary turn signals — a feature first used on Mustangs in the late 1960s — that were added to the hood vents on Ford Mustang GT models last year have disappeared.

Related: What’s the Best V-8 Muscle Car for 2016?

Engine and transmission options are unchanged in the 2017 Ford Mustang. The base coupe and convertible come with a 3.7-liter V-6 and standard six-speed manual transmission, with a six-speed automatic optional; it starts at $25,815, including a destination fee. Starting at $26,820, EcoBoost Mustang models use a turbocharged 2.3-liter four-cylinder and either the manual or optional automatic, and the GT has a 5.0-liter V-8 with the same transmission choices. It starts at $33,820.

A portfolio that includes retro styling with modern touches, rear-wheel drive, classic V-8 performance and up-to-date infotainment features gives the Mustang sports car broad enough appeal to continue to attract muscle-car fans as well as buyers who crave the racy looks but don’t need lots of horsepower.

The Mustang has always been a sports car that is short on practicality and long on curb appeal. The current version also has independent rear suspension, capable handling, a nicely appointed interior that accommodates two comfortably and, with the V-6 and four-cylinder engines, the new Mustang has decent fuel economy. In addition, all three trim levels are available as a convertible.

The so-called “pony cars” like the Mustang, Camaro and Challenger may be a dying breed, but Ford has managed to keep the Mustang at the head of the pack for most of the last 50 years.